What kinds of music do you guys play?
We enjoy classic rock and pop songs from the 1950’s to the present, but have largely centered our performances around our favorites from the 1960’s and 1970’s. But regardless of the decade, if a song has a great groove and good vocal harmonies, we’re probably interested in doing it.
Where do you play?
We’re based in Grand Rapids, MI and play throughout the state. Most often you can find us performing in nightclubs, restaurants and similar venues. We also play at a variety of private functions, receptions, parties, and corporate events as well as festivals, public concerts, charity events and just about any other gathering where people want to have a good time.
How long have you been together as a group?
13th Hour formed early in 2008. Ken and Mark performed together in a trio called Party of Three, with Ron Hovingh on bass from 2003 to 2007. Ron’s untimely death in 2007 left Party of Three without a bass player and several gigs on the schedule. Jay Round, friend and longtime member of the folk-rock band Missing Lynx filled in on bass and vocals for the remainder of that season. It was a perfect fit musically, and soon thereafter 13th Hour was a new band.
What do you charge for a performance?
Each job has unique elements that require individualized consideration. We have to take into account the type of event, length of performance, equipment requirements, distance from our home base, travel logistics, and whether additional personnel will be required (i.e. drummer, sound/lighting technician, road crew, etc.). While our pricing does vary, we can assure you that we¹ll be fair to all and an extremely great value for the top shelf entertainment we’ll provide.
What all do you provide for a performance?
First and foremost, we’ll provide a really great show suitable for all members of the audience. We like to have fun and encourage the same from our crowd. As far as equipment is concerned, 13th Hour is fully self-contained with a lighting rig and sound system that is configurable for crowd sizes from 20 people to 1000 or more.
When the situation prevents us from using our own gear we’ll provide a Tech Rider Form listing all of our equipment requirements as well as a Stage Plot showing our desired performance set up.
Sometimes 13th Hour is a trio and sometimes you add a drummer. What’s up with that?
13th Hour began as a trio without drums. This configuration fit well with the smaller venues where we performed. Also, our initial setlist was largely lighter rock, pop, and folk material that didn’t need drums. As our set list grew to include edgier rock and dance tunes, job offers started coming from larger venues, and adding a drummer was a natural progression for us. Our drummer of choice is Tom Davis, who has a worldwide resume with a number of famous acts. In short, 13th Hour can provide whatever the situation calls for…a folk-rock trio or a full on rock and pop band when we add the drums. Either way we guarantee a great musical experience.
I’ve got a few song suggestions I think you guys could really do a great job on. Where should I submit my requests?
We love it when "Hour" friends make song suggestions. A number of the songs in our current repertoire were brought to our attention by our fans. You can send your suggestions to us via the contact page on our web site or on Facebook via 13thhourmusic. If we agree that your song is right for us, we’ll gladly add it to our play list.
Why don’t you play songs like Mustang Sally, Brown Eyed Girl, or Margaritaville?
With all due respect to Wilson Pickett, Van Morrison, and Jimmy Buffett, we feel too many bands cover these great songs already. We look for the “obscure, yet familiar” hits that tickle our fancy just as much and are not over played. There are so many great songs to enjoy and we see no need to limit ourselves to a predictable play list.
Do you have any CDs or downloads?
13th Hour does not currently have any CDs or songs to download. We have that goal on our to-do list and hope to progress in that area soon. We’ll not keep it a secret if we have recordings to share. Ken’s released four CDs of his original songs and these are available through digital outlets including CDBaby and iTunes. You can get to all of it at KenBierschbach.com.
Do you have original songs?
Ken is quite a prolific songwriter and has written many songs. Jay and Mark have also several written several songs, some of which are on the 13th Hour playlist. We’re proud of our original material and make a point to highlight these songs in our live shows.
What are the instruments each of you plays?
Mark Swanson is a very talented luthier and builds all of his own acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis, and other stringed instruments. His list of customers includes the Dixie Chicks, Brooks Williams, film composer Wolfram DeMarco and many others in the USA and abroad. Also local favorites Ralston Bowles, Michigan Mark DePree, Josh Rose and the groups AnDro and The Willeys. Find out more about Mark’s instruments at MarkSwansonMusic.com.
Ken Bierschbach currently plays an Adamas electric/acoustic guitar and on very rare occasion can be seen breaking out his Fender Strat.
Jay Round plays a number of instruments. With 13th Hour he prefers a Fender Precision Lyte electric bass.
How do I go about booking you for an event?
Contact us through the web site or Facebook. Give us as much information as you can -- date, location, type of event, etc. One of us will get back with you and, if we’re available on the selected date, will nail down the details. We look forward to hearing from you.
