MEET THE CAST
Tim Mansell
CO-FOUNDER & DRUMS
In the 70’s & 80’s Tim was in the Birmingham based band ‘Palmino’ who were influenced by the West Coast US Music Scene and even supported Laurel Canyon Legends ‘Canned Heat’ on their last UK tour. It’s through Tim’s vision and passion of the Californian scene that California Dreamers was born.
Favourite Song From The Show – Love The One You’re With – Crosby, Stills & Nash
"Crosby Stills & Nash were a huge influence on me in my younger years, the songs are fantastic and ‘Love The One You’re With’ is such an iconic song from the Woodstock music scene."
Luke Gessner
LEAD MALE VOCALIST
Luke has been performing professionally for many years, credits include New York theatre Performances, production bands around the world and being a resident all star entertainer on top cruise ships!
Favourite Song From The Show - Elenore - The Turtles
"It's a strong favourite for me, mainly because it's by The Turtles, it really brings me out of my shell ;)"
Grace Palmer
CO-FOUNDER & LEAD FEMALE VOCALIST
Grace is a Singer/Songwriter born and bred in the Black Country and is currently working on her first album to be released in 2018. Grace is lead singer of Soul Band SoulCity7 and has been a performer (in more ways than one!) since the age of 14.
Favourite Song From The Show - Case Of You - Joni Mitchell
"The first time I heard 'Case Of You' it evoked such emotion within me, 'I could drink a case of you and I'd still be on my feet'...what better way to describe the feeling of being madly deeply in love?"
Dave Lilley
BASS & BACKING VOCALS
A graduate of Leeds College of Music, David is a keen composer and music technologist.
Having cut his teeth with groove kings “Funk-School” and “The Box Groove Coolers”, David has played with various function bands and orchestras across the North West and Midlands.
He is currently Head of Music at Tytherington School in Cheshire.
Favourite song from the show – "It's really hard to narrow it down, can I have 3?… Doctor My Eyes has such a great feel, Woodstock by Joni Mitchell demonstrates how great a songwriter she is and it’s funky to boot! Anything by Carole King though is just amazing. My Dad gave me his copy of Tapestry when I was just getting into writing music and it changed my whole world. She’s pretty much the complete musician in my eyes."
Tom Brookes
LEAD GUITAR
Tom has been a full time musician ever since graduating in 2007. He has taught and played extensively over the past decade with a wide range of acts including Motown legends The Velvelettes and Kiki Dee.
Favourite song from the show - It's Too Late Baby - Carole King
"It's hard to pick one, as I love all of the show, but for me Carole King has to be one of the greatest song writers of all time, and this song features some of my favourite guitar playing courtesy of the great Danny Kortchmar"
Mike Richardson
KEYS & BACKING VOCALS
Mike has been playing and composing music for over 30 years all over the country. He's been musical director for numerous productions in the Manchester area, and has composed music for BBC Radio 3, Wimbledon Theatre and, more recently, several musical commissions for Cheshire based festivals.
Favourite song from the show - Our House - Crosby, Stills & Nash
"I loved this song when it was used for a building society TV advert in the '90s! It has such a great melody and simple structure - the perfect pop song"
