Bring it on
The band MiZ readies for the big summer stage
If life is indeed a long and winding road, Mike Mizwinski loves the direction things are heading for the band MiZ. That’s right. MiZ is no longer Mizwinski taking the stage with a rotating cast of hired guns. MiZ is finally a band.
“I’m really excited to announce that the MiZ band is an official line-up,” Mizwinski said. “It’s not just me anymore. MiZ is a band now and it’s going to be the same guys every time someone comes to see us.”
Bass player Matt “Dane” Gabriel, guitarist Justin Mazer, drummer Matt Kester and keyboardist Freeman White will join Mizwinski on the road ahead that involves some very high profile festival appearances this summer.
Although he is no stranger to a busy tour schedule, Mizwinski and his clan recently landed two major summer festival slots: the Gathering of the Vibes Festival in Bridgeport, Conn., and The Peach Music Festival presented by The Allman Brothers at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton.
MiZ garnered the attention of both festivals by not only their musical talent and sound, but by the outpouring of support they have received by their loyal fans.
A contest was held using online voting to secure a spot for The Gathering of the Vibes where MiZ finished in second place. “We’re just blown away by our fans and the online support that we got for the contest,” Mizwinski said. “I think we caused such a stir that, even though we didn’t get the most votes, they still invited us to play. I’m thrilled.”
Mizwinski had hoped to secure a spot on the bill of The Peach Music Festival, but after not hearing any developments or offers, he reached out to the fans for a last minute show of support that proved to be very valuable.
“Our fans took over The Peach Music Festival Facebook page. There were hundreds of posts saying “Let MiZ play!” and “Get MiZ on the bill!” We had a confirmed contract in less than 24 hours. I feel like once again the fans and the amazing support that we’ve been getting really helped push us over that hump.”
Although the dates and times for the MiZ festival appearances have not yet been released to the public, they will perform on the main stage at both events.
To have this solidified line-up band members is making life better onstage and offstage for Mizwinski. “We are just harnessing all this energy right now and vibrating with life.”
They’ve also attained a new musical outlook. Mizwinski felt the band was heading into a rootsy Americana singer-songwriter, almost country direction, but have decided to steer their sound closer to guitar driven rock ’n roll music. Fans are paying good money to see two great guitarists go at it and the band wants to deliver.
“We really want to rock. We are going to go off and we’re not going to be afraid to use the term jam. We’re definitely going to jam.”
