The Strapping Owls

Nicholas Barron: Vocals, Words & Guitar

Nicholas is a highly celebrated Chicago singer-songwriter. He is known for his soulful voice, acrobatic singing, gutsy guitar playing and remarkable improvisation.

James Taylor has called him "undeniable"! Wayne jackson of the Memphis Horns says he's the real deal.

Nicholas is well known for his band, “Swimmer” which he stated with drummer Steve Gillis, who went on to play with “Filter.” Swimmer's two records, both called “The best record from Chicago” by WXRT’s (93.1) Local Anesthetic host Richard Milne. Playboy Magazine called them “the best band in the Midwest”.

Fred Bueltmann: Sousaphone
Fred's musical roots start in Chicago where he studied bass, tuba and composition at DePaul University, before founding the band Uncle Heavy in the Seeing Eye Horns, in the mid nineties. He melds R&B, funk, rock & blues with a jazz influenced perspective. He brings the sousaphone into the rock and roll context with assertiveness and ingenuity.

Known as "The Beervangelist", Fred lives in Michigan, where he is an owner of New Holland Brewing Company.


Larry Beers: Drums
A versatile and prolific drummer in the Chicago area, live and in the studio, Larry can be heard playing percussion on a number of local and national artist’s records, across many styles, inlcuding Mucca Pazza, Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra, Michael McDermott, Ezra Furman, Ben Joseph and a host of others. His history includes Sonia Dada, Uncle Heavy and the Seeing Eye Horns as well as the Charming Beggars.