Mike Franzel

Mike's earliest recollections of performing were playing accompaniment for his sister's act in her middle school talent show. Make says, "I was asked to perform a separate number by myself and won 1st place. We never performed together again."

In 1975, Mike started playing with a group that played at the "Jacks or Better" with Jay Oliver. Jay eventually went on to play with Jimmy Buffet and these days, he produces for Sheryl Crow in California.

In high school, Mike won a scholarship for his work on classical guitar. He attended the University of Missouri at Columbia and graduated with a BA in Music in 1981. From there he went about 30 miles north to the town of Renick, where he taught in a K-12 School as a music teacher by day and worked in a country band by night.

In 1982, he returned to St. Louis and auditioned and won the guitar spot in "Willow Creek." They worked at "Muddy Waters West" and held the house gig there on Monday nights, which were kept well attended and interesting with their "Quarter Beer" nights.

In 1983, Stan Gill joined "Willow Creek" and by 1984, Mike and Stan moved on together to play in "Jester." In 1984 and 85, "Jester" placed in the "Top Ten" bands of the "Riverfront Times Poll." They performed at many of the clubs throughout "Lacledes Landing" and various other hotspots around town. In 1987, "Jester" merged with Jorge Periera's band. This version of "Jester" was reknown for it's 'Little River Band' style and 5-part harmony. By 2001, Stan moved on to work with The Excelerators and Mike later joined in April of 2003.

In 1986, Mike became a music teacher for St. Louis Public Schools, where he taught until 1997. In addition to teaching general music at various elementary schools, he worked at the Visual Performance Magnet School and conducted large elementary vocal ensembles. In 1997, Mike began working for the Lindbergh School District at Kennerly Elementary. Recently, he received the "Fine Arts Teacher of the Year" award from the "Metro South - Fine Arts Council."

Mike also tutors private guitar lessons. He taught at Dales Music from 1982 to 1994 and currently at Fazio's Frets and Friends in Manchester.

A real pro, Mike brings the technical and working experience to The Excelerators that adds substantially to the credibility of the group. This is rare to find in a band that limits itself to weekend warrior status. We are proud to have him onboard.