Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to wedding entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards, and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.
In addition to their well-oiled wedding reception dance party, they offer a classical and contemporary string trio for your ceremony. To add even more sophistication to your wedding, they also offer a jazz quartet that is perfect for cocktail hour. Brena Band provides professional sound and lighting, emcee, and DJ services. Send Brena Band a message for more details!
Craig Avery - Keyboards/Vocals/Booking
Craig developed an interest in music at a very young age. In the wee hours of the night, his dad would put on MTV and play 80’s music videos until he fell asleep. Craig started taking piano lessons at the age of 4 and the rest is history.
Craig graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He studied jazz, classical, and new age piano, and played in every ensemble that the university had to offer. He was on staff as an accompanist for music students, and frequently performed at high profile university events. He is featured on numerous recordings with musicians and bands in West Michigan including: Paradise Outlaw, Barrel Bones, Travis Atkinson, Deep Greens and Blues, Danielle Cosby, and many more.
He loves to spend time with his beautiful wife, Carly, and adorable daughter, Anniston, as well as his furry companions, Henry and Milo. He enjoys playing golf, frequently visits Mackinaw Island, loves charter fishing on Lake Michigan, and is meticulous about manicuring his lawn. Craig also leads worship at Daybreak Church in Hudsonville with Carly.
Name: Steffan L Copenhaver
On the stage: Vocals, Trumpet, Guitar, and Violin. Not at the same time though.
Off the stage: #1 Wife. 2 Cats. 5-piece Stage Custom. 2022 God of War.
Behind the Scenes Superpowers: OnSong Pilot. Backing up the toiliet trailer.
Favorite After-Gig activity: Kraft Mac & Cheese.
Secret Big Time Regret: Knowing that I'll never be able to capably express the appreciation I have for each person who decides to include us in their nights out; Or how thankful I am for the guys in this band that work and play their sacks off (or "Sax" if you're Michele) so that I can do the dopest job on the planet.
Preferred way to write a bio: Old School MySpace Survey Archetype circa 2007.
Inspiration for daily life:
“I’m not worried about any of this”
- Tim Robinson as (unnamed) host of Coffin Flop
“Be a Friend. Tell a friend something nice, it might change their life.”
- Pat McAfee
Meet Sean Copenhaver, a musical aficionado celebrated for his captivating vocals, guitar finesse, and a flair for the trombone. His musical adventure began with the alluring melodies of the cello!
Transitioning from the cello, Sean ventured into the realm of guitar, seamlessly blending classical influences with contemporary beats. But here's the scoop – beyond his musical talents, he's a maestro in the world of audio, crafting soundscapes and mixes that transport listeners.
Sean's performances are a seamless blend of heartfelt singing and skillful guitar strumming that weave tales of musical magic. His stage presence effortlessly combines serious musical talent with an infectious sense of joy.
Whether serenading the crowd, strumming along on his guitar, or infusing the scene with trombone power that resonates through the air, Sean Copenhaver is the guy who makes musical moments shine, leaving audiences enchanted and eagerly anticipating his next performance!
Sam Parks, the seasoned guitarist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, boasts over 25 years of musical prowess, channeling his versatile style into the heart of classic rock from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. A driving force in the band Brena for nearly a decade, Sam's exceptional guitar skills have made them a staple in the local music scene. In 2020, he embarked on his own musical venture, founding Rusty and the Razorblades, where he passionately delves into his favorite classic rock deep cuts. Beyond the stage, Sam finds joy riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, embracing the freedom of the open road, and immerses himself in hands-on home improvement projects and yard work, showcasing the same dedication and attention to detail that define his musical craft. Sam Parks is not just a guitarist; he's a storyteller, craftsman, and adventurer, leaving an indelible mark on the Grand Rapids music scene.
Sam Briggs has been playing drums with Brena for the past ten years. Prior to his time with the band, he received an associate's degree in Recording Technology from the Grand Rapids Community College. Aside from playing in Brena, Sam teaches private drum lessons, plays for several churches in the Grand Rapids area, and fills in with a number of other local acts. In the winter of 2020, he and fellow Brena guitar player Sam Parks started a classic rock band called Rusty and The Razorblades as well. Outside of performing, Sam enjoys time spent with his cat, practicing yoga, riding his Harley Davidson, and driving his DeLorean Motor Car.
Matt Kok
Born and raised on the West Side of Grand Rapids, Matt has been playing music professionally since the age of 20. He is a jack of all trades and master of none, as evidenced by his associates degree in "General Studies." He focused his efforts on acoustic guitar and electric bass after studying classical guitar at GRCC. Offstage, Matt is an accomplished juggler, while also enjoying mountain biking, unicycling, and discovering new ways to eat bacon. He's the guy who always has a spare battery, that weird cable for that one thing, and he always knows his parts (or if he doesn't he'll distract you by balancing a bass guitar on his face.)
Michele, a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, began playing sax under the guidance of Trent Kynaston at the age of 14. In her early 20's, she called Florida home, earning her degree from FIU and fronting the band, THE EDGE. In 2014, Michele met and became a member of Brena! The other men in Michele's life are: Philippe, her extraordinary husband; Parker, their hilariously charming son; and Tigger, the lovable mini Aussie who keeps the beat at home. Offstage, Michele delights in savoring sushi, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through workouts, indulging in game nights with friends, and cherishing quality moments with her loved ones.
Is an award winning singer-actress from Grand Rapids. Her 20 year career boasts professional credits in musical theater concert performing, guest artist for symphonies, headlining her own shows on major US cruise lines, and in gay clubs all over! She is also musical theatre voice faculty at Western Michigan University, and teaches private lessons in her studio in Grand Rapids. Kelly is a licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in voice disorders and singing voice rehabilitation with a masters degree from University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.
Kelly sings all the notes. Her fierce vocal prowess is matched only by her big hair and fake eyelashes. If she HAD spare time, she would spend it traveling with her husband Rob and her two kiddos, Joe and Brielle. If she had spare money, she’d spend it growing her wardrobe of animal print and sequins.
www.kellycareyvoicestudio.com
Km Denton
Born in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Comstock Park High School in 1971. I am a proud West Michigander and have lived in and around the city most of my life. I love showing everyone how alive and well music is in our area.
My career in music started in 1977 behind a lighting board. When that first band purchased some upgraded sound equipment, my professional journey began.
It has been 45 years behind sound boards listening to great musician's and stars make incredible musical moments in time. The music has taken me all across the United States and the world. I actually got to do a live world broadcast from a stone amphitheater at the ruins in Pompeii Italy.
To me, everytime musician's perform is a chance to share with them as they create a musical moment and memories. I always enjoy every performance and always learn something new.