Susan and Jim Hanke, now of the band SINGE, play at their wedding. (Contributed photo)

Lead guitarist for SINGE, Susan Hanke said, “Jim and I have played music together for 40-plus years.” The couple didn’t even stop for their wedding, as evidenced by the accompanying photo.

It was rare back in the early ’80s to see a female lead guitarist. When Susan played in a group called Undercover, they opened up for a band by the name of Duke Tomato and the Allstar Frogs. She enjoys reminiscing about the time she went up on stage to tune her instrument, prompting a crew member from Duke to approach Undercover’s other guitar player. “Hey man,” he said, “there’s some chick up on stage messing with your guitar!”

The Hankes are the founding members of SINGE. Jim took up bass and drums, and together they formed the band about five years ago. The name comes from a nickname Susan had in her early 20s. “In those days, Jim was my roadie,” she joked.

“The rest of the band came together where we live part time in South Florida,” Susan said, “where there are many musicians and many venues. We get along great and have compatible tastes in music.” Each member is a multi-instrumentalist, but their primary instruments with SINGE include Susan on guitar and harp, Jim on bass, Bentley Westfield on keys and Louie Diana on drums.

“We primarily play classic rock cover tunes but could also be called a variety band,” Susan said, “as we play some country and blues as well.”

Susan has copyrighted a few of her own original songs and the band has played them at gigs. SINGE continues to perform at a variety of venues, including festivals, bars, veteran clubs, special events and private parties.

Readers may follow SINGE on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZmyYpaGC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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A new resource is available for those who love making music. The Music Co-op (TMC) is a network for finding local musicians to collaborate with. Whether you sing, play an instrument or write songs, you are welcome to join, regardless of age or skill level. Membership is free. Call 906-428-2843, email lois.corcoran57@gmail.com or search “The Music Co-op – Delta County” on Facebook.