Mr. Casey Hanson, Benilde-St. Margaret’s physical education and wellness teacher and dad to seventh grader Cooper Hanson, has always loved music and has been playing with a band since high school. Hanson has performed with many bands over the years, usually as the lead singer, but also on the guitar, harmonica, congas, slide whistle, wash board, and other percussion. “My favorite genre is probably reggae; I like the beats and music,” Hanson said.

Less than a year ago, some members of a band called The Medicine Men watched Hanson perform and invited him to join their group. Hanson agreed and has been playing with the band ever since. The Medicine Men play modern rock music, but because they have been together for just a short time, they have yet to debut. The band plans to perform for an audience once they establish themselves.“We are looking to open up for acts and come up with one and a half hours of good, solid music,” Hanson said.

Hanson has experienced many musical successes, including playing at large venues and he even recorded a CD with his previous band. One of his favorite memories from his music career was when the band he was a part of in college played at a resort opening in front of more than 3,000 people. “It was fun to play for such a large crowd,” Hanson said.

Music has always been a very large part of Hanson’s life, and he hopes to continue playing for as long as he possibly can. Hanson enjoys being in a band as a way to meet new people but he always likes music because it is a good stress reliever. “My favorite part of being in a band is when we can all learn a song and hit a song, it’s a great feeling to be able to make music,” Hanson said.

Another BSM dad who plays in a band is Pete Galvin, father of Sophomore Lillian Galvin. He is in an alternative rock band called The Days Between. He is has been in this band for seven years, and during this time they have played at many venues across the Twin Cities. “[We have played at] some notable gigs such as opening for the BoDeans, the Gin Blossoms, Night Ranger, Semisonic, and Soul Asylum,” Galvin said.

Throughout the years, Galvin has learned how to balance being both a father and a local musician, two things he finds very rewarding. Similarly to Hanson, his fellow BSM dad and musician, Galvin uses music as a stress reliever. “Being in a band is a nice break from being a dad. But late nights make for sleepy Sundays,” Galvin said.

The Days Between hopes to find more success in the future and continue to play at public and private gigs. The band currently does not have a CD, but they hope that in the future they will write an original album. “I would say that we are comfortable where we are but we would like to stay active as a band,” Galvin said.