WDouglasHyler.com
MUSIC, ART & DESIGN
The Band:
Free Beer
&
Chicken
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"The Parts"
Tom Jensen
1977 to Present
Singer/Musician/Production
Played in a variety band for fifteen years that eventually led to the creation of a traveling group called “Free Beer and Chicken.” That name was taken from a John Lee Hooker album and served the band well in their 25-year travels through six midwestern states. The group got their start in small-town, Nelson, Nebraska on the stage of an annual production featuring local talent. Interspersed with music and comedy, the shows became so popular that as many as 1600 people would attend over three nights in the town of 500 people. The musicians and two comedians from those shows formed Free Beer and Chicken and began performing at corporate events with Jensen scripting most of the comedic bits that were tailored for the group that was being entertained. Eventually Free Beer and Chicken morphed into a popular dance band focusing on performing for community celebrations and weddings. Covid dissolved the band’s schedule in 2020 and that led to the disbanding of the group in 2021. Four musicians remained interested in continuing to perform and that led to those remaining parts of Free Beer and Chicken to becoming “Chicken Parts.”
Stephanie Thayer
1993 to Present
Vocalist
Stephanie was recommended to Tom Jensen as a potential vocalist for the Nelson, Nebraska annual community show in 1993. From that first impressive performance, Jensen expanded her role in the show each year which eventually led to an invitation to become a part of the original group of Free Beer and Chicken. Her perfect pitch and perfect voice coupled with her vocal versatility makes her the most valuable part of Chicken Parts. Stephanie is a highly sought performer, whether singing with a full band or just an acoustic guitar. Her vocal ability allows her to sing any genre, featuring perfect covers of artists all the way from Patsy Cline to Bon Jovi. When not singing lead, she adds spot-on harmony lines that gives Chicken Parts its signature sound.
Brad Schultz
Under Construction
W Douglas Hyler
2011 to Present
“Combining technology with years of stage expertise, our duo offers a seamless musical experience. Enjoy the grandeur of a big band sound without the hefty price tag, all while ensuring a complete and entertaining performance.
Thayer & Hyler draw upon a vast array of musical genres and artists, spanning across decades and styles. Their musical heritage traces back to the revolutionary sounds of The Beatles and the soulful beats of the Memphis sound epitomized by John "R" and embodied by legends like Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. Their inspiration spans a diverse spectrum of genres, and their influences mirror a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical and artistic expression throughout history.
California Dreaming
In The Air Tonight
Stephanie
Williams- Thayer
Girls just want to have fun!
Stephanie's exceptional pitch and versatile voice swiftly cemented her status as the go-to vocalist and sought-after performer. Renowned for her seamless adaptation to diverse musical genres, she has emerged as a highly coveted talent, equally captivating whether commanding a full band or serenading with an acoustic guitar. From flawless interpretations of Patsy Cline to Bon Jovi hits, Stephanie's vocal prowess transcends boundaries. Even in supporting roles, her harmonies lend a distinctive allure to any occasion.
W. Douglas Hyler
Music has always been my first passion.
I love the freedom,
creativity, and social interaction.
I love the feeling of turning movement and breath into sound waves that touch and
hopefully inspire listeners.
Singer/Musician, and Soloist working mostly from the center point of the Carolinas, traveled throughout the East Coast and into Canada performing with The Sensational
Soulmasters, Truth, and the Men of Soul. These groups were popular R&B and soul bands in the 1960s and 1970s, 80s and 90s. They opened for famous artists such as James Brown, Arthur Conley, Percy Sledge, and Jackie Wilson. They also recorded some songs that became regional hits, such as “You Took Away the Sunshine” by The Soulmasters , "Maybe Soon" by Truth, and “I Like the Music” by The Men of Soul.
The Soulmasters got a chance to tour Europe with Arthur Conley and appeared in the books, “The Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music”, by Greg Haynes and “It’s Better to Cry”, by British author, E. Mark Windle. Many R&B / Beach Artist in the region would request the Soulmasters to support them or open their shows.
Truth opened for Blood Sweat and Tears, Ray Peterson, as well as Soul and Motown artists Bill Withers, Billy Scott and the Prophets, the Drifters and The Chairmen of the Board.
The Men of Soul backed Archie Bell and recorded on Ripete Records and KHP labels out of the Carolinas. “I Like The Music” can still be heard on any satellite juke box in the USA.
The number of performances by these groups have been countless over a span of decades. The Solo/Duo production of “Motown Boogie and Blues" showcases the music, the perspective, and a lifetime of memories.
Drive
More Information can be found on these links:
Motown Boogie & Blues (motownboogieandblu.wixsite.com
https://www.facebook.com/HylerWDouglas
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MEN OF SOUL
TRUTH
Truth - "Maybe Soon"
Truth - Always
THE SENSATIONAL SOULMASTERS
Soulmasters Story
Danville's Raven Records
Mentions:
Groups,
albeit fleeting,
that were a privilege to be a member!
BLUE CLOVER
Jerry Ryan
July 11, 1953 - September 6, 2022
Kearney, NE
Jam
Sessions
NIGHT TRAX
BACKSTREET
Silver Creek
FOX
&
COMPANY
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STRATUS
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