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Pieces 4:140:00/4:14
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When You Lie 5:060:00/5:06
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Bar Song 4:220:00/4:22
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Dusty Road 4:320:00/4:32
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Repo Man 3:550:00/3:55
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Ocean Song 3:380:00/3:38
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Was it Easy 4:120:00/4:12
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Angel Arms 4:140:00/4:14
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Little Room 3:450:00/3:45
Shows
History
River Road is a Party Band based out of Indianapolis and North Central Indiana. They have built a reputation of keeping crowds on their feet dancing while covering multiple genres of music at each show.
They began performing in 2002 as the 3-piece high-energy acoustic trio of Mike Caudle (vocals), Jesse Michaels (guitar), and Steve Michaels (guitar, backup vocals, harmonica). In 2003, they added bassist Danny Thiry. Several drummers including Andrew Baker , Randy Verrone, and Tim Kinninger have filled that role over the years.
The father/son chemistry of guitarists Steve & Jesse, virtuoso bass playing of Danny, combined with Mike’s powerful vocals gives River Road their signature sound that stands out from the rest. Their original music encompasses elements of several music genres ranging from Rock, Country, and Blues.
In late 2023, River Road regrouped and now consists of Mike Caudle (vocals), Jesse Michaels (guitar), Danny Thiry (bass), and Chad Bellanca (drums).
Music
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0:00/5:11
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Loner (Acoustic) 5:280:00/5:28
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0:00/3:35
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Pieces (Acoustic) 3:500:00/3:50
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0:00/2:24
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This Time (Acoustic) 5:000:00/5:00
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0:00/4:05
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Youth (Acoustic) 3:350:00/3:35
Bios
Mike Caudle
Lead Vocals
Certain people are born to do certain things. One of those people is the front man for River Road. Mike Caudle was born to be a front man. He was born to entertain audiences. Mike had an abundance of inspiration growing up in a musical church that had a traveling Christian Band based out of it, while he also had an uncle to look up to that many consider one of the greatest rock singers to ever come out of the area, Richard Caudle. Throw in some long-ass bus rides to and from school listening to 80’s and 90’s country and these influences all laid the foundation for one of the most powerful vocalists people will ever hear. Blessed with incredible range and power that very few humans are born with, Mike Caudle embodies what it means to be a lead singer. He met guitarist Jesse Michaels in middle school, and they began writing songs and playing together in 1997. By 2002, River Road was off to the races. Mike’s passion for performing and infectious spirit is what separates him from all the others. He makes jaws drop and conversations stop when he begins singing. You have to see him perform live to truly “feel the thunder”.
Jesse Michaels
Guitar + Backup Vocals
Jesse found his musical inspiration at a young age. His father and fellow River Road Co-Founder Steve Michaels, exposed Jesse to weekly Bluegrass/Americana jams and festivals from the time he was in diapers. Jesse got his first guitar at age 11. By 15, he was jamming with anyone and everyone that he could to expand upon these roots. At age 17, he and River Road vocalist Michael Caudle began the journey of River Road. In addition to the River Road project, he also previously taught both guitar & bass and played 2-man acoustic shows on both guitar and upright bass. You’ll hear elements of Bluegrass/Americana, Blues, Country, and Rock n’ Roll in his unique improvisational style. When you see him play, you’ll understand why Jesse views performing live and being able to inspire people with his music as God’s greatest gift.
Danny Thiry
Bass
Danny Thiry has been playing bass since his bass-playing stepfather, Bryan Jaberg, came into his life at age 14 along with Bryan’s full Rickenbacker Bass Rig and matching Rickenbacker Bass. Seeing Bryan jam note for note to every Rush album, having a built-in instructor, as well as the access to great equipment provided instant inspiration for Danny to dream of spending a life making music. By age 15, Danny was playing in school dances and was hooked. His Dad’s best friend, Burl Etue, also provided early inspiration and advice. His musical influences range from Country, all eras of Rock, and Blues. Danny has long been the bass player that bands call when they need low-end perfection, and he has “been in too many bands to remember”. Danny‘s ability to go from Upright Bass to 4/5-string bass has taken him to Nashville recording studios multiple times where’s he’s had the honor of recording alongside the likes of Brent Mason and Jimmy Hall. Danny joined River Road in 2003, and knew when he heard Mike sing and the father/son guitar combination of Steve & Jesse that he had found a situation that fit him like a glove. He most enjoys the way each live River Road performance seems to take a life of its life own. Danny is very excited about this next chapter of River Road has always believed In the ability of the band to “get to the next level”.
Chad Bellanca
Percussion
Chad has been playing drums for over 30 years. A determined drummer that is always eager to hone his craft, Chad has shared the stage with pros including Lita Ford, Jackyl, .38 Special, Confederate Railroad, Green Jello, Henry Lee Summer, and Blue Oyster Cult. He has trained with Jim Riley of Rascal Flatts, Rich Redmond of The Jason Aldeen Band, Rikki Rockett of Poison, and the legendary Kenny Aronoff. He has played drums for many local bands over the years including Scarecrowe, The Brandt Carmichael Band, Foundation, Stoned Moses, Damrell, Twisted Riddlers, Rogers’ Ritual, The Grace Scott Band, FUDD, and Kevin Bean’s Three Ring Circus. Chad feels that playing with River Road is an opportunity of a lifetime, as he has been a long-time fan and friend of the band. He’s most excited about the rare opportunity to be in a band with a frontman of Mike Caudle’s caliber. He feels that the sky is the limit with River Road!
Steve Michaels (Former Member)
Co-Founder + Guitar + Songwriter
River Road Co-Founder Steve Michaels, AKA “Old Man River”, has been playing guitar for over 50 years. He was inspired at a young age by his Uncle Bill Trillingham, who was a Lafayette musician renown for his Chet Atkins 3-finger style guitar pickin. When Steve was 10 years old, his neighbor and local Scruggs-Style banjo-ace neighbor, Bob Crane, introduced Steve to the guitar and bluegrass. When Steve kept coming back to Bob every day with requests for more and more training, it was clear very early on that Steve was a child prodigy. Bob began taking Steve to Bluegrass festivals at a young age, and by age 13 he was pulled up on stage with Bill Monroe at Bean Blossom to perform some songs with him. Playing with Bill was defining moment in Steve’s long musical career that has included playing with bands rock bands Sidewinder, Recycled White Trash, acoustic 2-man shows with his son and fellow River Road bandmate Jesse Michaels. Steve is equally proud of having the guts to quit his factory job at age 50 and embarking on a very long solo career that took him from Colorado to Michigan. In addition to growing up on the Wabash River, Steve’s cabin downstream has provided the backdrop and inspiration for many of the songs and memories of River Road’s original music. He views his 15+ years playing in River Road with his son Jesse, his “second son” Mike Caudle, and his bandmates as the pinnacle of his career. Since suffering a stroke in 2021, Steve has fought his ass off to make it back to the stage and still plays solo and with a host of local musicians. Steve still supports River Road via songwriting, suggestions, and wisdom. River Road will continue to tap into his large catalog of hundreds of songs in the years to come.