DRUMS! |
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Besides playing the accordion, Mackender's love for the drums began at an early age. He played in school bands from the 6th thru 11th grades (marching, concert, jazz) and played his first bar in 1968 while in the 8th grade...Bricks Lounge and Steakhouse in Olsburg, Kansas, which is still in business. Funny how the wages for playing in bars hasn't changed that much. Dig the basement den? He still has the large Zildjian cymbal, the one four times bigger than his head there... |
Mackender in 1966, Kansas, USA |
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Mackender made his way to Lawrence, Kansas in the mid 70's and, among other gigs, played drums on the now classic Industrial Safety Film "Shake Hands With Danger". Directed by Herk Harvey (Carnival of Souls), Jim Stringer wrote the music for this entertaining ride down safety lane. HERE'S more than you ever wanted to know about construction sites. |
Those darn 70's |
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He went on to play in numerous bands in Lawrence, Kansas, including a five year stint with 88 Records recording artist Kelley Hunt. The band was called The Mackender-Hunt Band and included Kelley Hunt on piano, Marvin Hunt on guitar, Karl Hoffmann on bass. Check out Kelley's recent work by going to the links page. |
80's were a blur |
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After a move to Tucson in 1989, he toured the states, Canada and Australia for seven years with the Mollys, an Irish-Tex-Mex band that released five CDs. Hat Trick, released in 1997, made the Washington Post's top 10 that year.
Chuck Eddy of the The Village Voice wrote in December, 1999: "The Mollys rank in rhythm-and-lyric aptitude with any neo-roots crew mining the microbrew circuit: eerie, tough, no prissy irony"
Mackender still has a love for drumming and can be found late at night in his studio shining up his maple Gretch kit. He freelances in Tucson and is available for gigs and session work.
Click HERE to listen to his work with the Mollys.
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Mackender in 1999, New Zealand |
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