Mike Kufel has been playing the drums for 27 years, performing everything from polkas to heavy metal. He started with Captain Quint as a substitute drummer, but was drawn into the fun and crazy music of Jimmy Buffett. Mike has now been with CQ for two years and enjoys the band’s musical range, which incorporates styles ranging from reggae to rock and country to funk.

Mike has studied with drummers such as Larry Bright, Bill Watson, Paul Hildner and world-renowned master Dennis Chambers, whose credits include Steely Dan, Parliament-Funkadelic and Santana, among many others. Mike is also a teacher with a weekly schedule of about a half dozen drum students.

Mike has performed with many different bands in the Baltimore-Washington area, including Kaos, Pride, and Mixed Company. As a veteran drum sales manager, he has worked at Baltimore Drum and Dundalk Music Center, as well as national chains MARS Music and Guitar Center.

Mike is no stranger to the recording studio, either, having recorded with Captain Quint, Vox Americana and Jeff Colson. He has also played on various radio jingles and commercials, including one that featured actress Helen Hunt. Additionally, Mike co-wrote and produced the song “Bodies on the Move”, which was featured in the movie First Encounter, starring Rowdy Roddy Piper.