I play guitar, mandolin, banjo, sitar, ukulele, and piano.  

Here are links to some bands and artists I've played with...

The realm of Americana music is a large and messy place. Nestled comfortably deep within the schizophrenia
sits Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins. The band's style ranges from Rock to Country with noticeable Blues
influences. Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins consis
ts of Wil Van Winkle: Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin; Zach Mears:
Guitars; Allen Atkinson: Bass; and Butch Bellah: Drums. Their original material stems from Wil's solo days, time
with the Hardcore Troubadours from Germany, and time with Raindance from Texas, ref
ormed in Uzbekistan, as
well as material from the band's debut EP, 'The Perpetual Club of Sages, Philosophers, and Other Idle Personages',
and the follow
-
up "The Diedrich Knickerbocker Diaries, volume 1" both of which take their names from the
Washington I
rving story of “Rip Van Winkle”.
Having played anywhere from campgrounds to coffee houses, college campuses to clothing optional resorts;
international recording artist Wil Van Winkle has played them all. No stranger to the road Wil has entertained
audienc
es through three continents, 6 countries, and cities all over the USA, “Wil Van Winkle has served up
some lively music infused with interesting polyrhythms and his strong and unique voice.” (
-
Rocky Stone from
Music News May 2007).
With influences ranging
from Country to Alternative, Blues to Rock, and beyond he found it hard to stick to just
one style but found that by incorporating all of these influences into his writing he was able to appeal to a wide
range of audiences, which can be seen when looking a
t some of his past gigs, including a Democratic
Convention and a Republican Fund Raiser/Police Chief's Party both in Texas, Cancer Benefits, and various
coffee shops, hotels, clubs, house concerts, and wineries. Wil was even scheduled to be the first Ameri
can
musician to play Afghanistan in 2002 until renewed fighting and bombing broke out on the bridge between
Kandahar and Tashkent. Recently. Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins have been breaking into larger markets and
are beginning to focus efforts on festivals
such as Henry County, TN’s Pioneer Day and John Schneider’s (of
Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville fame) Bo’s Extravaganza.
Playing such a wide range of venues has earned Wil sponsorships from Heineken, KAO Kampgrounds, Prilosec
OTC and an endorsement deal f
rom Knucklehead Guitar Strings. Wil Van Winkle has seen his share of
attention from the media; as well, he has appeared on Fox Morning News with his former collaborator, Brit
Shea, Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins have been featured on Marquee Backstage, airin
g in 7 states on NBC,
CBS, or MeTV affiliates, been written up in several entertainment circulars, and performed and been
interviewed on radio and podcasts stretching from the former USSR to California.

Wil Van Winkle &amp; the Sixpins is following

Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins is following