AARON LEE KAPLAN'S FLYING OSTRICH BAND
Aaron Lee Kaplan’s Flying Ostrich Band is the name of the new project from singer/songwriter Aaron Lee Kaplan. Kaplan is known for playing resonator guitar and has been gaining a reputation throughout the Midwest for his slide and fingerstyle guitar playing and his humorous yet thought-provoking original songs. His music incorporates a wide variety of influences and has been described as Twisted Blues. The group features drummer Tommy Clasen. Clasen is a veteran of the central Wisconsin music scene and has played drums with many groups including The Lizardz and North Bound Train. Clasen has helped to flesh out Kaplan’s sound and to catch the attention of new audiences. While currently Aaron Lee Kaplan’s Flying Ostrich Band is usually performing as a 2-piece, they also have a rotating group of musicians who play with them on various occasions. The group is currently performing frequently throughout the Midwest and is in the process of recording an album.
Smiley's Blues is out now on all digital platforms!
Aaron Lee Kaplan is a blues/folk guitarist and singer/songwriter from Marshfield, WI. He is known for playing resonator guitar and has been gaining a reputation throughout the Midwest for his slide and fingerstyle guitar playing and his humorous yet thought-provoking original songs. He usually plays as a duo with drummer Tommy Clasen, but can also play solo as one-man-band by using foot percussion. His music incorporates a wide variety of influences and has been described as Twisted Blues. When performing, Kaplan does a mix of originals and unique versions of familiar classic blues, rock and folk songs.
Kaplan started writing songs and playing guitar around the age of 12, and by the age of 15, he began performing at coffee shops, restaurants and bookstores. In September 2017, Kaplan released his EP Some Sunny Day. One of the songs from that EP, “It Is What It Is”, was included on the Wisconsin Roots Music Co-Op 2019 Compilation CD. In March 2020, he released his album Dairyland, a collection of original guitar instrumentals inspired by life in Wisconsin. Both releases have received regional radio air play. He is currently performing throughout the Midwest and just released his new album, Smiley’s Blues, in December 2022.
-“Aaron Lee Kaplan has been making waves throughout the Wisconsin music scene with his unique blend of traditional delta blues and his amazing slide guitar work.”-Revolution One Entertainment
-“An absolutely fabulous acoustic blues guitarist.”-HH Hinder Brewing Company, Waupaca, WI
-"Stop in and listen to this guy! Raspy but yet smooth vocals accompanied by his insane guitar skills."-Hoozels Bar, Wisconsin Rapids
-“It's been called ‘Twisted Blues.’ Aaron plays a mix of rock, blues and folk, liberally mixing covers and originals to put together an evening of acoustic guitar virtuosity, great songwriting - let's call it the Crooked Blues, shall we?”- Historic Trempealeau Hotel