About Us

I/We perform as a solo, 2 or 3 piece group playing Acoustic Folk, 50's, 60’s, 70’s (Oldies), Country and Acoustic Blues. Representative artists we cover (not a complete list): James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Jimmy Buffet, Randy Travis, Jim Croce, Grateful Dead, Everly Brothers, Simon & Garfunkel, Beatles, Loggins & Messina, Bob Dylan, Kingston Trio, Merle Haggard, Hot Tuna, John Denver, Neil Young, CSN, Elton John   

I/We play some Originals but mostly Covers.  Good entertainers – We interact with an interested audience. We have Acoustic guitars, Vocals, Harmonicas, and Keyboards (on request). We can tailor our performance to a particular theme, genre or artist upon specific arrangement. We pride ourselves on being flexible with our audience, making sure they enjoy themselves.

The Band

Howard Barnett (Vocals, Guitar, Blues Harp) – Howard was born and raised in Paterson, N.J. He grew up in a house filled with music, where he had early exposure as he would sit beside his mother as she played classical music on piano. He taught himself how to play guitar at 16. His biggest musical influences are the great harmonies of The Kingston Trio, Everly Brothers, and singers and songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s. He started performing while at Rutgers University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. He plays a wide variety of instruments which include 6 and 12 string guitar, Blues Harp, and Keyboard. His vocals have the ability to really connect with a crowd as he sings with passion and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Mark Hackley (Vocals, Guitar) – Mark was born in suburban Maryland, where he grew up in the 1960’s and 70’s. He taught himself to play guitar and also became quite skilled at the piano. He has been with Midlife since its inception in 2006. His passion for country music is evident by his unique guitar licks and fill-ins. He has played with an array of talented musicians as a solo and backup artist and he is also a prolific song writer.

T.C. Howard (Bass, Vocals) – T.C. joined MidLife in 2008 as a bass player and vocalist. He plays 4, 5, and 6 string basses as well as Ampeg electric upright bass. He was born and raised in Washington D.C. and in 1973 he moved to Charlottesville, VA where he now resides. His passion for playing is influenced by artists like James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, Tim Bogert, Ruben Rodriguez, Bobby Valentin, Erben Perez, Maximo Rodriguez, and many others.

Tommy Wood (Vocals, Guitar) - Tommy plays with MidLife when he is not working on his solo career. He is a country singer and authentic country boy, he cherishes being a God fearing, church going family man and making people happy with old school country singing. Musical notes took root and sprouted when even as a little tyke he latched on to his Mom's stereo cabinet and persistently listened to her Loretta Lynn albums and Conway Twitty recordings.  An honest-to-goodness, heartfelt love for country music and its roots yield forth a life-force that continues today for this salt of the earth boy from the country.
 

Bennie Dodd (Vocals, Guitar) - Bennie has played with MidLife for many years, he also continues to pursue a solo career, as he has a talent the world needs to hear. He was born and raised in Nelson County Virginia, started singing in the choir when he was young and it didn't take long before he was noticed for his voice. Before long he was playing music with his friends in the garage, and he continued from there. Today over 35 years later, he is still performing.