Westlake

James Mays + Director // Voice / Guitar / Bass / Songwriting / Bands / Music Business / Record Production

James Mays votes on the Grammys.  He is the creator of SXSW Underage, The Kids Are Alright Fest and Band Aid School of Music. Mays has served as production director of the Miami Music Festival, assistant production manager for SXSW Music and a producer of both NAMM’s School Jam USA and ACL Fest.

As a teenager, Mays began earning his living as a singer. His performing credits range from CBGB’s to Emo’s, to London’s Troubadour by way of Carnegie Hall. His works can be heard in film, television and commercials, including one debuted by Bono as the score for Nike’s Red Campaign. In 2017 Austin City Council and Mayor named October 12, “James Mays Founder of Band Aid School of Music Day” for his past, present and future contribution to Austin’s musical legacy.

Mays’ most current band, mrandmrsmays, earned top ten ranking from many college and AAA radio stations across the country. He began teaching young people in 1991 and has done so since his return to Austin in 2001.

Current Bands:  Jonny 8 Track, mrandmrsmays,  Bob Popular

Andy Tenberg + Education Director // Guitar / Bass / Piano / Drums / Voice / Ukulele / Bands / Record Production

Andy is a root and jazz-trained musician from Austin, TX. His first lessons in 1996 were for guitar and piano but have since expanded to voice, electric bass, ukulele and drums. Andy has been teaching music since 2006 and has a degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to teaching at Band Aid and working as a side-man, Andy plays with Tomar & The FCs: a five-piece, original funk and soul band. Andy played ACL Fest in 2016 and 2017. Lastly, Andy has recently started a music production label that writes and records music for TV, film, video games and more. Whether your goal is to be able to jam around a campfire, write and record a song, apply to music college, or start a band, Andy will write a curriculum just for you.

Current Bands:  Tomar & The FCs

Wes Armstrong + Operations Manager // Drums / Piano / Guitar / Bass / Bands

Wes Armstrong has been playing since 2001 and drumming professionally for fourteen years. He has experience in concert percussion, marching percussion, recording, songwriting and music production. Wes honed his craft under teachers such as Ryan Thomas, Stephen Bidwell, Monte Warden and Brandi Warden. Wes has been an official SXSW artist multiple times and recorded on more than 10 different records. He marched with The James Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble, which was ranked 4th in the state of Texas and 10th overall in the nation. As part of the James Bowie High School Jazz Band, Wes won Outstanding Soloist as a drummer and the group placed 1st overall in the Essentially Ellington Southern Regional contest, winning the opportunity to perform on the main stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Music Festival. Wes also marched with Austin Independent and participated in WGI contests including world championships. You can catch Wes performing in Austin and beyond with his current projects Foxtales, Nick Adamo band, Russel Taine Jr. and Fragile Rock among others. Wes is excited to show you how to be the best drummer you can be and to share his love of music with you.

Current Bands:  Foxtales, Nick Adamo band, Russel Taine Jr. , Fragile Rock

Candice Lynette Sanders + Piano / Voice / Songwriting

Candice Lynette Sanders is a passionate and accomplished musician with over 15 years of experience in the music industry. Born with an innate talent for music, Candice began cultivating her skills at an early age, developing a unique ability to play and sing by ear. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her natural aptitude for learning and performing, has made her a versatile artist and a prominent figure in the Austin, Texas music scene.

Candice’s journey in music began with formal education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music from The University of Texas at Austin in 2004. During her time at UT, she performed at Carnegie Hall with the University of Texas Concert Choral under the direction of Suzanne Pence, showcasing her talent on an international stage. She also holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, which highlights her multifaceted background.

Currently, Candice is the lead singer, keyboardist, and creative force behind Candi and the Muthaload (formerly known as Candiland). Since 2011, this dynamic group has captivated audiences with performances at iconic venues such as Antone’s, Threadgill’s, One2One, and the Sahara Lounge. Their debut album, Rumble in the Playground, released in 2012, was recorded at VMG Studios with renowned producer AJ Vallejo.

In addition to her work with Candi and the Muthaload, Candice is the keyboard player and backup vocalist for the legendary band Kool and Together. With this group, she has graced stages at the Lincoln Center in New York City and performed at high-profile events like SXSW. Her collaborations with Kool and Together further solidified her reputation as a talented and adaptable performer.

Candice’s career is also marked by her involvement in numerous past projects. She was a lead vocalist and keyboardist for Natalie Zoe from 2007 to 2013, contributing to recordings and performing at esteemed venues like the Saxon Pub and Güero’s. As a backup vocalist, she worked with the Adam McInnis Band and Alpha Rev, recording on multiple albums and performing at premier music festivals, including Austin City Limits and Texas Rock Fest. She also lent her voice and talent to artists such as Ruthie Foster, Christian Castro, and Bernie Calcote, as well as collaborating with celebrated acts like Blue October and Vallejo.

Her extensive experience extends beyond live performances. Candice has recorded with various artists and studios, contributing vocals and keyboard arrangements to a range of musical projects. Her ability to quickly learn and adapt to new styles, including singing in Spanish for performances with Christian Castro, underscores her dedication and professionalism.

Throughout her career, Candice has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, maintaining a rigorous practice schedule and honing her craft to deliver exceptional performances. Whether leading her band or supporting other artists, her energy, creativity, and passion for music shine through in every note.

Current Bands: Candi And The Muthaload, Kool and Together

Josh Mosier + Guitar / Bass / Drums / Piano / Music Production

Josh was born and raised in Austin and was lucky enough to form a band starting in 3rd grade. He stuck with the same bassist and drummer all the way through high school, and played several shows around Austin. They played in a Jazz band as well which helped them dial in a funky/bluesy jamming style.

Josh also began producing his own songs when he was around 12 and became very passionate about songwriting and music production. Band Aid was definitely an inspiration and huge help early on in his career, as Josh took voice lessons with our own James Mays in high school.

Josh honed his guitar playing while attending college in New Orleans and studying music business and jazz. He played with bands around the city at great venues like Tipitinas and other Nola staples. Josh really enjoys working with bands, the interaction between the instruments, and rehearsing to put on a great show. After moving back to Austin in 2019, he started sharing his passion with the next generation by teaching lessons at Band Aid. When he is not teaching lessons he is writing and producing new music.

Listen to Josh Mosier on Spotify

Satchel Williams + Guitar / Drums / Bass / Piano / Vocals

Satchel is a proud Band Aid alumni and an active participant in the Austin music scene. Playing in blues, soul, funk, rock and indie ensembles, he loves improvisation, song craft and melody. Satchel is studying at UT Austin and playing in the Tinted Vision band.

Zeke Zimmerman + Bass / Piano / Voice

Zeke Zimmerman has been teaching music for the past nine years. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, he grew up immersed in the local music scene as the son of jazz musicians Randy Zimmerman and Texas Music Hall of Famer Tina Marsh. A graduate of McCallum Fine Arts Academy, he went on to study both music and dance at Texas State University.

Zeke’s musical journey began with piano lessons at an early age, taught by his father. In high school, when he expressed interest in playing guitar, he was encouraged to pick up the bass instead—an instrument he quickly became enamored with.

In addition to his instrumental work, Zeke has been a dedicated tap dancer for 28 years. His training at Tapestry Dance Company led to a role as a Principal Dancer in their professional repertory company, where he performed in productions such as Of Mice and Music: A Jazz Tap Nutcracker, In Your Shoes, Sound & Silence, April Fools, and The Souls of Our Feet. He has also performed at festivals including Soul to Sole and DancEncore in Trois-Rivières, Canada.

Beyond dance, Zeke has taken the stage in musical theater, appearing as King Herod in the Wimberley Players’ 2016 production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

As a musician, he has performed in a wide range of styles around town, including indie rock, progressive metal, jazz, and soul/funk. Over the years, he has worked as a vocalist, bassist, and tap dancer alongside artists such as Dr. James Polk & Centerpeace, Jazz P.R., Alex Coke, The Creative Opportunity Orchestra, Ian Moore, and the Jamey Simms Band. He currently plays bass in the local Funk/Rock group The Holy Child and the Elton John tribute Captain Fantastic (led by Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys); and he is also the lead vocalist for the local tributes Taste Of Purple (a tribute to Deep Purple) and War Pigs (a tribute to Black Sabbath).

The Holy Child: Instagram, Facebook, Distrokid: Spotify, Apple Music,  

Taste of Purple (Deep Purple Tribute) Facebook: