By Joanie Cox-Henry
South Florida-based Phish cover band will reel you in with a hefty helping of well-curated covers by one of America's top jam bands. The group features Jeff Lloyd (guitar, vocals), Mike Garulli (guitar, vocals), Carl Schmid (violin), Andrew Klein (keyboards, vocals), and Chris Patsis (upright bass).
Andrew Klein recently sat down with South Florida Concert News to chat about the latest on his musical career, what he enjoys doing when he's not behind his keyboard, and his surprising guilty-pleasure go-to track. Klein has been delighting audiences with his spirited style of piano playing since he was just 7 years old.
"I was just drawn to the piano and liked it, so my parents got me lessons," Klein recalls. "I took 12 years of classical piano lessons in Boca plus four years at Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. Then, I spent four years at Berklee College of Music in Boston where I majored in Film Scoring [writing music for TV and movies]."
Growing up with a steady stream of Billy Joel, The Beatles, Phish, Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, Klein says he has always had a lifelong appreciation for music and enjoys performing live whenever he gets the chance. He says Wooden Fish made their debut at the very end of 2020. Then the band hit a speed bump when one of their guitarists moved out of state and they didn’t resume playing again until January of this year when he moved back.
"We’ve had about half a dozen shows this year," Klein confirms of his band, which plays everything and anything by Phish. "The best part is playing music I know and love, but I also get to play with four of the best musicians I know."
For those who haven't experienced Wooden Fish live yet, Klein says he wants people to check this band out and walk away smiling.
"I hope they realize that Phish has some good songs and that we made some enjoyable music regardless," Klein adds.
When he's not performing, Klein says he is typically hanging out with the love of his life, Celina, bowling, or going to the movies, the beach, barbecuing, hitting the links for a game of golf, or occasionally indulging in a vacation.
Getting to know Andrew Klein:
What song is your biggest guilty pleasure on your playlist? "'(I've Had) The Time of My Life' from Dirty Dancing."
What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to? "Phish—about 30 shows. Every one was amazing!"
If you could perform with anyone, who would it be? "Billy Joel or Paul McCartney"
Lightning round: Swedish Fish or Goldfish? "Goldfish, duh!"
Elton John or Billy Joel? "Lol. Billy obv!"
What’s the last great show you binge-watched? "I guess Ozark? Been a while since I binged."
Catch Wooden Fish at Crazy Uncle Mike's Nov. 3, 2023 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for another all-acoustic evening of Phish magic.
Catch a sneak peek of Wooden Fish here:
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