Every community has certain people who just make it a better place. They bring people together, give their time, and usually don’t ask for much recognition in return.
In St. James, one of those people is my good friend Mike Haase. Most people know Mike as the founder of Mike’s Garage Band. I’ve been fortunate enough to know Mike personally for many years, and if you know Mike, you know the band is only part of the story.
When Mike moved to St. James, starting a band was on his retirement bucket list. He brought together a group of local musicians who shared his love of classic rock, soul, Motown and, basically, the music he grew up with. More than a decade later, Mike’s Garage Band has become part of St. James and Brunswick County, performing everywhere from our community events to the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival.
But what I really love about Mike’s Garage Band is why they play. They play to give back. Over the years, Mike and the band have donated an incredible amount of their time and talent helping raise money for charities, veterans, healthcare organizations, animal rescue efforts and other local causes. What started as something Mike wanted to check off his bucket list turned into something that has benefited a lot of people. And that’s pretty much Mike.
The musicians who shared the stage with him, including John Staryak, Chuck Krambuhl, Dave Reed, Mike Horgan and Tony Defilippis and Dave Holly, are a huge part of what makes the band special.
Yes, these guys can put on a heck of a show. But they’re also friends, neighbors and genuinely good people who have spent years using something they love to help others. And they’re not finished. This September, Mike’s Garage Band will take the stage again for Rock the NEST: A Party with a Purpose, helping us raise money for NEST and the work it does right here in our community. Some people give us great music. Others give us great memories.
Mike Haase has given St. James both. Thank you, Mike.
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