First and foremost, Randy would like to share his appreciation for the incredible talents of Michael Bizar with the world. For guitar lovers, bred on funky jazz, shredding rock,  inspired bluegrass and thoughtful folk, Michael is the pinnacle of his art. His mastery of tone as well as his inventiveness and passion with melody make his music a joy to hear. His songwriting, both on the guitar and piano, is incredibly rich, and manages to be catchy and original at the same time. His abilities on lead guitar are transcendant, and bring all the history of great music in the last century to bear, defying stereotypes and blending archetypes. Hear some of the amazing work of Michael Bizar on his site, BizarBazzar.com.

     Randy and Michael have been playing together steadily for almost ten years, introduced by the talented singer/songwriter Jason Miller in Berkeley. Jason had played with Michael in Chicago for years, in a band called Citrus, along with the mind-bending bass player Mark Murphy. Michael and Randy began appearing together regularly at the Bison Brewery and other Bay Area venues, along with Ethan Hamilton and others. They eventually went on to form the 5th Hour, with Ethan, ‘Murph,’ drummer Lucas Carlton and keyboardist Simon Rochester. Together they performed almost weekly in San Francisco and Berkeley and recorded an album at Expressions Studio in Emeryville. With many of the same players in Michael’s project Bizar Bazaar, they teamed up for festivals (also with Justin Hellman as Wayside), and played some very special weddings and corporate parties.  

     Michael is an accomplished producer as well as composer and musician, and currently lives in Los Angeles recording and playing professionally, when he’s not touring with the inimitable A.J. Croce. Check back for updates on upcoming shows featuring the remarkable talent of Michael Bizar as the wonderful synergy he creates onstage with Randy Todd continues, and long may it last.

High Sierra Music Festival