John always got a thrill out of live entertainment. As long as he can remember he always wanted to make people laugh. He recalls singing camp songs for his classmates on the bus during field trips. His passion continued to grow for music and entertaining. His family owned a tintype shop at Old Town in the Southwyck Mall. John had a fascination just watching all the entertainers that played at Old Town. John got to know Ragtime Rick who by osmosis taught him every old time song in his repertoire. John often just sat listening to Rick play for hours, learning what would become his craft. In 1977 he saw a group that would change the direction of his life. He saw the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs. This “Jug Band” was brought up to Toledo from Cincinnati to perform at Old Town. After watching the energy and excitement they provided at Old Town and a special standing ovation performance at Tony Packos, John knew what he wanted to do.
He took up the banjo and his school mate, John McGuckin took up the guitar. They had the beginings of a band but where could they find a washboard player?
It was around that time John found out about a Review Show that was being put together at Old Town. Naturally John wanted to try out for it. He was chosen one of six local performers for the show. He was in heaven with the new show and the experience he was gaining. DJ Hiner was another member of the show and he was a big influence on Johns’ musical advancement. He had a lot of musical knowledge and it began to rub off. After 16 weeks the show closed but the door opened for an opportunity. DJ played guitar and bass. In 1980 it was agreed upon he was the missing link in the band and Shenaniganz was born.
Shenaniganz became quite a sensation around Toledo for a good number of years. After 1990 John began to feel the need to break away from entertaining audiences and began to entertain the idea of settling down and starting a family. Having fallen in love with a beautiful girl and starting to raise his family, he still felt the urge to perform. In 1996 he began playing guitar and entertaining solo at private parties, senior centers and nursing facilities. Being very successful on his own he approached Dave Murnen in 1999 about starting the act back up, and the madness ensued.
One-day John’s younger brother Dave had a friend over. Dave Murnen was quite a personality from the start. His portrayal of all the Looney Toons characters was just the tip of the iceberg. When John found out Dave was a Drummer/Percussionist, he approached him about the group. Dave jumped at the chance. Almost all the pieces were in place.
