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The Small Kicks

September 26, The Main Event

-A group of friends that love making music, love the feelings the music gives us, and love celebrating life with the people who feel it with us...

It was the mid ‘80s to early ‘90s on the Central Coast of California- Paso Robles to be exact. Five guys set out on their own, separate journeys to discover music, and the emotions felt from it in the small town of 15,000 people. Back then Paso was different. It was a quaint ranching town, nestled in the rolling oak hills, and anchored by our lady dragon we call Nacimiento. The boys were exposed to the classics, from Waylon, Willie, Kenny, and Dolly to more progressive acts that would frequent the Mid State Fair like Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Huey Lewis, and The Beach Boys. It was from this exposure, that they each began to craft their own sound, and love for music. Little did they know then, that they would be setting the table for what would become to be known as the “Paso Sound.”

Fast forward to 2010- these boys who had grown into men were shaped and molded by their youth, their struggles through early adulthood, and the pressures of everyday life. But through music, they connected with each other to find a way to express themselves.

The Small Kicks were raised by Paso, and now look to celebrate it- though sound, and laughter, and dancing, and they hope that others join them on their journey. After all, life is about just that- the journey.

The Small Kicks are: Benjamin Taylor
Billy Thompson
Jake Duarte
Dustin Bellew
Jason Slawson
Mike Wright Brady
Todd Andrew

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Rhythm guitarist Billy Thompson-

was Mike’s (singer) “shift leader” when they both worked at the original McDonalds by KMart in High School.

travels the West Coast and Northwest as a district manager for an international surf and skate retailer.

built his house in Paso himself with the help of family and friends over the course of 6 years.

Singer Mike Wright Brady-

his dad (Michael Wright) was a country DJ at KDDB/KPRL in the early 80’s.

Although not adopted, he took his step dad’s last name (Brady) to honor him, before Mike got married.

Met his wife Alyson when they were 11, told her mom when they were 14 that he would marry her daughter, and then proposed to her in the gym at Flamson, holding a private “dance” for her.

Guitarist Dustin Bellew-

Met Mike when they were 7 and 8 and they became like brothers.

is an accomplished Tattoo Artist, and graphic designer, designing art for a number of local and national projects including roller derby, breweries, hot sauces, and other things.

Has worked at Advance Adapters for over 15+ years.

Lead Guitarist Todd Andrew-

was a child prodigy guitarist and was looked to as a “Guitar Hero” by his classmates at Paso High growing up, including Mike, Billy, and Dustin.

Is an accomplished film and television composer working out of his home studio in Paso. You can hear his creations on all major networks, Disney TV themes, and commercials across the country.

may or may not have been part of a team who was responsible for “acquiring” the Taco Bell “bell” on 24th street (allegedly)

Bassist Jason Slawson-

is the only member of the band that carries an automatic weapon at work.
Played in the Paso Robles High School marching band.
Plays on the worship team at his local church in Paso.

Keyboardist Benjamin Taylor-

Leads worship at his church in Paso.

His mom was Mike’s Homeroom Aid/ teacher in 6 and 7th grade at Flamson!<

Jake is a crossfitter, and also a twin!

Drummer Jake Duarte-

Is an accomplished competition BMX bike rider.

Plays and has played in numerous local bands including the punk band Mother F Bomb, and turn of the century local favorite “43” (in which Dustin also played)

is the ONLY Greyhound in the band (shhhh)