36 Cents and a Dream is an energetic band from Tempe, Arizona with a big sound. The band formed out of a friendship between lead singer Heli Lanz and guitar player Kagen Croswhite in 2004. That friendship has been a catalyst for great songwriting for over 6 years. Sitting on Kagen’s back porch, the two mulled over ideas for band names. After lots of discussion they had a list a mile long to look at and choose. Yet, nothing seemed to fit. Heli looked at Kagen and said casually, “All I have is a dream...my dream is to create great music.” Kagen reached into his pocket and threw down the contents onto the table. Amongst lint and guitar picks, 36 cents in change came flying out and the band name was created. The dream that life could be as simple as the two just sitting there, playing guitar in the summertime. The players changed as often as the band name did during the early years but the love of music and awe of the world around them is ever present in the music they create. As the music grew so did the dream. Troy Dixon was added on the bass guitar in 2008, and thanks to his tasty bass licks, things started to take a more definitive shape. The most recent addition to the band happened early in 2010 when drummer Bobby Thompson joined the ranks. He has brought a new life to the group and his influence will surely be felt as the band continues writing music. The band has been described as “Blues Rock” with a “presence and soul” so often lacking in music today. However, without proper funding, the production of an album “seemed so far away”, says front man Heli Lanz . Determined, they hit the scene with a mind to fund their album through a rigorous bar circuit. After two years, the record was complete and a very tight live act has resulted from their efforts in the local music scene. With a set of new soulful hooks, catchy rhythms, and blistering guitar work, the band is looking to record their second album and expand their audience. The band has enjoyed some local success with the release of their debut album “Long Ride Home” in March 2010. In their home state of Arizona, they have been able to capture the attention of audiences in venues of all sizes, while appealing to a variety of music lovers. The band is also seeking to venture outside of the valley to spread their music and to meet their future fans.
36 Cents and a Dream is an energetic band from Tempe, Arizona with a big sound. The band formed out of a friendship between lead singer Heli Lanz and guitar player Kagen Croswhite in 2004. That friendship has been a catalyst for great songwriting for over 6 years. Sitting on Kagen’s back porch, the two mulled over ideas for band names. After lots of discussion they had a list a mile long to look at and choose. Yet, nothing seemed to fit. Heli looked at Kagen and said casually, “All I have is a dream...my dream is to create great music.” Kagen reached into his pocket and threw down the contents onto the table. Amongst lint and guitar picks, 36 cents in change came flying out and the band name was created. The dream that life could be as simple as the two just sitting there, playing guitar in the summertime. The players changed as often as the band name did during the early years but the love of music and awe of the world around them is ever present in the music they create. As the music grew so did the dream. Troy Dixon was added on the bass guitar in 2008, and thanks to his tasty bass licks, things started to take a more definitive shape. The most recent addition to the band happened early in 2010 when drummer Bobby Thompson joined the ranks. He has brought a new life to the group and his influence will surely be felt as the band continues writing music. The band has been described as “Blues Rock” with a “presence and soul” so often lacking in music today. However, without proper funding, the production of an album “seemed so far away”, says front man Heli Lanz . Determined, they hit the scene with a mind to fund their album through a rigorous bar circuit. After two years, the record was complete and a very tight live act has resulted from their efforts in the local music scene. With a set of new soulful hooks, catchy rhythms, and blistering guitar work, the band is looking to record their second album and expand their audience. The band has enjoyed some local success with the release of their debut album “Long Ride Home” in March 2010. In their home state of Arizona, they have been able to capture the attention of audiences in venues of all sizes, while appealing to a variety of music lovers. The band is also seeking to venture outside of the valley to spread their music and to meet their future fans. 