Bad Penny

Great interaction between the members of the band as well as with their audience. Some humor mixed in getting the audience to interact with them. Samantha adds great stage presence and uses her theatrical background to enhance the music, and the band uses their experience to adjust to different audiences. For example,when the band is hired for a private party,they will set up a show that reflects the age group or desire of the employer and details such as what time to arrive, what to wear and special song requests etc.

Samantha Goodman – Lead Vocals
For Samantha Goodman, a native of West Hartford, Bad Penny is the culmination of a lifetime’s musical experience and interests. As a young girl, Samantha took part in school and community theater, eventually studying opera at Boston University. After winning the 2007 Talent Quest New England Regional Female Vocalist award, she decided to focus on performing with live bands. She studied with celebrated artist Christine Ohlman to develop her sound, who taught her that the most important role a vocalist has is to be a conduit for the audience’s emotions. Samantha brings characters to life in Bad Penny’s roster of songs, from the gullible and heartbroken “Mama’s Broken Heart” to a sassy vixen singing “All About that Bass.”

Dave Beckwith – Lead Guitar/Vocals
Dave Beckwith, a Southington resident, draws from his rock, country and blues roots and adds energy to every Bad Penny show. He has played from Maine to Tennessee with Smokehouse, the band he fronted for 18 years. Dave has shared the stage and played with such greats as James Cotton, Lee Roy Parnell, Delbert McClinton, Martina McBride, Eric Burdon, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, The Marvellettes and James Montgomery. His other musical projects include: The Tom Sanders Band, Stampede, Matrix and the Bullets. Twice nominated in the Hartford Grand Band Slam Music Polls in the Best Guitar category, Dave brings his smile and energy to every Bad Penny show!

Jon Hallenbeck – Bass/Vocals
Jon Hallenbeck of Watertown, CT found an old ukulele with a pitch pipe and song book in the front hall closet when he was six years old and thought it was “pretty cool.” After his father bought him his first guitar at 10, he knew he was going to be a musician. At 21 he became a bass player after a Doobie Brothers concert because he “loved the movement.” He played in a number of bands in the 70’s and 80’s, including Live Wire with drummer Mike Chute, and worked all over the country touring. In the 90’s he began working with country band Harm’s Way, staying with the powerhouse group until 2012. Now he is coming back to rock and roll roots and loves the power and excitement of Bad Penny.

Michael Chute – Drums/Vocals
Mike Chute of Southington comes from a family of theatrical entertainers and musicians. The British Invasion influenced his drum style and he has been playing in Connecticut nightclubs with uncles and cousins since he was 14. Mike was in Smokehouse with guitarist Dave Beckwith and Live Wire with bassist Jon Hallenbeck, and that shared experience creates a complete synergy for the rhythm section of the band. He feels that performance is the backbone to Bad Penny, saying “Samantha is just the type of performer I've been searching for through all my years of backing musicians. With her showmanship, and Dave and Jon’s upbeat enthusiasm, I get to sit back, drive my drums, and enjoy the rockin’ show.”

Bad Penny has audio equipment capable of suiting small venues to large outdoor settings. We do bring some basic lighting with us to all gigs, so no additional outdoor lighting is required, though it is an enhancement. If you are hiring us for an outdoor gig, we do ask for some kind of tent covering; we can bring our own tent if you need us to, just let us know in advance. Please let us know what kind of power source is available so we can bring appropriate power cords to set up.

Our band also works with adjunct keyboard players and horn players. If you are interested in a specific sound we are happy to bring in some additional players for the evening for an additional fee.