That's a tough question. The band grows and contracts like the ice on nearby Lake Simcoe, Ontario where the band members make their home. Musicians have come and gone, but we also like to think there's a little Wannamaker in all of us.
The band has a regular cast of musicians who play gigs, others who jam and contribute, and others who are always welcome.
Current crop of musicians
Chris Pegel, singer/songwriter
Chris Pegel: singer/songwriter/guitars The founding member of the band, Chris Pegel writes most of the lyrics and is the driving force behind Wannamaker. Never shy when there's a mic or an audience around, Chris is passionate about writing and performing his own music. "I just can't get these songs out of my head," he'll often say, showing up at band practice with yet another tune. While a solid electric guitar player, Chris' signature style is arpeggiated chords, followed by hard strumming acoustic. He's also a big fan of inventing his own chords. "Don't ask me what it's called, it just sounds cool," he'll often say when trying to teach some newly discovered chord to the rest of the band.
Click on the picture on the left to visit Chris' Facebook page.
Chris is also a respected carpenter and an expert trim carpenter. For more information about his company and to book his team for a carpentry or home improvement project visit:www.trimitup.ca
Dave Crawford, guitars
Dave Crawford: Guitars (back from his leave of absence!) Dave, "davey boy" Crawford is Wannamaker's original lead guitarist. Crawford and Pegel helped develop many of the band's signature licks and riffs. Crawford left Ontario to go to Edmonton and then Fort McMurray to pursue -- oil money. Crawford returned to Ontario in 2008 and jammed with the band and picked right up where he left off. Dave is now back in Ontario and plays like he hasn't skipped a beat. His wailing leads and fancy wah pedal work are pushing Wannamaker's sound to new heights and in new directions. Welcome back Crawford!
Todd Phillips, guitar
Todd Phillips: guitars Todd Phillips joined Wannamaker in 2008 after lead guitarist Dave Crawford left the band to move to Edmonton, Alberta. Before joining the band, Phillips played mostly acoustic guitar, but since that position was already filled by lead singer Chris Pegel, he dusted off his Fender Strat and started learning the Wannamaker tunes. Phillips is also the band's marketing and promotions manager, so if you want to find out more about the band, email him at: todd@wannamakerband.com.
Leon Mez, Drums
Leon Mez: Drums Leon "Thunderfoot" Mez is Wannamaker's drummer. A big fan of John Bonham, his signature hard thumping drumming style has left many a band member with ringing ears. Leon's influence can be heard in many of the band's original tunes, particularly the harder edged tunes like Crazy, Pulsing and Better off Forgot. Leon might be the only rock and roll drummer in history who got straight As in college, and in an IT program no less. We think he probably keeps time counting in binary code as he's smashing through drum skins and occasionally booting over a drum kit. Leon is a skilled drummer who sometimes messes up, but it's usually because he's been drinking!
Dan and Sarah
Dan Axworthy, Bass Guitar and Security Dan the man Axworthy is back in the band. Dan is an on again off again Wannamaker but this time appears to be sticking around for good. The only reason the guys really let him play in the band is because he has a hot girlfriend Sarah. Dan doesn't know this, so if you do see him at a Wannamaker Band gig make sure to tell him how good the bass lines sounded. Dan is also the scariest looking Wannamaker with forearms like Popeye and tattoos to match, so he doubles as a bouncer in the likely event that some of our drunken fans (or bandmates) get out of line.
Dave Hardy, harmonica, vocals
Dave Hardy: harmonica/vocals Dave Hardy has played several gigs with the Wannamaker Band, chiming in on his harmonica and providing background vocals. A longtime friend of singer/songwriter Chris Pegel, Dave Hardy was a frequent participant in band practice and jam sessions.
