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Wingnut formed in 1997 in Ithaca, New York. It's the trio of Michael Stark on Hammond organ, rhodes, & microsynth, Walt Lorenzut on electric bass & gadgets, and Zaun Marshburn on drums. Stark, Lorenzut, and Marshburn are all extraordinarily versatile instrumentalists who participate in a wide range of musical projects, currently touring and performing both in the US and internationally. The far-reaching scope of this trio's experience lends itself well to the originality of Wingnut's music. Defying strict categorization, the band's compositions are a blend of genres...jazz, cinematic soundscapes, dub, blues, rock, middle eastern, jungle, funk, & hip-hop.

Born in Queens, NY, Michael Stark was a student of Jackie McLean at the Hartt School of Music. Moved to Ithaca, NY in 1995 and has since been composing for and performing with his experimental trio WINGNUT, the duo TZAR, aswell as JSAN & THE ANALOGUE SONS, HANK ROBERTS, JENNIE STEARNS, JOHNNY DOWD, MARY LORSON & SAINT LOW, ORBITING ART ENSEMBLE, and giving some solo piano concerts.

Lorenzut works with indie rock groups...HUBCAP, & SAINT LOW.

Zaun Marshburn is the drummer for the GUNPOETS, and PLAN Z.

Wingnut has released four recordings on their own independent label. Their 1999 debut, "Big Ass Space" was well-received and launched the band on a successful round of touring, garnering the enthusiastic attention of audiences across the northern US and received radio play in Europe.

With the release of the 2nd cd, "Color," co-released on I-Town Records in 2000, Wingnut gained further international recognition. The album boasts a broad sonic spectrum, incorporating guest vocalists, horn players, an MC, and a DJ.

"Motion" (2001), is comprised of live takes drawn from extensive touring throughout the east coast and the south, including shows in New Orleans, Athens, GA and Austin, TX.

"Live at Art's," the most recent Wingnut release, is a compilation of takes from the trio's triumphant Cincinnati run in 2003. It features DJ Mezz and special guest MC's Napoleon Maddox of Iswhat?! and Idrissa Ekundayo.

Wingnut is currently hard at work learning cellist, Hank Roberts' music in preparation for a European tour in 09'. We also working on 5th Wingnut release which will feature Hank Roberts on some tracks.  

“ improvising cellist meets Sun Ra @ Sly's house...” -Elk Creek Cafe & Aleworks