Citizen Pain Rocks Denver

Neal Braatz

Neal Braatz: The most recent addition to the band, Neal has taken over the percussion without a hitch.

Neal has been playing professionally for over 25 years and has toured a good portion of the United States and Canada. He has played and recorded with a number of well known, local artists, and performed on the popular “Lewis and Floorwax” radio show.

Most of his experience and interests are in the areas of progressive, commercial, and classic rock, along with contemporary jazz, contemporary country, and fusion.

His main influences are Neil Peart, Alan White, Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Mike Portnoy, Phil Collins, Chester Thompson, Rod Morgenstein, Dennis Chambers, Akira Jimbo, and Gavin Harrison.

You can learn more about Neal from his website: www.coloradodrummer.com

Dal Hindson

Noted guitarist Dal Hindson, brings more than 27 years of experience to “Citizen Pain” along with ten original albums under his belt. With his own recording studio, he has scored national award winning “Telly” music tracks and artist tracks for well know clients such as Nickelodeon, RPS, Channellock Tools and well known L.A. producers Toby Wright (Alice and Chains, 3 Doors Down, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Wallflowers and many more) and Dana Walden (Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, John Wait and Garth Brooks just to name a few). Dal has been playing in bands since the age of 15 and spent time in LA working on a record deal. Dal has recorded many albums, one featuring Pat Monahan of “Train” on vocals. He was also blessed to play and record with some of his childhood rock heroes such as Brad Gillis of “Night Ranger”, Jerry Cantrell of “Alice in Chains”, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Isham of “Autograph”, Dave Kozs, and Matt Sorum of (Velvet Revolver, the Cult and GNR).

Mike Learn

At the age of 12 Mike Learn was introduced to the guitar by his father. Immediately hooked, he played in bands throughout high school and then again in fraternity bands as he pursued his art degree. Out of college he joined a band called Damien Steele and they recorded an album in 1991. The band broke up a few years later and Mike moved to Arizona where he joined an all original band called XSX with Mike as lead vocals and lead guitar. While working the Phoenix circuit, Mike had the opportunity to meet and network with many established musicians including Oni Logan and Rowan Robertson from Dio. Mike also became good friends with Pete Loran of Trixter. In addition to playing, Mike designs and builds his own line of custom guitars. After leaving the band scene to focus on his art career, he remained immersed in the music industry. Mike has painted album covers for may bands, including Megadeth and has a very close relationship with Fender Musical Instrument Company. Despite the fact that Mike does a lot of high-end finish work for the Jackson/Charvel custom shop, he still builds and plays his own guitars exclusively. You can read more about Mike at MikeLearn.com and/or LearnGuitars.com.

JQ

JQ has been singing since he was a child at family functions. In High School he formed his own singing group called Self Image and together they sang at parties and school events. Out of High School Jay joined the army and quickly fell in with a group of soldiers who liked to sing to pass the time. He continued singing with his Army buddies until he left in 1995. Back home in Colorado he was introduced to Karaoke and was hooked. Sometimes going out 7 nights a week, Jay sang everything from Country to Rock. After years of hearing “you should join a band” Jay decided he would. He joined an ill-fated group called Lynchpin and shortly after they were ready to play out, the group was forced to break up.

Chris Young

Chris Young has been playing bass guitar for over 25 years and is a seasoned vet on the local scene. He has played with many popular local bands such as Sleepy Hollow, Bob, Avocado Swing, and Jetthreads. Some of his Musical influences include Geddy Lee, John Entwhistle, John Paul Jones, and James Jamerson. Chris uses Modulus, Jackson, and Learn guitars, along with Ampeg and Marshall Amplification.