TIM MOREHOUSE - LEAD GUITAR AND VOCALSTim began playing guitar 40 years ago at age 8, making his first public performance fresh out of high school in 1977 with "Cobra," a 50s & 60's genre group. He further honed his guitar and vocal skills playing Southern Rock music in "Niteline," and went on to perform with several various country and rock bands throughout the 80s. During the early 90s, Tim played with the Nite Trax Band, and shared the stage with other notable local musicians in other groups including "Mad Vinny," a band Tim formed while simultaneously performing with local favorite "Cousin Eddie." Weekly practice sessions and countless gigs in smaller bars really paid off and Cousin Eddie soon achieved widespread popularity, playing larger venues and bigger paying gigs including stints at the Delaware County Fair opening for headlining names the likes of Paul Revere & The Raiders, Rick Springfield, the "Honky Tonk Tailgate Party", and others. The band packed the house every appearance making it the most popular area group and a huge hit with local bar owners! A two year run at "Marion by Moonlight" drew crowds exceeding 3000 fans, and Cousin Eddie was always a favorite at Manchester's "First Friday at Five." Tim's not one to sit on his laurels and upon Cousin Eddie's disbandment in July of 2007, he spent countless hours over a seven month period honing and perfecting his guitar skills while developing a fresh concept in local musical group entertainment. His research of the blues uncovered an upbeat style of this musical genre that highlighted his masterful guitar skills as well as Tim's vocal talents. The blending of this "new slant on the blues" along with fresh arrangements of classic rock favorites is proving to be a winning combination in the SWAMP CATS.
SKIP FLANNAGAN - DRUMS AND VOCALSSkip's musical background began in early childhood, starting with piano and then on to trumpet, having performed in concert, marching and stage bands throughout high school followed by some professional performing in the 70's. He also caught the percussion "bug" in high school where he joined fellow early musicians in two pop rock bands that played until graduation in '69. Yeah, he is that old! Drums remained his focus in college where he performed with "The Big Blue" jazz band while at Upper Iowa University. Following college, Skip partnered with other local talent to take the show on the road during the 70's, putting together Home Brew, a six piece show and dance group that performed full time from '72 through '79, playing showrooms and lounges throughout the country and in Canada. In the years since, he's gigged in several bands and is ecstatic to have now found two great local talents in Mike and Tim with whom to partner in Swamp Cats. In Skip's words, "for me the most critical element in attaining group success, along with the obvious requisite of talent, is band chemistry. I couldn't be happier to be playing with two very talented guys who are also great friends." Varied musical tastes and playing styles have been an important part of Skip's performing history and the eclectic musical repertoire of the "Cats" makes playing and singing an exciting and fun challenge. Skip enjoys playing an integral role in developing the group's unique musical and vocal arrangements in addition to living his true passion of drumming. As he likes to observe, "once it gets in your blood, you just want to keep playing!"
MIKE JOHNSON - BASS GUITAR AND VOCALSMike got his first 6-string when he was 11 years old, and also played drums in the school band. It was right about then that one of his church choir-mates taught him the 12 bar "boogie woogie" progression on the piano...and he was hooked. He now knew the instrument he wanted to play...the bass guitar. However, the radio business came calling, and Mike took over his radio station's DJ company "Music By Request" and turned it into a very successful business. All the while though, something was missing. While continuing to play guitar and write music for his own enjoyment, he DJ'd several weddings, school dances, class reunions, countless bars, and one his favorite events...car shows. Then, Tim Morehouse stopped by one day with a CD full of Jimmy Thackery and Tab Benoit songs. "I finally found the band I wanted to play in all my life" says Mike. His musical infuences range from Johnny Rivers and Elvis, to Willie Nelson to Wilson Pickett and just anything recorded at Sun and Stax in the 50's and 60's. When Mike isn't performing, you'll probably find him either listening to music or at an event featuring live music, cheering for the Hawkeyes and Packers, or spending time with his wife Gretchen, twin sons Sam and Isaac, and 2 year old daughter Maddy.