Read up on the band...

Max Lummis (lead guitar, vocals) brings a unique twist to traditional rock and funk guitar playing. A St. Louis native, Max grew up in a setting that was musically rich and a crossroads for renowned rock acts and a plethora of starlit venues. Max's first rock gig came when he formed the band Pepes Tones, a rock-funk-jam band ensemble, while still in high school. When Max came to the University of Miami to study music business, he crossed paths with bassist Clark Splichal, at which time a miracle of music was discovered, and Max's guitar playing took off full throttle. Max pities the scholarly musician--his playing reflects deep, personal contemplations and he strives to always give birth to something new. Max's influences as a musician are (but not limited to) Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Incubus, Average White Band, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers (the early years, of course), and Frank Zappa.

Max's Set-up: (guitar and rig) PRS Custom 24, Marshall JCM 900 Stack. (strings) Ernie Ball Super Slinky 11-gauge. (FX Pedals) Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, Electro-Harmonix Mini-Q, Boss DD5 Delay, Ibanex Super Chorus, Morley Stereo Volume, Crybaby Wah.

Paul Haasch (lead vocals) was born a leading man. Originally from Richmond, VA, Paul came to the University of Miami to study musical theatre. With the help of sinfully good looks and immeasurable talent, he found himself in many parts on the main stage, most recently playing the lead in She Loves Me at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre. Paul brings a quality to Polestar that can only be described as sweet and irresistible, but with energy and aggression of an angst-driven serial killer just lurking beneath the surface. "Paul comprises 90% of our band, whether he likes it or not," says bassist Clark Splichal. Paul's influences are Brandon Boyd, Frank Sinatra, Weezer, Gabe Dixon, Stevie Wonder, David Lee Roth, and Barney the Dinosaur.

Paul's Equipment: (Microphones) Max's SM 58 vocal microphone, 2 AKG D8000 microphones, 1 SAMSON VR22X wireless head microphone, 2 Ibanez SOUNDTANK pedals (digital delay/chorus)... and his frickin' voice

Brandon Wright (woodwinds) just may be the next Bird. For this reason, the members of Polestar are insistent upon his dressing up as a chicken to perform. Brandon's weapon of choice is the tenor saxophone, which he makes look extremely easy. Brandon's soulful melodies and gritty hard-bop lines give Polestar an edge that is entirely original without lowering them to jam-band-of-overtly-virtuoso-musicians-flaunting-their-technique-and-passing-it-off-as-rock status. Brandon is from Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and enjoys being down in Miami for the sun and "da ladies". Brandon's influences are many: John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Grover Washington Jr., Lenny Picket, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, and Boy George. Brandon also goes by his bedroom nickname Kangon.

Brandon's collection: (Saxophones) Mark VI Tenor, Yamaha Soprano

Clark Splichal (bass guitar) is not gay, but somehow can't stop staring at Paul during rehearsals. A classically trained concert pianist, Clark was born in Virginia and raised in Miami. He attended New World School of the Arts for high school, majoring in classical piano, and dabbling in bass on the side, usually as a joke at parties. He and future collaborator Sean C. Russell would rap and play the bass. In 2001, Clark came to UM where he met with Tom Diverio (of All That's Left) and Max Lummis and formed funk/rock band Arcadia. After Arcadia's short life-span, Max and Clark went on to form Polestar. Clarks bass playing is steeped in funk. Funk is his attitude. Funk is his way of life. Funk is his religion. God created man in His image, and created Clark and his bass in the Funk. Clark's influences are Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Jaco Patorius, Incubus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weather Report, Vital Tech Tones, Flecktones, Radiohead, Jamiroquai, Stevie Wonder, Glenn Gould, and Billy Joel.

Clark's Sub-space Anomaly (bass and rig) Ibanez EBD-500, Ampeg SVT-Pro Series Bass Head, SWR Goliath 4 x 10 Bass Cabinet, Galien Kruger 15 Cabinet. (strings) Boomers, baby. (FX pedals) Crybaby Bass Wah, Electro-Harmonix Bass Balls (Russian Model), Boss Bass Overdrive.

Omar Tavarez (drums, vocals) makes Polestar all worthwhile. "I'd have to say Omar makes me sound about 30 times better than I actually am," says bassist Clark. Born in Washington Heights, NY, and raised in Miami, Omar began playing at a very early age, and was very much influenced by jazz and Latin music. He met up with the Polestar bunch at the University of Miami as a Jazz Performance Major. Omar's expansive resume includes playing with greats such as Ingrid Jensen, David Baker, Eliane Alias, and appearing on the Summer Promotional Tour with Paulina Rubio, 2002. Omar's influences are many, as well: Jano Rix (The Gabe Dixon Band), Steve Smith (Vital Tech Tones and Journey), Dennis Chambers (P-Funk), Dave Girabaldi (Tower of Power), Zigaboo Modeliste, Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin, & Wood), Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Steve Gadd (anything done with Chick Corea), and finally, Rosanna from Edens Crush.

Omar's Kit: (principle) Premier Artist Birch w/ assorted cymbals. (cocktail kit) Sonor Jungle Kit (direct from Germany!!!)