The band MYNX was a staple of Duluth music from the 80′s. I used to follow them as a kid and saw them play a Pepsi Music Contest to win a recorded album made at Inland Sea Recording in Superior and airplay on the pop station in Duluth at the time.

Some changes have come over the years and now I, as an adult, have had the honor of becoming friends with the members of the band and get to know them, as well as introduce them and bring them on to stage for some events.

Change has made this band different, yet the same and stronger. They have raised families, moved on to other projects along the way, and with the years has come appreciation of the music, and the friendship they have forged with each other.

We are all familiar with the Connolly brothers, especially Jack, national champion and Hobey Baker Award winner, sons of Mark Connolly, guitar for MYNX. They have moved on to become great hockey players in their own right. Mark left the band and became a hockey Dad for a while, and when he had the time he found he missed the playing.

Mark and Tammy Schmitt, Keyboards and Lead Singer for the band, have seen their boys move on to write and produce some of their own music. Most recently, Dane, who is the leader of Jamestown Story, has released albums recorded at his own studio in Nashville. His brother, just scored the Florida Georgia Line to his publishing company.

I fell in love with the bass player, who was a girl. I had never seen a girl play an instrument, and wear a miniskirt. Cory introduced me to women in music. I was just a kid, so I don't want to sound sexist, but the Go-Go's weren't out yet, so the only thing I had ever seen was a girl lead singer. Cory and I talk about that often, especially since I never had a chance with her. Glad I didn't, I have become friends with a wonderful woman and musician.

Dan Vaught, was who I watched play the most. I wanted to be a drummer, so I am sure at the time, I was a snot nosed kid asking annoying questions everytime I saw them play. Dare I say, he is better now than he ever was then.

Ed Esselstrom, it seemed like he knew how to play anything. Singing, playing bass, etc, now I enjoy talking music and sound with him.

The band have grown up and watched their kids grow up. Getting "real" jobs in healthcare, first responder, teaching, among other things. When I talk to the band they all share stories of kids at practice, having to stop practice to take care of something for them. Getting to know each others kids. Divorce, marriage, and other life changing events.

Being apart for a little bit of time and having their own lives to deal with and then coming back together made each person appreciate the band more. Tonight you can hear them play to open for a couple of 80s staples themselves. The Romantics and Rick Springfield.

I look forward to seeing the band again and bringing them on stage.

 

More From KOOL 101.7