Dale Michaels - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keys, Harmonica
Dale was born in 1974. He first sang live in front of a crowd when he was just 5 years old, standing on top of a red milk crate. The song? Kenny Rogers Lucille, alongside his dad, grandpa and the Cousineau family band, which consisted of brothers, sisters, and other family members. The location? A little country place called Bentley. Dale has been burning down Michigan country joints since he was 17 years old.Dale first started playing with the band Top Notch Country in his teenage years. The band practiced in a local garage with drummer Wayne, guitar picker Mark, and Dale's brother Cory playing the bass. Wayne was Mark's father and he handled all management, promotion, and finances for the band. Wayne was the dream maker and ensured Top Notch Country's young musicians had enough gear, instruments, and the tools they needed to make their dreams come true. Throughout his early career, Dale continued to make a name for himself playing with some of Michigan's most notable country bands and stars. Bands including the Ramblin Rose, 80 Proof, Eldorado, and White Lighting. Playing with Delvin Shorts, Kenneth Hunter, Jerry Ward, Tim Rowley, Lewis Studer, and Jeff Wallikangas. Through these formative experiences, Dale honed his own sound.Eventually, Dale formed the Steel Wheel Band with musician and friend Les Schwab. With Steel Wheels, Dale traveled to several states, venues, and festivals. Steel Wheel Band opened for several country music stars, including Joe Diffie, Kentucky Head Hunters, Aaron Tippin, David Allen Coe, Black Hawk, Josh Gracin, Confederate Railroad, Sawyer Brown and many more.Dale's original song, Twister Took Our Town, made it to radio airplay and Dale donated the proceeds he earned from that accomplishment to the victims of the Sanford dam collapse. The donations bought appliances for the victims who lost their homes and valuables.You can now find Dale playing guitar, blues harp, and piano with StageDrivers, a group consisting of great vocals, raw talent, musical drive, and experience! Join Dale on his journey to rekindle his passion for country music and writing more original material.
Jeff Walikangas - Vocals, Bass Guitar
Jeff was born and raised in mid-Michigan. Jeff received his first guitar when he was just 6 years old and started playing full time at 14. Jeff developed his musical education in Boston in the 80s, and eventually formed a band, Romeo Ridge, in 1984. In 1988, Romeo Ridge won the national talent competition, “The True Value Country Showdown.” Jeff moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he became a songwriter, record producer, publisher, road and studio musician.Throughout the years, Jeff has recorded music with Kenny Chesney, Johnny Paycheck, Tim McGraw, Waylon Jennings, Tracy Lawrence, John Anderson, Joe Stampley, Moe Bandy, Jeff Cook, Hank Cochran, Tommy Cash, Bobby Randall, and Ronnie McDowell. Jeff has shared the stage with country royalty, including George Strait, Alabama, Billy Jo Royal, Tammy Wynetter, Bobby Randall, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Eddie Rabbitt, Randy Travis, Billie Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio, Lorrie Morgan, Bellamy Brothers, Pattie Loveless, Mickey Gilley, Marty Stuart, Vern Gosdin, Wade Hayes, Mitch Ryder, Leroy Parnell, and Ketucky Headhunters.Additionally Jeff has appeared on Crook and Chase, Nashville Now, and at the Grand Ole Opry. Jeff and Stagedrivers bandmate Jeff Ryers formed Dawsome Demos providing polished demos for songwriters and bands.Currently, you can find Jeff playing with Stone Street Revival, the Claim Jumpers and StageDrivers.
Lewis Studer is a proud native of Midland, Michigan. Lewis has been carrying the torch for country music since he first picked up an instrument at just ten years old. Blending classic country sounds with the energy of ‘90s country, Lewis brings a timeless, heartfelt style to every stage he steps on.Over the years, Lewis has been a member of several well-known regional bands, including County Kids, Rapid River Express, Misty Moon, and New Horizon. Today, he performs with Stagedrivers, continuing to share his love of traditional country and honky-tonk music with audiences across Michigan and beyond. A true musician’s musician, Lewis’ talent has earned him recognition throughout his career, including the Bear Award and the Chesaning Showboat Award for Best Instrumentalist and Vocal Group.Whether he’s playing at a lively outdoor festival, a smoky old honky-tonk, or a community benefit, Lewis Studer brings authenticity, passion, and a deep respect for the roots of country music. Offstage, he’s known for giving back to his community, often performing at benefit events and local gatherings and always keeping the spirit of country music alive and close to home.Lewis Studer - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Jeff was born and raised in Reese, Michigan. Jeff found his love for playing drums deep in his grandma’s cupboards, playing on her pots and pans with wooden spoons. Every Christmas after, Jeff was gifted with a brand-new set of toy drums. Inevitably, by Christmas night, the heads of those drums were worn and broken because he spent the whole day playing. Jeff got his first snare drum when he was 5 years old. His love for drums only grew from there. Jeff’s love for country music came from his parents listening to Waylon Jennings, Conway Twitty, Eddie Rabbit, and Kenny Rodgers in his childhood home. Jeff’s first paying gig was on the Bavarian Inn stage in Frankenmuth, Michigan before he was old enough to drive a car. From that point on Jeff continued to play with various bands across Michigan. Billboard chart success came when Jeff joined John Patrick and Most Wanted. With Most Wanted, Jeff realized a childhood dream come true by sharing the stage with Waylon Jennings. Throughout his career, Jeff has had the opportunity to share the stage with Martina McBride, Joe Diffie, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Bryan White, John Michael Montgomery, Neil McCoy, Kentucky Headhunters, Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless, Steve Wariner, and many others. Jeff also played drums for Nashville Curb Records recording artist, Jeff Carson. Additionally, Jeff was involved in many recording sessions in Nashville and across the Midwest. Jeff and Stagedrivers bandmate Jeff Walikangas formed Dawsome Demos providing polished demos for songwriters and bands.Jeff decided to focus on his family and took time off from playing for several years. He retired from UPS in May 2025 after 37 years of service. Jeff and his wife Heather currently live in Swartz Creek, Michigan and enjoy spending time with their three daughters and two grandchildren. Jeff is happy to be playing full time again with StageDrivers. Jeff is proud to play with not only a group of very talented musicians, but is even more proud to call them friends. 
Jeff Ryers - Drums,Percussion