BEHIND THE MUSIC

  1. An Introduction to The Current

  2. The History of The Current

  3. Band Member Biographies

An Introduction to The Current

The Current is one of Northwest Indiana's hottest bands playing today's popular music and yesterday's classics.  Their energetic stage presence and superior sounds are a nice change from the "same old song and dance."  Their repertoire includes favorites from the 60's like "Gimme' Some Lovin'," wacky tunes from the 70's like "Play That Funky Music," memorable hits from the 80's like "Jessie's Girl," lasting favorites from the 90's like "Smooth," as well as a nice variety of today's main-stream rock alternative chart-busters.  Because of their huge variety and showmanship, The Current has gained the respect and appreciation from audiences of all ages.

The Current recently celebrated their 9-year anniversary, and its members are no strangers to live music.  Collectively, members of The Current have over 75 years experience in playing live music.  Its members have played in a variety of different bands including gospel, classic rock, blues, top 40, jazz and country.  The Current recently opened up for Skid Row, and its members have performed in award-winning bands that have opened shows for PM Dawn, John Michael Montgomery, Neal McCoy, Tracy Lawrence, Clint Black, The Contours, and Rare Earth.

On most weekends, The Current can be found performing at quality clubs and festivals located primarily in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties.  There is a demonstration CD available for those interested in hiring The Current.  For more information about The Current, please call (219) 201-2513.

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The History of The Current

The concept for The Current began in October 1998 when Shane Coursel and Jeff Gajewski decided to leave their local country music band to pursue a new music venue.  They both knew they wanted to be musically versatile, appeal to most pop dance crowds and maintain a fun stage presence.  They began rehearsing with various musicians in hopes to find a group of dedicated musicians who would help them develop their ideas.  It was during this time that the band was unnamed (otherwise known as "the basement gang"), and had several personnel changes.  In fact, the only two original members of the "basement gang" are Shane and Jeff.  They were fortunate enough to get a commitment from Cary Thomas and the man we lovingly call "Whitey".  Immediately things started falling into place, so we booked our first job at Cedar Tap in Michigan City.  Suddenly, it became necessary to give ourselves a name.

So just why did we call ourselves The Current?  Well, the answer is not so simple.  I mean, yes we do play some current music, but we also play quite a few classics along with a great selection retro pop and rock.  The ironic thing about The Current is that their name was actually suggested by a musician who was part of the "basement gang."  However, he didn't stick with us long enough to cast his final vote on the name -- much less play our first public performance.  After he was replaced, the five of us each submitted our favorite name to "the list" for a total of five names.  We then voted on our top three in order of preference and weighted the scale to avoid a tie.  Having won the overall weighted voting scale, The Current agreeably became our new identity.  So what were the other four names on "the list?"  Well unfortunately, that's the best kept secret held by The Current, and it's shared by Shane, Whitey, Jeff and Cary.

In March 2008 we celebrated our 9th successful year since our first public performance at Cedar Tap (now AJ's) in Michigan City.  As we reflect on our journey, we feel very fortunate to have earned your respect and appreciation.  We realize that you are the very patrons of some of the area's greatest clubs hosting live entertainment, and that you've been exposed to some of the area's greatest local bands - many of which have become an inspiration to us.  We owe our popularity to all of you, our friends, and we can't thank you enough.

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Band Member Biographies

Shane Coursel was born and raised in NW Indiana, and now lives in Rolling Prairie.  He's a 12-year student of Michigan City Christian School.  Shane's been playing guitar since the age of 10 when his grandfather taught him to play his first chord.  Since music isn't currently paying all his bills, he also works as a Die Cutter in Laporte, Indiana during the week.  On his nights off he's a sports enthusiast and spends a lot of time in the rough (sometimes on the green), playing softball, basketball and bowling.  Shane's been playing professionally since the age of 12 when he was a member of the gospel group, "The Singing Doves," with his cousin, best man and sound man for The Current, Jamie Biggerstaff.  Shane transitioned into country music when he was 18 (that's also about the time his hair line began to recede) and it wasn't until his collaborative creation of The Current that he began playing Pop 40.

Jeff Gajewski first became interested in tinkling the ivory when he plucked out the notes to the theme song from "Little House on the Prairie" at age five.  His mother immediately signed him up for organ lessons where he soon learned "La Paloma Blanca" and other various polka hits.  Bored out of his gourd, he took an interest in the electronic keyboard and began playing popular songs with his young musician friends in his parents' basement in Whiting, Indiana.  Never too shy to sing to his own accompaniment, he would often entertain his family during holidays.  Jeff took a serious interest in music when he learned that he could actually make money, too.  He joined his first professional band at age 17, and he's been playing professionally since.  Jeff was the last member of The Current to get hitched in 2001.  He's a 1989 graduate of Whiting High School and a 1994 graduate of Purdue University.  Jeff is also the Director of Development for a community service agency in Dolton, Illinois.  His hobbies include musical theater and web design and computers.  Jeff has two dogs, a Chow Chow named Chewy, and a Pomeranian named Roxie.

Cary Thomas began playing guitar at age 14.  His first professional job was in 1982 with a band called Exposure, playing classic rock in the local club scene.  For the next few years, he played with various rock and roll bands in the Michigan City area.  Cary joined the navy in 1986 and was stationed in San Diego, CA for four years.  After being cooped up with numerous sailors for four years, he moved to Texas in search of some good-looking woman with Southern hospitality.  There he joined a band called The Cavaliers; a band famous for writing the 1960's hit and Pearl Jam remake, "Last Kiss."  In 1995, Cary moved back to Michigan City where he played with Flat Baroque for two years.  Cary is very proud of his beautiful baby girl, Elizabeth. and his son, Zack.

Darrell Westmoreland is the newest member of The Current.  He was born in Gary, Indiana, but moved with his family to Jackson Tennessee where he spent most of his youth and even learned how to play the drums.  His family moved back from the South (said with a twang) in 1979, and he graduated from Portage High School 7 years later.  Darrell has played drums with numerous bands over the past 23 years.  Although his first public performance was in his hometown church, he claims to have rocked "His Almighty's House," rather loudly.  Darrell's musical relationship with Shane Coursel dates back to 1989 when they both played country music with several fine musicians in two of the area's country music bands.  In fact, it was that very same effort that later introduced them to Jeff Gajewski (Jeff and Shane are both very excited to playing with Darrell again.)  Darrell is happily married to his long time love, Jo Ella, and is the proud father of three beautiful children, Jenna, Megan and Dillon.

Jeff White (affectionately known as Whitey) was born in Gary and grew up in Crown Point where he still resides with his wife Brianna and sons Remington and Orion.  He graduated from Crown Point High (with no honors) and occasionally takes a class or two at Purdue University Calumet.  He is a graduate of "The Recording Workshop" in Chillocothe, Ohio. His first memory of music (or psychological scar) was listing to WMAQ AM radio with his parents.  He was forced to answer the phone, "WMAQ is gonna make me rich" to hopefully win money from a station contest.  He played guitar for five years before switching to the bass.  He thinks that it was a pretty good idea, since the first guitar he owned was only capable of holding four strings!  Jeff began playing bass professionally at age 21 with a 50's band called All Shook Up.  He moved on to a hard-rock touring band from Chicago called Ragz to Riches.  A scary hotel room experience in Peoria, IL convinced him it was time to play locally.  He met Jeff Gajewski while playing in a country band (shhhh don't tell anyone!), and the two had several unsuccessful attempts to get in each others' respective country music bands.  It wasn't until 1999 when Jeff called Whitey and said he was forming a rock/pop band.  Whitey gladly jumped on board what is currently known as The Current.

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