Band4Heroes 70s Band from Harrison Township, MI

The music of Band4Heroes fuses 70's funk with melodic guitar and keyboard solos, along with the freedom to develop long "Jam Band" style grooves. Mike Coleman, who plays bass, rhythm guitar and some vocals in the quartet, says Band4Heroes: "Jams the funk, while letting the song take its own course, allowing the listener to escape into the music that is unpredictable and unique for every show. Imagine the music of James Brown and Jimi Hendrix welded together to create an amazing wall of sound." Coleman shares the stage with virtuoso lead guitarist and vocalist Matt Hamann, Matt LaPinta – a musician's musician playing guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals - and drummer John Porter, who is one of the top drummers on the local music scene. Coleman, is a veteran of the local music scene, having spent time in the Doc Benson Blues Band, Guilty Conscience and managing original act Cymonic Drive in the 90's. He recorded his own CD, "Rave On" in 2000, and credits Prince, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Led Zeppelin for his love of music. Coleman has also performed as a piano and guitar soloist at weddings and local piano bars. Hamann, who shares most of the lead vocals with LaPinta, takes center stage on many of Band4Heroes' songs. Despite being only 27, Hamann lists his guitar influences as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman and Jimi Hendrix. "I've always loved the sound of the guitar," Hamann says. "When I started out, I was quick to pick up on it, and eager to learn songs I'd been hearing on the radio or my dad's record player." He also performs in a Cream tribute band, "Tales of Cream", playing and singing the Eric Clapton parts. LaPinta, 29, is an integral part of the band with soulful and melodic keyboard licks and a voice that hits the high notes with precision on his lead vocals. He plays smooth bass lines and is also a great guitarist. "My dad played the guitar," LaPinta says. "He started me off taking piano lessons and eventually taught me the guitar when I was 12." He credits the Beatles, Buffalo Springfield and the Youngbloods as the artists who influenced him the most. LaPinta is also a great song writer, working with many artists in the Detroit area. Porter, 28, also performs in multiple music projects, as he is in high demand as a drummer. Porter had a chance to get an early start. "My uncle is a drummer, and he bought me a kit when I was 3 years of age," he said. "It didn't click until around 12, but I always felt like I was meant to be a drummer." Most of his influences also were at their peak in the 60's and 70's: John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Carmine Appice (for his work in Cactus) and Ginger Baker. Porter's biggest modern influence is Jean Paul Gaster of Clutch. "Band4Heroes was formed to fish the funk!" explains Coleman, referencing the band "Phish" for their jam band style. "We want to make the ladies dance with our grooves and the guys trip with our guitar solos. We named ourselves Band4Heroes so we can honor those who risk their lives for our freedom and safety "Veterans, police, fire fighters and all military men and women are America's true heroes". Band4heroes can cater to any event and also offers an "Acoustic Set" and DJ services! If you have song requests, let us know and we'll do our best to learn them prior to your event. Our goal is to entertain and raise spirits!