Biography

Michele D'Amour is a storyteller and award-winning songwriter who penned her first song at the age of six and became a published poet in her early twenties. Her lyrics treat difficult topics with a sense of soulful whimsy and wry humor. Michele sang in her church choir, wrote songs, and sang lead for some local bands before honing her craft at several of the jams in the Seattle area. Upon the advice of friends, she formed Michele D'Amour and the Love Dealers in 2011.

"That girl really has some pipes!" - A fan
"I would drive across the country to hear Michele sing." - Another fan

Patrick McDanel, also from Seattle, has been with the band since its inception. He plays bass and sings backing vocals. McDanel started on piano at five; then played trombone professionally for several years until needing to stop due to an injury. Patrick is a veteran of the national music scene, having played with notable bands and acts as either a regular player or fill-in. One of his favorite career moments was playing at the Apollo Theater in the 1990s.   

"Is that bass made of butter?" - a fan

Carl Martin (drums) is originally from Southwestern Ontario, Canada (eh!). He has played with a host of bands and solo artists, playing a variety of styles in many diverse venues. Over the years, Carl has honed a style that several musicians have described as "solid as a rock." His philosophy is simple: "...to listen, and support the music." Playing so many different types of venues and styles has helped Carl to beautifully support what is happening around him, and he locks in beautifully with Patrick.

Steve Gorringe has been playing and studying the guitar for over fifty years, studying with notable Jazz greats Bob Rice, Milo Peterson and Don Mock. He holds two degrees in music from Western Washington University where he studied classical guitar and choral conducting. Mr. Gorringe has been directing local high school music programs for the past twenty eight years; his ensembles have consistently won top honors at numerous competitions. He has performed throughout the Northwest, California, New York, New Orleans and Europe. 

Noel Barnes joins the band on tenor and baritone sax (and occasionally on flute). Barnes studied with Sue Orfield and has played with Copastetic, Double Shot, and City Knightz. Noel also contributes backing harmonies and a few lead vocals.

Merlyn Ahern is a music educator and professional musician. She brings more than 25 years of piano accompanying and performance experience to the band. Merlyn specializes in piano, organ, harpsichord, and vocals.  She has performed throughout the United States as well as abroad, including playing in an ensemble throughout Europe. Merlyn has performed every genre of music from rock-n-roll and folk music to classical.