The Story
Mitch & The Melody Makers play the songs that built rock & roll — the rave-ups, the slow burns, and the soul numbers that have never once failed to fill a dance floor.
Based in Portland, Oregon, the band brings the golden age of the sixties to weddings, parties, and stages across the Pacific Northwest.
Two ways to book the band: the Rock & Soul Dance Party — wall-to-wall hits of the 1950s and ’60s — or The 60–90’s, a set that spans the decades.
Lead Vocals & Guitar
The heart and soul of the Melody Makers, Mitch was raised with all of our music from the time he was a youngster. Fed a steady diet of rock & roll and soul music, Mitch picked up the guitar and never looked back. Mitch has performed and recorded with Alexandra Savior, Matt Dorrien, Wave Action, Barna Howard, and many more. He also writes and performs his own music.
Guitar & BGVs
Alex has been performing since he was a kid. Starting with viola in elementary school, he graduated to the guitar in middle school. One of his many passions includes collecting period-correct vintage guitars to really give the Melody Makers that authentic (and slightly out-of-tune) sound. He also performs with The Steven Lasombras and maintains a groundbreakingly fantastic band with several friends, The Nandertys.
Drums & BGVs
Probably the most talented member of the band, Zanny has been performing as a percussionist for the better part of the last two decades. When not playing with the Melody Makers, Zanny has a long-running band, The Cabin Project, and can also be seen with the extremely funky Far Out West. Zanny is active in the Portland musical theater community, most recently playing drums for the outstanding production of RENT in 2022.
Sparkle Bass & BGVs
Carmen stopped our Spinal Tap-esque parade of bass players in 2021, and has been holding down the low end since then. And yes, that is her real name! Carmen might be the busiest woman in showbiz, playing bass in Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, Mama Sam and the Jam, and most recently, the excellent Sideboob.
Keys, Percussion & BGVs
David joined the Melody Makers playing keys, but could easily fill pretty much any slot in the band. A talented multi-instrumentalist, David has previously played with Kulululu, Human Ottoman, !mindparade, and many more!