Mike Steen

Bass Guitar

Mike Steen brings a heavy dose of orchestral experience to the back row of the band. He thumps the six string electric bass, the upright “doghouse” bass and the tiny ukulele bass. Thankfully, we only require he play just one at a time.

He started out as a sub player in 2012 and jumped into the pound permanently in 2013. In addition to bass duties, Mike is our booking manager and will work with you on the scheduling and logistics end of all of our shows. We also keep him on call to reach things off the top shelf for the shorter members of the band.

Mike’s been playing bass since 5th grade orchestra. Through high school and college he was a regular part of the orchestra and jazz bands. Although he is a UW graduate, he went to UW-Eau Claire and is still trying to figure out what a Blugold is…

Mike has played a variety of styles with different groups over the years. Some of the groups he has played with include the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra, Oconomowoc Chamber Orchestra, Fair Enough jazz quintet, and the Madison-based Safety Last! Western Swing quartet.

In addition to The Red Hot Horn Dawgs, Mike currently plays with Madison-based bands The Whiskey Farm (folk, bluegrass, Americana, and rock) and the North Westerns (Western Swing and classic country.)

Mike is one of the actual music professionals in our organization. He teaches orchestra in the Waunakee school district. When he’s not watching notes bounce around on the bass clef, he enjoys biking, baking, and reading among many hobbies.

He is married to Ainsley and is “owned” by his dog, Cheddar.