WDouglasHyler.com


" A Lifetime of Music - From Soul Bands, and Regional Tours,
to Today's Performances",
Past History, Studies and Degrees.

Thayer & Hyler

 

Combining modern technology with years of professional stage experience, Thayer & Hyler deliver a full, dynamic musical experience in a versatile two-piece format. With the sound and energy of a much larger band, they offer an entertaining, polished performance without the expense or logistical demands of a full-size group. Their extensive repertoire spans generations of music and a wide variety of genres, from the groundbreaking sounds of The Beatles to the deep soul and rhythm of the Memphis sound. Influenced by legendary artists such as Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and many others, their musical roots reach across decades of rock, R&B, soul, blues, and popular music. Drawing on years of performing experience, Thayer & Hyler combine familiar favorites, musical versatility, and a big-band approach to create an engaging live experience for clubs, private events, weddings, and community entertainment.

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                                                                Free Beer & Chicken

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Taking its name from a John Lee Hooker album, Free Beer and Chicken became much more than a band name. For 25 years, the group entertained audiences throughout six Midwestern states, building a reputation for music, comedy, and a good time. The group got its start in the small town of Nelson, Nebraska, performing in an annual local production featuring hometown talent. Blending music and comedy, the shows became an extraordinary success. In a town of just 500 people, audiences grew to as many as 1,600 over three nights. The musicians and two comedians from those productions eventually joined forces to form Free Beer and Chicken. Early performances included corporate events, where Jensen wrote and scripted much of the comedy, tailoring the material to the organizations and audiences being entertained. Over time, the group evolved into a popular dance band, performing at community celebrations, weddings, and special events throughout the Midwest. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the band's performance schedule to a halt in 2020, eventually leading to the group's disbanding in 2021. However, the music wasn't quite finished. Four of the remaining musicians still wanted to perform, and from those surviving pieces of Free Beer and Chicken came a new group with a fitting name: Chicken Parts.

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                                                                    Wes Douglas

                                                                                                     Saxophone • Vocals • Guitar • Music Programming

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Emerging from the musical roots of Motown Boogie and Blues, Wes Douglas brings decades of musical influences together in a distinctive solo performance. Inspired by the creative explosion of the late 1960s, his sound draws from Motown, Memphis Soul, Muscle Shoals, R&B, blues, funk, classic rock, and a little kick-ass country. Combining live saxophone, vocals, guitar, and the creative use of modern musical technology, Wes delivers a surprisingly full musical experience. From timeless soul classics and familiar favorites to blues-driven grooves and dance-floor hits, the goal remains the same: great music, good energy, and an audience that wants to stay on its feet. Rooted in the music of legendary artists, songwriters, musicians, and producers, Wes Douglas celebrates a musical era that inspired generations and helped bring people together.​

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                                                                               So, Let's Dance, Smile & Feel Good!

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