Mike Jackson – guitar, vocals
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Attended public schools in Laredo and graduated with a BBA degree from the University of Texas at Austin, in the first Real Estate degree class. Was among the first 30 agents for Keller-Williams Realty. Took guitar lessons in 5th grade and has been playing music all his life. Has been a professional musician in Austin for the past 40 years. Currently plays with Hotcakes and Murphy’s Inlaws. Married to Mary for 31 years (and counting), and has one son, Oliver. Previous bands include; The 8 Balls, Saffron Mist, Wilcox & Jackson, Rick Stein & The Alley Cat Band, Your Move and Duck Soup, as well as others.
Richard “Sparky” Miller- songwriter, vocals
Born January 10th, 1953 at old Mercy Hospital on Jarvis Plaza in Laredo, Texas. ‘Nuff said, I drank the water. Played bongos and sang for ‘Los Cucarachos’ (little Mike Jackson, Hank Sames and myself) in the 5th grade and have loved music all my life. A druggist by profession, military officer by choice and songwriter at heart. “If this is my 15 minutes of fame, it is a damn fine 15 minutes.”
Hank Sames- vocals, songwriter
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Attended the University of Texas and returned to Laredo after graduation. Took guitar lessons in the 5th Grade with Mike Jackson and played in a band, “The 8 Balls” in Jr High. Have been a car dealer all my adult life, but now semi-retired and writing songs and making music. I love the border and Mexico. Wee are trying to create a music that reflects the feel of both Mexico and Texas.
Chip Dolan- keyboards, accordion
I was conceived, raised, and trained in northern New Jersey…playing music for a living since i was 16…..hitchhiked to Austin, Texas in 1982. Began touring the southwest in 1983. I have been lucky enough to manage to make a living performing, recording and teaching music while based in Austin. Became a dad in to Noah Dolan in 1988. I put out a record in 2005 “Right Now” Some of the folks I have toured with and/or recorded with are : Crystal Image, Hotcakes, Tish Hinojosa, Bruce Robison, Charlie Robison, Kelly Willis, Sara Hickman, Shelley King, Raul Malo and the Mavericks, Radney Foster, Monte Montegomery, Sister C, Christine Albert & Chris Gage, Greg Trooper, Tracie Lynn, Marvin Dykhuis, Danny Britt, Sam Baker, Jimmy Lafave.
Craig Calvert – Guitar, Vocals:
Originally hailing from Houston, Texas, multi-instrumentalist Craig Calvert is a founding member of the bands Wheatfield, St. Elmo’s Fire, CPR, The Sweaters, Hotcakes and Murphy’s InLaws. During his career, he has appeared on Austin City Limits, was commissioned to co-write the music for a world premiere by the Houston Ballet company and has had his songs recorded by other musical artists including Lyle Lovett. Craig also co-founded the Austin Songwriter’s Group and has served on the Texas Recording Academy’s board of governors. Calvert is currently writing, recording and performing his own music along with selections from his favorite songwriters.
Joe Resnick- drums, percussion.
Native Detroiter, who learned his drum and percussion trade in the motor city. Played as an extra for the Detroit Symphony for 12yrs, had 2 albums on 2 major labels with Detroit rock band “Letter O”, and played many big band shows backing many stars. Living and playing full time in Austin TX. for many years, and happily so.
Boo Resnick – Bass
I’m from Detroit, where I grew up influenced by diverse musical styles, from Motown and Bob Seger to the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte and Peter, Paul and Mary. I’ve been playing professionally for more than 40 years – rock, R&B, bluegrass, swing, country, standards, you name it. I’ve been in Austin since 1975 and have recorded and traveled with numerous groups and am now enjoying being the bassist for Hotcakes.
Back in the 60’s there was a great grocery store in downtown Laredo called the Jitney Jungle. It was a very popular store, especially with people who would come from Mexico to get food items that could not be found in their country. The Jitney Jungle had a gourmet shop which was known all over Mexico. As kids, we were fascinated by some of the strange items, such as canned snails. The store always did well, but the chain finally closed down and that was it for the Laredo Jitney Jungle. Since then the building has sat empty; a sad reminder of what once was in downtown Laredo.
All this is made possible by the vision and hard work of Elizabeth Sames and Bill Luft, who together are creating a space that all of Laredo can be proud of.
Gringo Barrio 