Background information for Michael Ryan and Friends performing at the Gardiner Spring Auditorium (April 2, 2006)

Ron Powell- (percussion)

Ron is an accomplished musician and exciting performer. Ron takes pride in his experience, longevity, and ability to move an audience. His versatility and showmanship have made him one of the most sought after percussionists in the world. Ron has been touring since 1978, working with many great artists including ten years with Kenny G., nine years with Diana Ross, and fourteen years with Sergio Mendes.

Through his experience with Sergio, Ron learned the intricacies of Brazilian percussion. He has also played with Tania Maria, Oscar Castro-Neves, and his own band L.A. Samba. Other notable credits include; Sheena Easton, Dianne Reeves, Ricky Lee Jones, Barry White, El Chicana, Miami Sound Machine, and Santana.

Ron has done many music related projects, which include the coordination of the African drum section of the Lion King Parade, at Disneyland in California.

Mike Bennett- (drums/percussion)

Mike began playing drums at the age of eight and was playing professionally by the age of fourteen. At 17 and after finishing high school, Bennett began balancing his musical schedule with College which led him to earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music in 2004 from University of La Verne.
At only 22-years old, Mike Bennett is emerging as one of the nations top young drummers. This award winning drummer has been recognized by Downbeat Magazine as a rising star and Los Angeles Jazz Scene Magazine says that his, "perfectly accented and dynamic drumming makes him a standout."-

Mike has appeared artists such as bass legends Max Bennett (LA Express, Steely Dan) and Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), CuBop Recording artist Johnny Blas, Sandro Albert (WAR), Tony Kaye (YES), Kallisto (featuring members of Celia Cruz, Poncho Sanchez, & WAR).

Ken Soderlund- (guitar and vocal)

Ken received a B.A. in classical guitar performance and computer music composition from Clark University in Worchester, Massachusetts. He has been playing in bands since he was knee-high and most recently has completed all of his graduate course work in music therapy through Chapman University. This summer Soderlund will be touring extensively in Rhode Island and Wyoming.

Hai Muradian-(flute and vocal)

Hai started playing flute when he was 12 years old. He is district manager for Kaman Music Corp. Hai currently performs with The Ravelers, The Happy Crowd and Michael Ryan. He has released two CDs and a music DVD.

Jeff Hawley- (bass)

BA from CSU Fullerton. Jeff grew up in Tulare Ca and moved to Fullerton to pursue music at Fullerton College. He received 3 'downbeat' Student Music Awards for my work writing, producing, engineering, and playing with Fullerton College. Jeff has been a featured artist at the Fullerton College Jazz Festival, Western States Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival at Sea
Jeff has played at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, and the Reno Jazz Festival.

Tracy Ryan-(percussion and vocal)

Tracy began studying music and drama as a high school student. She earned her B.A. in Theater Arts (ULV) as a traditional undergrad and has returned to complete her teaching credential.

She is currently working at the University of La Verne, where she and Michael met over a plate of tofu. It’s been veggie heaven ever since. Michael and Tracy are raising her daughter together. Tracy continues to take voice  lessons from Marjorie Ludwig and percussion lessons from Ron Powell. .

Michael Ryan- (guitar and vocal)

Michael grew up in Claremont. He holds a B.A. in music with emphasis in classical guitar from the University of La Verne, (ULV) and a master’s degree in vocal performance from California State University at Chico.

He is a Senior Adjunct Professor of Music at University of La Verne teaching private guitar instruction and class guitar. Ryan has produced five CD’; his compositions influenced by a rich heritage of Irish, Flamenco and Latin musical traditions.  He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy’s) and regularly performs throughout Europe and the United States. Ryan’s unique musical landscapes draw from these sources, centered in the beautiful, expressive sounds of the Spanish guitar.

Michael performs regularly at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater in Claremont.

Jessica Clague- (dancer)

Earned a B.S. from the University of Southern California with a minor in Performing Arts.  She has choreographed and danced as a member of the USC Dance Company.  She is currently at Yale completing a Master’s in Public Health. 

Since the age of six, she has been formally trained in the areas of classical ballet, pointe, folklorico, flamenco, contemporary, and liturgical dance.  She has trained locally in ballet, as well as on the East Coast and in the United Kingdom. Among her ballet credits are; Nutcracker, Babes in Toyland, Sleeping Beauty, and Les Noces. 

As a former member of Alma Latina de Avalos and Las Rosas dance companies, Jessica has performed at a variety of venues throughout Southern California. Jessica’s future plans include pursuing her doctoral studies.