The Brewins - TheBrewins.biz


Brad Emanuel	Chad Brecke	Jeff Janikowski	Brandon Allen

History

In the late fall of 2004, Brad Emanuel, who had just finished up his tenure as rhythm guitarist and singer of The Dukes, walked into The Cruise In after just finishing an early gig with Jeff “Jirf” Janikowski. Brad had been out of The Dukes for a few months, and had been primarily playing solo and two-man shows with Jeff. Esprit De Corps was playing that night, a band Brad had heard of but wasn’t familiar with. They were a three piece band led by Chad Brecke on electric guitar and vocals. Brad and Chad had known each other through mutual friends, as most musicians do. On a band break, Chad and Brad began talking, and Chad suggested getting together musically. A couple weeks later, the two were joined by Danny Stelzer on drums and Charles Simon on bass and, in Danny’s basement, The Brewins were born…

The Brewins debuted December 23^rd, 2004 at Dale’s Weston Lanes. They had some kinks, as most bands do when starting out, but they worked through them and began playing 3-5 times a month. When Charles couldn’t play, Jeff Janikowski played bass, and when Danny couldn’t play, the guys recruited Randy Gantner, more notably from Storm, to bang on some drums. They started by playing some of the smaller venues they still play today, like The Cruise In (Wausau), Legends Bar (Merrill), The Lighthouse Bar & Grill (Gleason), and Pik’s Pub (Tomahawk). Just getting their feet wet…

In the late summer of 2005, Brad and Chad caught wind that Jon Tomcek, bass player and back-up vocalist for local band Frontier, was leaving the band. Jon’s a talented musician, and the ladies love him. Most cover bands would jump at the opportunity to get him on board. The Brewins did. About that same time, Danny gave notice to the band that he wanted to pursue other endeavors on his weekends, leaving us without a drummer. Jon suggested Brandon Aarestead, a friend of his who Chad also knew. Brandon had played in an original rock band with Jon, as well as the City Band. Brad Emanuel, Chad Brecke, Jon Tomcek, and Brandon Aarestead played their first gigs together Labor Day weekend, 2005. The Brewins sound was born…

It didn’t take much for the “new’ Brewins to mesh together. Individually, they each have their musical likes and dislikes to be sure, but they share a common musical purpose when they step on a Brewin stage – entertainment. Bigger crowds started appearing at Brewins shows, which led to bigger shows at bigger venues. The song list has grown to over 100 songs, and continues to grow. And the scary part…

Just wait ‘til they start practicing!!!

Update 2008

February 2008 Brandon Aarrestad, moved on to pursue his music career. We all wish him great success! His last gig photos can be viewed here.

February 9th, 2008 The Brewins were very fortunate to have Tim Hasler start full time drumming. He has filled in several gigs starting in October 2007.

Tim made the move from Wisconsin to California in the fall of 2003 to pursue a career in music as a Drummer. He has been playing drums for 13 years now and has had the opportunity to play with many talented musicians and groups around LA. Luck has allowed Tim's recent return to Wisconsin, to be just in time to continue the fine Brewin sound, with the addition of his own drumming talent to the mix!

April 2008, Jon Tomcek has moved on to another band Tuscan Road - All the best to you Jon! His last gig photos can be viewed here.

May 2008, Jeff Janikowski, (Jirf) no stranger to playing with The Brewins, is back with his many years of talent, bass experience, and backup vocals. Welcome back Jeff!

The Party, Tunes, and Fun Continue! . . . . . . . .

Update 2009

June 2009, Tim Hasler leaves the area and The Brewins with an advancement in his career. All the best Tim! Talent attracts talent, and The Brewins continue that tradition with their new drummer Brandon Allen! Welcome to The Brewins Brandon!

July 2009, Brad Emanuel, core member, lead singer and rhythm guitarist, posted the following announcement on his website, brademanuel.com;

Time to move on...

I've given my notice to The Brewins. My last public performance with them is on Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 4th, at Otto's in Minocqua. We have a few private parties after that, so my official last gig is October 10th. I'd like to thank all the people that have allowed us to entertain them over the years, and I'd like to thank all The Brewins: Dan Stelzer, Charles Simon, Randy Gantner, Brandon Aarestead, Jon Tomcek, Tim Hasler, Brandon Allen, Jeff Janikowski, and, especially, Chad Brecke. All of you have made me a better musician, and I am forever grateful.

-Brad