"Asparagii is a band that is hard to nail into a specific genre, and that's good.  Jam-based with whiffs of reggae and spacey-folk along with touches of whatever tosses their confetti that night is pretty much what they're about."  ~ Paddy Fineran, Kenosha News


Asparagii is a New Wave, “Jam Band” from southeastern Wisconsin which features Avant-Garde musical improvisation served on a plate of original compositions and hand picked covers. With their exceptional songcraft and propensity to cross genre boundaries, every show is incomparable to the next. While managing to win over new comers and maintaining the loyalty of their fans, Asparagii continues to radiate an immense amount of energy engaging listeners in an emotionally uplifting experience; taking them on an adventure without leaving the room. In addition to their Live Music Phenomena, the three piece has even been known to play games, such as Simon Says, with their audience, including them as part of the show.

Asparagii, now endorsed by Steve Clayton, Inc., has captivated audiences at venues around the Midwest such as; The Abbey, The Rave, The Brat Stop, The Frequency, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Underground Lounge, Elbo Room, Red Line Tap, Goose Island, Wildlife Refuge, and many more. They have performed along side; The Big Wu, Umphreys McGee, Cosmic Railroad, Terry n the Front, Richard Cranium, Delta 9 Band, Roster McCabe among many others. The three piece has also entertained at many festivals including; Fungus Fest (2009, 2010), SRIM Fest (2011), Harvest Fest (2008, 2009, 2010), Hoe Down (2008, 2009, 2010), Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering (2011), Abominable Snow Ball (2008), Folk Off (2009), as well as hosted and set up their own Festivals and Special Events including; New Years Eve (2009, 2010), Log Jam (2009-2010 ), Earth Day Celebration (2011), 4th of July Fest (2008, 2009, 2011), and Burning Jam (2008).

Pre 2007

Jay and Mike Bielarczyk performed together numerous times throughout the years, but it was after a particular gig at the Showboat Theater in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, when they decided to unite. The two cousins tossed their musical skills, ideas, and some of their finest ingredients into a bag, kicked it around a bit, threw it in the microwave, and out came ~Asparagii.

Oct. 2007 to Aug. 2010

Asparagii first unfolded as a two piece, folk, reggae band, captivating audiences with their feel good, acoustic, homey sound. Continuing to evolve and shape the band, Jay and Mike began indulging in effects, keyboards, and occasional loops. During this time, the two cousins explored their ground, found their niche, and began writing many of the songs they still play today.

Aug. 2010 to Present

It wasn’t until a particular gig on August 27, 2010 at Stevens in Gurnee, IL, when Marc Eaton officially joined the band creating the very backbone needed to successfully escape the boundaries of a traditional Local Band. As a three piece, Asparagii started out offering a unique approach to folk reggae, with a jammy rock, blugrassy, space funk feel. Constantly tweaking their sound, the band evolved into the “New Wave, Jam Band” they are today. Mike and Jay upgraded to their electric guitars (still occasionally using their acoustics) and began using effects to simulate the bass. Now with the addition of Marc, reinforcing them with tight and progressive percussion, you get a recipe for an innovative, fresh new sound, anyone could easily find them self moving their hips to. Not only does Marc add his own personality to the mix, but he takes the Guitar Duo to new heights allowing them to take you places only imaginable before. Continuing to evolve, the three compliment each other on stage radiating an immense amount of energy, managing to win over new comers and maintaining the loyalty of their devoted fans. Asparagii continues to engage listeners in an emotionally uplifting experience; taking them on an adventure without leaving the room. From uplifting melodies with dark haunting lyrics, to funky bluegrass jingles with enchanting falsetto, they will certainly keep you guessing at every show.

Bonus Round Productions is Asparagii's very own Indie label and production company. With a DIY attitude, BRP was started by Mike Bielarczyk in late 2007 when Asparagii was born. BRP provides a variety of servces for Asparagii and many other brands ranging from; graphics design, booking, managing, production, distribution, marketing, promotion, publishing, live sound, recording, video, lighting, publishing, web design, artwork, and more... Contact: bonusroundproductions@asparagii.com

Members:

*Mike Bielarczyk (Guitar, Vocals, Keys)
*Jay Bielarczyk (Guitar, Vocals, Keys)
*Marc Eaton (Drums, Vocals, Percussion)



Jay:

Jay currently lives in Burlington WI. He spent his adolescent years moving between cities in Wisconsin and Florida. After graduating from High School in Port Richey, FL, Jay went to Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, OR, where he majored in Music. He continued his music education at the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Racine, WI. On June 23rd 2004, Jay's beautiful daughter Cassidy Hope was born. She can be seen onstage dancing and hoola-hooping at many shows. She is also the inspiration for many of the quirky pop covers the band has done over time. Jay co founded the band "Red Phone Fetish" and has played with many bands and musicians in the area and around the country. And now he is endorsed by Steve Clayton Inc. Premium guitar picks and accessories www.steveclayton.com

 



Mike:

From Carol Stream, IL, Mike studyied music theory at the College of Dupage and graduated with a BA in Arts Entertainment and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago where he studied under Martin Atkins of Tour Smart, Pigface, Invisible Records, NIN, etc. and many more.  Mike was the former front man of the band “Razz-Barey Jam," performed solo and with a number of musicians throughout the years. He is also the mastermind behind Bonus Round Productions, Asparagii’s record label, publishing, and promotion company. Among many other things, Mike is the graphics designer and art director behind the Asparagii website and merchandise.  And now he is endorsed by Steve Clayton Inc. Premium guitar picks and accessories www.steveclayton.com 





Marc:

Marc Eaton is a phenomenal drummer from Kenosha, WI who currently performs with Asparagii and many other bands whom some of you may know: Idea Men, Delta 9 Band, Matt Meyers, Richard Cranium, and more. Not only does Marc add his own personality to the mix, but he takes the Guitar Duo to new heights allowing them to take you places only imaginable before.