Rob Wenig aka Mojo started playing bass at the ripe old age of 22. He was first captivated by the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Clapton, Allmans, and Grateful Dead and then began a lifelong interest in jazz in high school. Rob studies with the Berkeley Jazz Workshop and also plays in a trio with guitar and piano. In 1992 he began playing 6-string bass (Michael Tobias Design) after being inspired, on more than a few occasions, by Phil Lesh. Rob has also been influenced by Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller, and Paul McCartney.
As a self-employed technical writer, Rob authors operation manuals for professional audio equipment. He lives in Berkeley with his wife Lisa and 3-year-old son, Skylar. The family cycles around town in style with their Burley bike trailer. Rob is also an avid mountain biker, riding his Yeti in Marin and to more exotic locations such as Tahoe, CO, and UT for annual adventures.
Lachlann Kane aka Plaid Man plays keyboards, sings, writes, and complains a lot. Besides being a veteran of Bay Area bands like the Usual Suspects, Strawman, Thirstn Howl, the Castaways, the Crawdads, The Webs, and The Sun Kings, he has had the pleasure of playing with Clarence Clemons, and Peter Tork from the Monkees. A Philadelphia native, he enjoys playing the funk-pop sound, and vocal doo-wop. He took his first piano lesson from a ruler-wielding nun in 1963, and has played religiously every since.
Harold Ohashi plays drums like a rock star dedicating his waking moments to the three D’s. Drums and two other academic pursuits that good taste prevents us from listing here. This has earned him the nickname “Triple D”. Born in the state of Hawaii Harold came to California on a balsa raft barely escaping the effects of hyperthermia. Legend has it that when they found young Harold washed up on shore and shivering it was in perfect ¾ time. Harold also drums for the legendary rock band Switchblade Nixon, lives in Pacifica, CA and enjoys off-roading to places law enforcement can’t find him.
Michael John Ahern (guitars and vocals) is a California born Emmy nominated ASCAP songwriter rooted in the music of the seventies. MJ's influences include Dicky Betts, Dan Folgelberg, Jerry Garcia, Rick Roberts, Toy Caldwell, Glenn Phillips and Warren Haynes. With a repertoire spanning the last century MJ is an accomplished studio musician and member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science. Michael is married and lives near Half Moon Bay, CA.
The Little Wheels Band Nov 2008
A West Coast Roots Rock and Americana Band with a mighty sound and a country flair some describe as "Cowboy Boots Meets Retro Roots.”
MJ Ahern and Lachlann Kane carry with them a decade long musical partnership sustained in this band by epic harmony and a "monstorous" rhythm section composed of percussionist Drew Pieros, bassist Rob Wenig, and drummer Harold Ohashi.
Gary Chiapetta plays pedal steel guitar insuring that a country twang is uniquely woven into the texture of most everything The Little Wheels Band does live.
LWB can turn on a dime from high energy rock and roll to the syncopated, the funky and then to straight ahead country. Milestones include 100 live performances and sharing the stage with Jefferson Starship, The Flying Other Brothers, Grapefruit Ed, Sara Evans, David Nelson Band, James Nash, and the Mystery Cats.
Other notable performances include the 2005 Jerry Garcia Amphitheater Dedication Concert in SF, CA and Main Stage performances at the HMB Pumpkin Festival. Spring 2007 LWB released their third album (The High Road), a strong collection of studio and live tracks . LWB recorded most of their 100 shows thanks to Borden Putnam and have posted some of this live music for free download .
Drew Pieros is a self-taught percussionist originating from New Jersey. Trained as an alto sax player from grade school, Drew realized his true musical calling and picked up percussion while attending college (MANY moons ago), and has been playing with a diverse group of musicians ever since. Accompanying a wide range of musical styles as far flung as reggae, jazz, R&B, folk rock, funk, and experimental instrumental music, Drew's excitement and enthusiasm for the Little Wheels' music is demonstrated in every performance. Aside from playing music, Drew is also a Dad to two great kids, and owns his own marketing research consultancy, PRC. After living stints in NJ, Boston, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz, Drew now makes his home amidst the lovely redwoods in Felton, CA.
Borden Putnam volunteers as the Little Wheels Band Sound Engineer and provides vocal harmony and great harmonica playing. Bo's musical influences are vast and rooted in classical, bluegrass, folk and rock bands of the late 60's and early 70's. Equal in passion is Bo's dedication to live sound reinforcement and the intricate science and magic involved in engineering live music from the stage to the audience.
Gary Chiappetta plays a peddle steel guitar bringing to the band over 40 years of country music tradition. Gary is a richly textural player with an amazing ear and excellent chops.
