In the summer of 2005, four strappin' lads, each from different walks of life, found themselves on the same 'pickin' porch', in Ballston Spa, New York. They gathered there to breathe life into amusical vision...a mutation beyond bluegrass...a sound that was equal parts 'pop' and 'hillbilly' ...a show that would provoke foot stompin' knee slappin', and elbow bangin' ...a good ol' time. They struck a chord...Happy Balky and the Good Livin' was born. Leading this motley pack is the lightning tongued frontman/singer/songwriter, Zac Kissinger (aka Odie Morningstar). He can literally spit a rhyme faster than anyone on the planet, and is never shy about using this freakish skill to steal an audience. In 2002 Zac graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Music Production & Engineering. he is also the mastermind behind the post-folk due Tentacles Heavenward (which features Broadway veteran, Brittny Kissinger). Armed with an acoustic guitar and an absurd imagination, he has set out to take his gift of songcraft in an entirely new direction. To make mountain music, you've got to have that 'twang'...That's where banjo savant John Mysliwiec (aka Glenn Bacon) fits in. Having gigged as a lead guitarist in the heavy metal/hardcore circuit for years, John is tried and true. His fingers are quick, and he brings an unexpected edge to both the band and the claw-hammer banjo. Specializing in harmonica and mandoline is the diversely talented Chris Ronk (aka The Stranger). Having studied classical since the age of three, this collaboration is a giant step off the beaten path for Chris. He finds melodic anchor in his classical roots, while effortlessly freckling each song with lead mandoline lines that are as intricat as they are catchy. An avid collector of obscure instruments, Chris is known for seasoning Happy Balky's stage show by incorporating his banjolin, kalimba, ozark harp, toy piano, lap steel, ukulele, kazoo, accordian, pan flute...and tap shoes. Rounding out the bands sound is Joe Mancini (aka Stagger Lee), on the fretless bass guitar. Fresh of his world travels, Joe has returned home with an insatiable desire to pursue his musical goals. His jazz background is the cherry on top of this backwoods string band's unique sound. Happy Balky and the Good Livin'may very well be the next generation of bluegrass mania, as they offer a refreshing sense of youth and energetic stage command to a genre where such is rarley found. Their strain of 'mountain pop' is melodically pleasant and lyrically outlandish...their songs leave audiences in stiches. Zac's method of storytelling is both comedic and witty...listeners hang on every word, whether or not they intend to. Though their career is still budding, Happy Balky already have 25 original tunes, which makes for a solid 2 1/2 hours of entertainment. They will be Headlining a friday night performance at Saratoga's prestigious Caffe Lena, opened shows for both Tentacles Heavenward and Kevin McKrell of the Mckrells, and played numerous charity events to support Hurricane Katrina relief and 'The Center for Hope.' A Happy Balky show is a one of a kind experience. when this band takes the stage, everyone present is guaranteed great music and an even greater time!