ABOUT THE BAND
Sunny Side Down has been melting faces across the Kansas City scene since 2001 as one of the area's top cover bands. Each show delivers high energy and professional entertainment while playing crowd favorite party rock/alt/pop cover songs from all eras. We enjoy using our dynamic versatility and talent to tackle some more challenging popular songs not played by many other bands. With many years of experience playing venues of all sizes, corporate events, galas, pub crawls, etc., Sunny Side Down is the perfect choice for live music.
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In addition, we have also released two albums of our original music "Something in the Water" and "Infinite Ember" which showcase our creative side. The songs are loaded with catchy hooks, powerful melodies, and meaningful lyrics that people can relate to. Inspired by many 90's bands (such as Weezer, Foofighters, and Tool to name a few!), our songs are worth a listen--add them to your Spotify/Apple Music playlist today (or find them on any other streaming platform!)
Mike Murphy - Vocals/Guitar
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Growing up in Spring Hill, Kansas, this passionate small town rocker is heavily influenced by the 90s alt/rock scene. When he's not rocking out with SSD or writing songs, you can find him playing acoustic solo shows at various venues/events around the KC area.
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"For me, music is therapy for the soul. Being able to create it and perform to connect with others is an added bonus that I'll never take for granted."
Chris Huber - Lead Guitar
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He was a corn fed Iowa boy who loved listening to 80's hair metal. Bands like Poison and Bon Jovi made him realize he wanted to learn guitar. Inspired by music of the day and friends who like to jam, he taught himself to play.
“The thing I love most about playing in this band is the energy that we create. The crowd gets up and rocks with us. It is feeling you can't explain.”
Dan "Hop" Wheeler - Drums
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A legendary machine from Sioux Falls, Dan is a jack of all trades and master of drums. He is also an avid tap-dancer who enjoys quilting and long walks on the beach. He currently holds the state record for most broken drum sticks in a single show.
In a radio interview, Neil Peart and Sheila E. were once asked "if you were ever to have a child, what would you name it?", to which they responded in unison "Dan Frickin' Wheeler!"
Joe Butler - Bass
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Straight outta Cedar Falls, this pure-blood rocker was born with an appetite for two things: thumpin' bass and kickin' ass. With a humble soul and nimble fingers, Joe lights up the stage, waxing chumps like candles on a regular basis.
It is said that if you stare into his eyes for 10 seconds, your soul will be sucked into his bass while your body will be left shaking on the dance floor.
Dave Pacer - Drums
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He grew up in Chicago listening to 80's rock. His favorite all-time band is Iron Maiden. David has been playing the drums since the age of 12. He grew up playing in the footsteps of his father, Greg, who was the drummer in a 60's rock band and also led the percussion line up for the National Champion drum and Bugle Core "The Cavaliers".
"Drums have always been a part of my life, and I hope to continue to expand my skills as Sunny Side Down expands into new ventures and songs."
James Huey - Bass
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James grew up in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan as a walnut, but quickly grew to become the world's most powerful bean. He was eaten at some time, the exact date is still unknown, by a young Kansas City boy and began his ploy for world domination. James received his wooden leg and artificial spleen during the Punic Wars while riding one of Hannibal's war elephants. He received his first instrument years ago. It was a pan flute, and he would enjoy jumping out from behind bushes scaring small children, livestock, and grasshoppers.
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“I always liked playing guitar because I have hands, if I didn't I wouldn't be very good at it.”
who we are
other SSD members:
(Rumor has it they still make special appearances from time to time...)
