The WHISKEY BROTHERS BAND

Band Member Bios

The Whiskey Brothers are:

Jeff Bennett – Lead Vocals

Jeff Bennett hails from Hampden, MA, where he started his singing career at the early age of 8 years old in the church jr. choir. From there he sang many solos, and for the first time at the age of 13 was asked to sing at a wedding ceremony, where he adeptly sang, Ave Maria, the Lord’s Prayer, and The Wedding Song.

During his high school years at Minnechaug Regional, he studied under the direction of vocal coach, and mentor Ray Drury. In high school, he was named to the Western Mass District Chorus his freshmen and sophomore years. As a junior, Jeff was awarded the highest score for a male as a bass, and also named to the All State Chorus. Jeff again qualified for both Western District and All State in his senior year, and was also chosen to sing a solo at the Minnechaug graduation ceremonies, to a packed Symphony Hall.

After high school, Jeff displayed his vocal prowess at many weddings and solo performances to groups, and churches.

In 1998, Jeff got a call from a long time acquaintance, Jason Scott, and the Jeff and Jay show was born. The Jeff and Jay show was a very successful project, and still plays the occasional show, for fun. Then in September of 2004, Tim introduced the two Jeff’s, and The Whiskey brothers were formed. It has been a crazy couple of years, a lot of shows, a couple new members, Mike on percussion, and Tim on guitar, and now a new website.

Mike Hopkins – Drums/ Percussion/ Backing Vocals

Michael “Moose” Hopkins also hails from East Longmeadow. He began his musical career in the E.L. Public school system, joining orchestras, marching bands, etc. During high school mike was also named to the all western mass orchestra, performing on brass. While in his junior year in high school he was asked to play for the Westfield State Wind Symphony. Mike discovered an aptitude for percussion early in his music career and the coordination for a full drum kit, and changed his focus away from brass instruments after high school. Mike joined the Whiskey Brothers in 2004 as percussionist, and has developed into a core member of the band!

Jeff DeCarli – Keyboards/ Backing Vocals

Jeff DeCarli hails from East Longmeadow, MA, and began his musical career at the age of 5. Jeff was classically trained as an accordionist during his elementary and high school years (Massachusetts State Champion, 1990. 2nd place, National Competition, 1991), and began studying the piano at age 14.

Jeff joined the band ‘Crystal Vision’ (a local wedding/party band) at age 16, as their keyboard player. He attended Westfield State College with a concentration in music theory and performance in jazz and classical music, and attended Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts’ accelerated degree program for Audio Engineering. Jeff worked as an intern at various recording studios in the Boston area from 1995-1997.

Through mutual friends (Tim!), Jeff D and Jeff B met in 2004 and formed The Whiskey Brothers. And the rest is history!

Tim Shea – Acoustic Guitar

Tim Shea set his roots in Hampden, MA and began piano at the age of 9. At age eleven, he began studying trumpet for a small stint to participate in school bands. Unfortunatley or fortunately as it may be, he put these down to follow on other opportunities in the years following High School.

He picked up the Guitar in late 2003 for little fun and relaxation, and a year later he was introducing the core of the Whiskey Brothers (JB & JD). Two years later, here we are and he’s joining them for the ride.