About the Iconix

Tim Brown brings a lifetime of musical passion to The Iconix. 

Tim's musical journey began at the tender age of five, mimicking The Beatles in a band called "The Littles." The act was toddlers pretending to be a band playing real instruments but not touching them while a record of The Beatles music played. The Littles mimicked what they thought it would be like to play in a band. Tim’s older brother really could play music and organized the stunt as a fill-in between sets for his band. Of course the crowd loved it. and Tim fell in love with the idea of playing in a band. 

Steely Dan's "Peg," The 5 Stairsteps' "Ooh Child," and War's "All Day Music" make his dream setlist. He fondly remembers a heartwarming performance for Wings of God, a nonprofit for women. His favorite song to play live is "Sweet Caroline," as everyone sings along. Tim even performed that song dressed in a gorilla costume, just to kick things up a notch. (Tim says the costume is uncomfortably hot, so don't expect to see it anytime soon.) 

While Ella Fitzgerald reigns supreme in his pantheon, Tim acknowledges the legendary Frank Sinatra and finds joy connecting with audiences who share The Iconix's love for music. He truly believes The Iconix is the best band he’s ever been in. Period. The 2025 season is especially exciting for Tim because his younger brother Tom will join the group on bass guitar and vocals.

Also new this year is Tim's custom-made Ludwig Vintage Mahogany drum kit. The 5-piece kit features a solid sound, thanks to the 20-by-16-inch kick drum (what drummers call the bass drum), and 12, 13 and 16-inch toms. Tim plays Zyldian K-Series Dark crash cymbals and an enormous 22-inch Zyldian ride cymbal from 1970. He uses sticks by Meinl and Vic Firth. This year, Tim's go-to sticks are expected to be the Firth 8XD, a hickory stick with a diameter of .54 inches and a longer length, 16.5 inches.

One of Tim's most cherished performances was a collaboration with the Kalamazoo College Orchestra at Miller Auditorium. He relishes the power of large ensembles, which is why he also has enjoyed performing in the Lamb of God ensemble at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium.

Tim is married to the band's lead singer, Julie, and music fills their lives. They've instilled a love for music in their three sons, Josh, Keegan, and Evan, creating a joyful soundtrack to their childhood. Family vacations revolve around Petoskey, MI, where they enjoy the beauty of the state and the spectacular fireworks displays or Mackinac Island.

Tim and Julie's company, TBA Incorporated, keeps them in the music industry. Tim embodies The Iconix's spirit - a passionate musician with a heart full of music, ready to share it with the world.

Bob Withee's journey into music started with a deep appreciation for intricate melodies. And maybe the girls had some influence...

But somewhere between the girls and the gigs, the love of music stuck. Performing became the goal—not just for the attention, but because, as Bob puts it, “nothing like bringing energy to a room."

His first instrument was the drums, mostly because he assumed they were the only thing he’d be capable of playing. It turns out, he had more in him. Influenced by The Beatles, early Motown, Santana, and classic rock, Bob eventually found himself playing guitar in the Showbiz Kids, a cover band gigging throughout the late ‘70s. He quickly learned the musician's lifestyle: loading out at 2:30 AM, eating at truck stops afterwards, and somehow functioning the next day like it was normal.

Bob has played in a variety of projects, including Big Mont and the Magic Moment and East from West, along with plenty of short-term collaborations. With The Iconix, his first stint was as the original bass player for the first five years, now moving to guitar for 2025. He’s not the type to write or record his own music (“I deeply respect those who do this, but it just isn’t my gig”), but he’s always game for diving into great cover songs. He enjoys playing music people want to hear, especially when performing for veterans, those going through tough times, and the older generation. “Of which I am one!” he notes.

Outside of music, Bob has spent two decades restoring historic buildings, though he suspects that chapter is ending. He’s living the dream country life post-retirement with his lovely wife Deb and enjoys being close to the grandkids who live nearby. And for those wondering, yes, he once jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.

When it comes to advice for new musicians, Bob keeps it real: “Learn the right way, which is exactly what I did not do. Learn theory, scales, and put in the hard work. You’ll thank me later.”

These days, he’s looking forward to more collaborations, especially with fellow guitarist Jim. And as for how he connects with an audience, "I like to call out and joke with people in the crowd who I know won’t be embarrassed. We love to have personal connections with as many people as possible with our Iconix family."

Keyboardist Adam Downey says he was born wanting to play music. And when you watch him play, you can see why. He can play any style, any song, any iconic riff, note for note. Considering that he was the Junior World Championship Old-Time Piano Player three times in a row in his early teens, it’s an understatement to say “the guy’s got chops.” He’s a force of nature. And The Iconix team is thrilled to have him aboard as we start our 2025 season. 

Adam’s musical influences span from ragtime piano – watch him go on the Orange Blossom Special - to classical to rock to jazz. He experiments with his own compositions, too. Be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel to catch some of his work.  

In high school, Adam wanted to play in a symphonic band; hard to do as a pianist. So, he learned the saxophone as well. The director still managed to work in his piano skills however, assigning him to play Great Balls of Fire on the piano, then pick up burning pins and juggle them during a drum break. He went on to eventually play the saxophone for the Michigan State University marching band during his college days, for which the University of Michigan alums in The Iconix forgive him. 

Early musical influences include classical pianist Evgeny Kissin, ragtime pianists Marty Mincer and Bill Edwards, and ‘80s and ‘90s bands Def Leppard, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and Yello.  

Adam has done his share of bar and restaurant gigs, like being the house pianist for Clara’s in Lansing, MI. “I used to play for their Sunday brunch, and the bartender would give me the excess milkshakes being made. That was amazing as a young guy,” he laughs. 

He was a member of two cover bands out of Grand Rapids, Beer for Breakfast and Rescued from Rehab. “With Rescued for Rehab, we wrote many songs together as a band. Some of my favorite moments are in a recording studio creating new music on the spot,” he says.  

When he’s not gigging, he is inventing cool stuff for a medical device company. “You’d be surprised how often I come up with an inventive idea or solution while playing keyboard/piano,” he says. “I believe music has truly helped me to be a creative thinker.” 

What is Adam most looking forward to as he goes on the road with The Iconix? “It’s truly amazing to be able to contribute to a group and play your favorite songs that you've heard on the radio over the years,” he says.  "It’s also special to create a moment of community and joy between the band and the audience.” 

It’s fair to say, Jim Evans is a guitar geek. When you wander into his personal music studio (and where The Iconix holds most of its rehearsals), you can’t miss the collection of guitars. Like, a lot of guitars.

Like, 30.

Yes. 30.

“When I retired nine years ago, I only owned four. Somehow, I have accumulated this collection,” Jim says. “My wife Jenny is thankful I’m not into cars!”

Jim makes sure all his instruments get a work out, rotating through them as often as he can. But there are some favorites: “The Paul Reed Smith, A”, custom-made by Traverse City (MI) Guitar; his Gretsch duo-jet; and a “no touchy” Fender Strat autographed by Don Felder of the Eagles. His collection also includes two bass guitars reserved for his bassist pals for impromptu jam sessions.

Jim started playing guitar at 14, learning on a beginner’s acoustic, “an absolute bear to play,” he recalls. His first three albums were Chicago Transit Authority, Black Sabbath Master of Reality and Jethro Tull Aqualung. “I was part of a band in high school that played Chicago covers. During one performance, our drummer’s hands got so cramped up he literally ran off stage in the middle of a song. It was wild,” he reminisces.

“My teenaged bandmates went on to become surgeons, doctors, business owners, attorneys and executives. So my advice to young kids: For a successful financial future, get in a band!” he laughs.

When he and Jenny aren’t out riding their bicycles for miles, Jim is practicing guitar for miles. “I love to play and I love that there is a lifetime of things to learn, whether it’s music theory, new songs or techniques,” he says. Jim also gets plenty of performance time during The Iconix’s off-season as part of the Florida-based guitar and vocal duo, The WorthingTones. “The WorthingTones allows me to perform a lot of repertoire that doesn’t fit The Iconix...country, my favorite; and a lot of much older stuff and even newer tunes that I want to try,” he says.

Jim is the co-founder of The Iconix and serves as its manager. When he’s not writing the band's music charts or hosting rehearsals, he’s coordinating with the sound engineer and the venues for site checks. “Julie first approached me in 2020 to start a duo, because she wanted to sing around town and needed an accompanist, and remembered me from a church worship team we served on together,” he recalls. “Soon we morphed into a band, and here we are going into 2025 now as a 7 piece.”

What does Jim appreciate most about The Iconix? “That we all follow Jesus as Lord. We’re not a Christian band, but our faith has a bearing on the types of songs we choose – let's keep it clean, shall we? – and our relationships with each other. We really care for each other, and that makes a difference when disagreements arise, which they do,” he says.

Jim says his most unique musical experience was actually New Year’s Eve 2024, when the band was playing at an independent living center in Kalamazoo. “Julie started a conga line with the residents, and it was populated with people using walkers!  To see the spirit in these people was inspirational, and I would like to think that if such a time comes for me, that I’d be partying like that too!” Jim says.

One of the things that sets The Iconix is apart is the band’s song selection, he says. “We try to keep our repertoire interesting, and we often choose to play difficult songs. When we get them down, it gives us an incredible sense of achievement.”

The backbeat of The Iconix, Jeff Davis, brings a deep love for music to the band. Raised in a musical household, picking up the drums felt natural, and Jeff has been playing for over 50 years. His first kit ignited a passion that continues to this day. He vividly remembers the excitement of that first instrument, the thrill of creating his own rhythms, and exploring the world of percussion.

Chicago, "America's Premier Rock-n-Roll Band, with horns!" serves as a constant source of inspiration to Jeff. Their blend of rock and roll with rich horn sections resonates deeply; however, it's the camaraderie and shared passion that truly fuels his love for music. Creating good music with lifelong friends (like those in The Iconix band) brings him immense satisfaction. This love of collaboration translates to his favorite part of being in a band: taking individual parts and weaving them together to create a beautiful piece of music. It's a testament to the power of unity when each musician can contribute their unique voice to a harmonious whole.

One song that exemplifies this collaborative spirit is The Iconix’s cover of the Spinners' "I'll Be Around." Jeff especially enjoys the classic Philadelphia soul vibe and the challenge of recreating Larry Washington's iconic conga track. He dives into the history of the song, appreciating the original while putting his own spin on it. His current setup—LP congas and bongos, Gibraltar hardware, Zildjian cymbals, Treeworks bar chimes, and Ludwig drums—allows him to bring these classic sounds to life, faithfully capturing the energy of the originals while adding a touch of The Iconix's magic.

Jeff is a family man with two daughters and four grandchildren. He cherishes spending time with them, creating new memories that will become the soundtrack of their lives. His favorite vacation spot is Puerto Vallarta, offering a welcome escape with sunshine and relaxation. Music, however (especially percussion!) remains a constant thread throughout his life. He even named his Morkie Tyrone Davis after a favorite Chicago R&B singer! 

When he's not playing drums, Jeff puts his financial expertise to work, running a boutique investment management firm. This balance between creative passion and financial responsibility allows him to pursue his musical dreams while providing for his loved ones.

Jeff Davis embodies the spirit of The Iconix. He is a dedicated musician, a lifelong learner, and a cherished friend. His passion for music, particularly percussion, is infectious, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to all who know him.

Growing up in a family full of performers, Tom Brown, bassist and vocalist for The Iconix, was surrounded by music from his earliest memory. "Our parents were excellent singers and performers. My dad would sing us to sleep with folk songs on the guitar. Most of my seven siblings (including Iconix drummer Tim Brown) went onto pursue music either professionally or as a hobby. No wonder I've always gravitated to it," Tom says.  

“I'm really a singer first, but when my high school buddies and I wanted to form a band, they told me in no uncertain terms that either I sing and play bass, or forget about being in the band,” Tom laughs. "So, I taught myself the bass and helped launch Voyager, performing throughout West Michigan from 1979-82."  

Marriage, kids and a career in human resources pulled him away from music until 2011, when he dusted off the vocal cobwebs and picked up the bass guitar once again to join Mid-Life Crisis, a Grand Rapids-based cover band.   

“I enjoyed my time with Mid-Life Crisis because it allowed me to revisit many of the songs from my past. We opened for Cheap Trick, Kansas, Amy Grant and Ben Fold Five, which were absolute thrills," Tom recalls. Now a part of The Iconix, Tom is especially looking forward to performing live music with his brother. "With our musical upbringing and the incredible influences of our older brother Kevin, whom we lost in 2008, it is going to be an absolute blast to finally gig with my brother Tim as we hold down the rhythm section together."  

Musical influences include Genesis, Van Halen, Todd Rundgren, Saga, Kansas and Styx.  

Tom is known not only for his accomplished bass guitar skills but for his vocal prowess as well, with a range that rivals Journey's Steve Perry, Chicago's Peter Cetera and Toto's Bobby Kimball. Tom will play a big role in the vocals for The Iconix, including Toto’s Rosanna. “That’s gonna be a cool one.”   

Tom says great vocals mean a lot to audiences. "When we all put our vocal harmonies together, I know our audiences are really going to love what they hear," he says. Regarding his spot on The Iconix lineup, he says, “It’s incredibly satisfying to perform songs that you grew up hearing. I’m gonna be singing along with these songs on the radio anyway – might as well be performing them for people!”