Hydra-Matic Drive showcases some of the finest players in California bluegrass music today. Sharing a love for traditional bluegrass, Hydra-Matic Drive is a recent formation of dedicated and experienced players who truly enjoy making music together. Hydra-Matic Drive features Mike Wilhoyte on guitar, Tom Bekeny on mandolin, Avram Siegel on banjo, and Karen Wilhoyte on bass.
Mike Wilhoyte (lead vocals and guitar) has played and sung bluegrass for over 40 years. He was raised in northern Ohio, where he first got hooked on Bill Monroe’s ancient tones when Mike was only 13 years old. He has played with several California bands over the past 20 years, including Blue and Lonesome and Roanoke.
Tom Bekeny (mandolin and fiddle) has performed and toured as a bluegrass musician since 1974. He teaches mandolin, has nine recording projects to his credit, and has contributed to many other recordings. He has appeared with Peter Rowan, David Grisman, Laurie Lewis, Jerry Garcia, David Nelson, Lowell Levinger (“Banana” of the famed Youngbloods), and banjoist Bill Evans. Tom plays regularly with Grammy Award winner Kathy Kallick and fiddles with High Country, one of the longest-performing traditional bluegrass bands in the U.S.
Avram Siegel (banjo and harmony vocals) is widely regarded as one of the most original and exciting banjo players to emerge from California. Avram strives to keep his playing fresh and exciting while capturing the essence of the traditional Scruggs style. Avram’s stylistic versatility and rhythmic drive have placed him in various bands, from the Vern Williams Band to Peter Rowan to the Kathy Kallick Band and True Blue.
Karen Wilhoyte (bass and lead and harmony vocals) discovered bluegrass while studying tropical biology in Costa Rica, where she befriended a banjo player. Karen developed a strong sense of groove and time while growing up with the Latin rhythms and beats of Miami, Florida. She has played in several California bluegrass bands including Lucky Drive, and most notably, The Hossettes. Always smiling and laughing, Karen adds to the fun and engaging stage presence of Hydra-Matic Drive.