Band Members
Guitarist and lead vocalist, Stephen Lockhart grew up playing classical piano, which lead to a jazz band in high school. Although he listened and loved bluegrass since childhood, it wasn't until he went into the service and some buddies turned him on to roots music, that he became the bluegrass fanatic that he is today. Stephen can take any song and make it bluegrass, and we mean ANY song!
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Fender Bass man, Mark Valdez has a style all his own. His consistently warm, friendly and passionate personality is the foundation for the soulful grooves that reach deep into the heart of Americana. Mark's playing is vibrant, provocative and enchanting. A great performer not only to dance to, but also to watch!
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The mandolin madman, Ken Fitzer, was a long-time guitar player, when, about 6 years ago, he was turned on to bluegrass. He picked up a mandolin, took a few lessons and life has never been the same. His wife has to surgically remove the mandolin from his body when they go away on vacations, as it gets "in the way" of some important activities!
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Doug Foster, brings his own unique style of fiddling and backup vocals to the band (check out his influences!). Before playing with Desert Sage, Doug had been on a long musical sabbatical, last playing with the short-lived southern group "Wahoo." His Influences include James Taylor, The Who, The Police, The Waterboys, & Michelle Shocked.
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Larry Johnson, the percussionist and backup vocalist, discovered his natural tempo talent participating in drum circles at Grateful Dead shows. He bought his first set of congas to originally play with Stephen and his brother, where he learned to fine-tune his rhythms. Six years later, he claims "I have learned to hit the conga head without busting a blood vessel in my finger".
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Mike Mathews, our metronome, claims he started playing drums in his mothers' womb. His early influences were Scatman Crothers, Fat Albert, Steely Dan, and the Beatles. Mike admits that he loves playing with Desert Sage because the coffee is strong, the grooves are tight, the songs are short, and they let him take his shoes off.
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Zac Sokolow, our hot-shot, guest Banjo master, may have just turned 14, but he has quite a surprising amount of musical experience under his belt. He performs with his father, Fred Sokolow, at local Southern California venues such as McCabes in Santa Monica, Boulevard Music in Culver City, the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Pasadena, Royce Hall and the Wadsworth Theater at UCLA.