Bio

Stone Crazy Pirates began in the fall of 2008, when the man of a thousand names hosted a party for International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Costumed celebrants decided to "invade" a competing party, making people walk the plank, and kidnapping those who agreed to come to their pirate party instead. Wearing pirate regalia, the partygoers marched through the city streets, singing sea chanteys and waving a full-sized Jolly Roger. It was decided that this sort of thing was too much fun to do but once a year. So the man of a thousand names declared himself Captain, and assembled a crew of talented musicians to perform a unique fusion of traditional music and modern rock.

The current crew roster:

Captain of a thousand names (vocals and recorder) studied music theory at the University of Pennsylvania and in 2008 was voted "Best Classical Artist" by readers of Current Magazine in Washtenaw County, Michigan. He is a cad and a scoundrel, and you shouldn't trust his silver tongue if doubloons or the virtue of your daughter are at stake.

Sarana VerLin (fiddle) has worked on projects with Don Was, Eminem producer Steve King and Marilyn Manson producer Ben Grosse. In 2009 and 2010, Sarana has won Detroit Music Awards in the categories of Acoustic Instrumentalist and Outstanding Folk Artist. And though she be female, she is as deadly with a blunderbuss as the most hardened man of fortune.

David Clipner (bass) was trained by the United States Marine Band. During his tenure as a Marine, he also taught new recruits how to kill with their bare hands, so don't mess with him. Clipner currently teaches sound engineering at Washtenaw Community College.

Dave Brandt (guitar) has played with Rochelle Clark and Ghost City Searchlight, among other acts. His pirate nickname be "Gentleman Dave," much to the amusement of his wife.

Tommy Coupar (drums) has played with Ghost City Searchlight and Sultry Surfers of the Apocalypse, and is good at fetching gunpowder in a sea battle. He's also a gosh darn cutie.

Joe Sleep (guitar and bass) be a scurvey scupperlout who will cut you as soon as look at you. He holds degrees in music performance and sound engineering, plays a mean lead, and can drink a fish under the table.