Island Time String Band is an acoustic group exploring the rich music and rhythms of Hawaii, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Founded by musician and composer Michael George Gonzalez (ukulele + vocals) and featuring Bobby Henrie (guitar), Mitch Klicki (upright Bass), and Steve Imburgia (percussion).
Michael is a musician steeped in roots, jazz, soul, and world music. His sultry voice and expressive guitar work draw in the audience with dynamic, engaging sounds.
A trained composer with 25 years experience performing, composing, and teaching throughout the US. He is the co-founder of the Geneva Jazz Festival. And founder the Finger Lakes Independent Music Alliance (FLIMA).
Known for his versatility, Michael performs for hundreds of diverse public and private events. Whether a solo act, or with a full band—background music, or the center of the party—Michael adapts to the needs of the situation.
He began, at first playing rhythm guitar with old-time string band the Henrie Brothers (formed 1974-), he later added flat-pick tunes and songs, fiddle and banjo. As the music grew more eclectic, he learned mandolin, mandola, bass and drums to expand his creativity. The Henrie Brothers performed consistently for 16 years spreading the word of old-time music where they could: square dances, parties, weddings, festivals and entered in southern Fiddlers Convention Contests, remarkably winning First place in Old-time Band at Galax, VA in 1976.
In 1985 he formed Bobby Henrie & the Goners, rockabilly style trio exploring all kinds of vintage rock n’ roll, swing and everything in between. They have performed countless events, venues, concerts and festivals, notable is their long run at the Trumansburg Grassroots festival since ’92. And have recorded two CDs.
Steve Imburgia (IMBRO) is a drummer & percussionist who is currently performing with several bands and musicians in and around the Rochester, New York area.
He plays a wide range of percussion instruments and has a broad knowledge of ethnic music styles. He spent three years collaborating and touring with Sankofa, an African Drum and Dance ensemble. Steve has shared his experience and knowledge doing Arts in Education, Young Audience performances and clinics.
He was most honored to be asked to play drumset at Rochester’s Geva Theatre in the musical production “Famous Orpheus” by Charles F. Gordon (OyamO). This performance was in collaboration with the world renowned Garth Fagan Dance company.
Hailing from Chicago IL Mitch Klicki has been a journeyman bassist and hired gun with an innumerable amount of groups throughout the years. This experience has led him to be well versed in many genres including: Jazz, funk, reggae, blues, Americana and many others. His main calling is within the jazz and funk realm and influences include Paul Jackson, Francis Rocco Prestia and Jaco Pastorious
