* Meet The Band *
David Ballou - Drums, Percussion, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards and Vocals
David Ballou started playing drums at age 11 and later went on to play in both the school band and
jazz band throughout high school. In 1977, he joined with brother Matt and Mark Partridge, originally
playing guitar and singing lead vocals. He then settled in on the drums and played an active role in
forming the Ballou Brothers Band.

David has played on numerous studio projects, both with the Ballou Brothers Band and other
artists. During the 80’s he played a stint on keyboards with the band BRAVO BRAVO. In 90’s he
was a founding member of the successful BALLOU MAGOON band, taking the Ballou Brothers
Band rhythm section into a blues rock mix with local legendary blues man John Magoon. More
recently, he performed with local Grateful Dead tribute band NORTHBOUND TRAIN.  

Long an advocate of both studio and live performing, David took a lead role in the entertainment
management of the Foot Stompin Picnic, a well-known and highly successful local live event.
Today, he still dabbles in engineering and production behind the scenes.

David continues to perform with the Ballou Brothers Band, and records with his brothers and other
artists.
Matt Ballou - Lead Guitar, Harmonica, Mandolin, Keyboards and Vocals

Given the Ballou family’s musical backdrop, Matt was exposed to music early on. Inspired by his
older brothers, Matt formed his first band in Junior High with his best friend, Mark Partridge. Joining
up with brother, Dave, Mark and Shawn Bosquet, The Ballou Brothers Band was formed.

Matt studied at Berkeley College for almost a year and then refocused on putting The Ballou
Brothers Band on the road throughout New England. In the late 80’s, Matt took the family name
West to check out the music scene there (and live on the beach!). There Matt played guitar with San
Diego rockers including the REACTIONS, and original band, BAD DOG, performing in top
nightclubs and beach bars from LA to Mexico.

Upon relocating to New Hampshire Matt continued to perform with his brothers and old friends. He
continues to write music and perform with The Ballou Brothers Band building on a true love for
music and his friendships with the boys in the Band.
Deane Ballou - Lead Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin and Vocals

Deane began singing and playing guitar at the age of 11.  Striving to be like his older brothers, he
started his first band, ROCK n’ RYE, in the fifth grade.  ROCK 'n RYE primarily played parties and
school dances for the Hollis Jr. and Sr. High schools. He later joined the Ballou Brothers Band to
perform many engagements throughout the region.  

After leaving The Ballou Brothers, he went on to become a founding member of FACTORY STREET
and THE BENDERS which were featured at such venues as The Channel in Boston, Sir Morgan's
Cove in Worcester, MA, and the Albion Theater in San Francisco. After The Benders broke up, he
rejoined the Ballou Brothers Band, which is where he remains today.
Gary Young - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Guitar, Lap Steel and
Vocals

Gary Young has played guitar professionally for 30 years. In the 70’s he could be found playing with
country-tinged bands, DIME A DOZEN and THE RANGERS, both closely related to local legends
Aces And Eights.  Thru this association he began a lifetime of love of bluegrass, country, country
rock, folk and Americana genres.

In the 80’s he was asked by his friend Matt Ballou to join the Ballou Brothers Band, just back from a
tour of Florida. Throwing caution to the wind Gary quit his day job and “climbed on the bus”. Thus
began a 25-year stint as backup player, vocalist and co-writer with The Bubs. Gary’s songs were
usually a “ heart-on-your-sleeve” type of ballad that earned him the nickname “EmoMan.” Gary’s
contributions included “Monkey on My Back”, “Changing Night To Day”, “Sounds of Letting Go”,  
“Merriel”, “ Shade Of Hell”, “ I Wanted More”, and most recently, “House of Cards”.  

Ask him, and Gary will tell you he’s been blessed with a gift and that he’s lucky to have people like
Matt, Deane, Davey, Bird, Pete, Benny Ballou, Ben Chandler, and Gary Blaisdell in his life.  He'll tell
you, "We’re just getting started!"
Mark "Bird" Partridge - Bass

Mark began his musical journey at a young age after moving to New Hampshire, entering Junior
High School and meeting the Ballous. With a deep affection for 60’s and 70’s rock supported by
his family, Mark pursued the bass guitar with a passion. Yearning to learn the ‘masters’ secrets of
such luminary and diverse artists such as Jaco Pastorius, Berry Oakley, James Jamerson and
Victor Wooten, Mark immersed himself in playing music as much as possible.

Throughout his involvement with The Ballou Brothers Band, Mark has performed with diverse acts
ranging from funk to soul to full-on jazz. Over the years, Mark developed his own reputation for his
breathtaking playing ability and has become a legend in his own right, becoming known simple
as the “Birdman”.
Gary Blaisdell - Bass and Back-Up Vocals

Gary Blaisdell began playing electric bass in 1976 as a founding member of the JACOB TANNER
BAND. The original lineup included several members of The Ballou Brothers Band, including
Deane Ballou and Shawn Bosquet. After some changes, this band reformed as ROCK ‘n RYE
band. Though a favorite cover band at parties and dances the ‘pull of life’ on these high school
friends saw the demise of the band.

After a few brief stints with other bands, Gary enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and
continued to lend his bass and vocal talents to Minnesota’s GREYSTONE SALOON BAND. With
his enlistment over, Gary formed a new band THE EDDIES with former ROCK ‘n RYE band mates.
Seeking to reach a larger audience after several years, Gary and Deane Ballou put together their
new project, THE BENDERS. The Benders took their mix of club pleasing covers and foot stompin'
originals to nightclubs through out New England.

After leaving The Benders and taking a few years off from the music scene, Gary began a 10-year
gig with the WANNABE’S and side projects with JR BLACKER and The Ballou Brothers Band. Now
that The Ballou Brothers Band is ratcheting it up, Gary looks forward to seeing this side project
become the main event!
Bennett Chandler - Percussion

Under construction
Don Bogdan - Sound Technician and Roadie

Under Construction
Ed MacDonald - Roadie

Under Construction
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