About the band

Lift Ticket weaves together traditional tunes and new compositions into music that inspires and infuses dancers with a rare energy. The band is made up of :

REX | TJ | SETH | RUSSELL

	Rex Blazer's exuberant presence has been energizing dancers nationwide for over 25 years. Rex’s powerful and irreverent fiddling blends tradition with a big dose of improvisation based on modern musical motifs. From growling to “trad,” blues to swing, it’s always full of surprises. Rex ascribes to the theory that life should be a nonstop music and dance party, and is renowned for his knack of matching music to dance. In addition to his work with Lift Ticket, he plays recording and performance projects with singer-songwriters, fiddle in country and rock bands, and solo work for receptions, weddings, and other private engagements. Find out more cool things about Rex at www.rexblazer.com.
	T.J. Johnson's irreverent style and high energy are notorious for inspiring dancers and musicians alike. He has toured with the Hillbillies From Mars and with the Rodney Miller Band. As a sought after session musician, he has performed and recorded with many well known artists including Vassar Clements, John McCutcheon, Robin and Linda Williams, and Tom Paxton. Starting out as a teenager playing contemporary bluegrass, TJ has branched out over the years to enjoy all different styles from jazz to middle eastern. Of all music, he likes playing for dancers the best. Influential among east coast neo-timey contra dance bands, TJ has played with The Rocket Boys, The Squirrelly Germs, the Velcro Monkeys, and the String Beings. TJ's popular workshops, such as "Fiddle Tune Improvisation," "Music Theory for Folk Musicians," or "Dance Band Cheap Tricks," leave participants delighted and eager to use what they've learned.
	Seth Houston heats up the dance floor with his ultrakinetic dance grooves on the piano and guitar. While adept at traditional style of dance music accompaniment — Irish, New England, and Québécois —Seth infuses his playing with funk, pop, blues and swing. And the dancers go wild! In addition to Lift Ticket, Seth also plays with Nat Hewitt, TJ Johnson, and Mark Hellenberg in Dr. Groove, and Ethan Hazzard-Watkins and Anna Patton in Firetruck. Seth taught high school and middle school choir for eight years and is currently pursuing a doctorate in choral music at the University of Southern California. Seth also composes choral music. Seth enjoys teaching singing workshops, a big hit at dance camps and festivals. In between music projects, you can probably find Seth skiing at Vail, backpacking in the Sierras, or gardening in the back yard. Find out more cool stuff about Seth at www.sethhouston.com.
	Russell Shumsky’s approach to rhythm spans the continents. He sits on a South American cajon (box drum) while performing. His West African djembé (hand drum) rests in front of him. These drums are surrounded by a North American drum set. When not sitting and creating seductive dance grooves, Russell is standing behind a marimba, hammering and weaving melodies. Lift Ticket’s percussionist is a rhythm-meister for all seasons. Check out Russell's cool website at www.drumming.ca.

 

 

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