Willey Family Band
Artists
Andy Willey
Founder & CEO
Andy plays guitar and sings. He is the oldest of the 4 in the group. He is the songwriter, and the originator of the family music. Andy has performed in many bands over the years, most notably "The Willeys," from Grand Rapids. The Willey's group was founded by singer-songwriter Andy, along with brother mandolin/fiddle player Rick in the late 1980's. The group formed a folk-wave sound with Irish and American influences. The Willey's released seven albums and can be found on iTunes and Spotify. Andy also led another Grand Rapids based band called "The Strain," which included his wife, Renee, as well as son, Ben and daughters, Leah and Meghan. In addition to his legacy in music, Andy is a master woodcarver.
123-456-7890
Rick Willey
Tech Lead
Rick plays mandolin and fiddle and occasionally banjo. He also sings in the group. He is the next oldest after Andy. He is a naturalist and epic gardener, maker of collectible miniatures, an avid bird identifier and photographer. He is married with 1 daughter. Rick lives in Traverse City where he is active in the Irish Music scene. Rick also has been in numerous bands over the years, including Banshee, Paddy’s Racket, Fonn Mor, and Soltrè. He has taught many fiddle workshops at music festivals including Wheatland Music Festival. Currently, he plays with Rigs and Jeels in Traverse City.
123-456-7890
Rose Willey
Office Manager
Rose has been singing harmony with her brothers since she was 15 years old. She also sang with the Kalamazoo-based string band, The Desert Squirrels. She is a published poet and is active in the arts in Kalamazoo, where she lives. She is the organizer and producer of Before Too Long.
123-456-7890
Bob Willey
Product Manager
Bob plays clawhammer-style banjo, harmonicas and guitar. He is also an excellent singer. He is the youngest and also his mom's favorite. Bob is the most musically trained of the group and is considered the harmony expert by his siblings. Bob’s recordings with family and friends include the music of Dan Pavlides, Frank Salamone, Chuck Wickering, and Lomax Bighouse. He has formed or joined in several local groups over the years such as Everything’s Jake, Frank Salamone and the Shadowcasters, The Grand Rapids Skeletones (not to be confused with the national recording artists from Kalamazoo), and Lomax Bighouse. He is a professional chef by trade.
123-456-7890
