About Us
Our story
Meet the musicians behind the sound
The Friends Trio
Des Amis Trio
Des Amis Trio
The formation of Des Amis came about through friendship and years of private and public performances together, including weddings, corporate functions, club dates, tribute shows, and recording studio dates, etc.
Our trio draws its musical repertoire from around the world. You can expect to hear Des Amis perform popular Cuban and Brazilian flavored Bossa Novas and Sambas, Tangos from Spain, and Jazz, Pop & Rock songs from Great American artists and songwriters throughout the decades.
Des Ami recreates the true essence of our song selections by adapting modern instrument technology, our musical knowledge, and melding these aspects with each members tasteful playing to create a very pleasing listener experience and conversational environment for guests.
The formation of Des Amis came about through friendship and years of private and public performances together, including weddings, corporate functions, club dates, tribute shows, and recording studio dates, etc.
Our trio draws its musical repertoire from around the world. You can expect to hear Des Amis perform popular Cuban and Brazilian flavored Bossa Novas and Sambas, Tangos from Spain, and Jazz, Pop & Rock songs from Great American artists and songwriters throughout the decades.
Des Ami recreates the true essence of our song selections by adapting modern instrument technology, our musical knowledge, and melding these aspects with each members tasteful playing to create a very pleasing listener experience and conversational environment for guests.
The Players
Meet the musicians
Michael Dripps
Piano / Keyboards
Michael is a pianist / keyboard player who graduated from Berklee College of Music. . His 30+ years of musical experience encapsulates performances with musical groups including jazz trios, popular tribute bands, and the Award-winning Synergy Band.
Dave Mendenhall
Flute, EWI, Bass
Dave is a bassist/ flutist and has been an active freelance musician for over 50 years playing a wide variety of musical styles as well as playing stage shows, musical theater, and in demand party bands. He was a public school band director for 35 yrs. He was also the creator and conductor of an annual Christmas show for his church of over 5,000 congregants. When playing together, they were the heart & soul of the most award winning band in the Twin Cities area. They will be playing jazz, pop, & rock hits for you to enjoy.
Dave Hanzel
Drums / Percussion
Dave has been active in the music business for over forty years. He has played in venues hosting national artists such as Celine Deon, Donny Osmond and more. He currently plays in a variety of settings from corporate shows, public and private events etc. He owns his own custom drum business, Boom Alley Drums.
The Players
Meet the musicians
Michael Dripps
Piano / Keyboards
Michael is a pianist / keyboard player who graduated from Berklee College of Music. . His 30+ years of musical experience encapsulates performances with musical groups including jazz trios, popular tribute bands, and the Award-winning Synergy Band.
Dave Mendenhall
Flute, EWI, Bass
Dave is a bassist/ flutist and has been an active freelance musician for over 50 years playing a wide variety of musical styles as well as playing stage shows, musical theater, and in demand party bands. He was a public school band director for 35 yrs. He was also the creator and conductor of an annual Christmas show for his church of over 5,000 congregants. When playing together, they were the heart & soul of the most award winning band in the Twin Cities area. They will be playing jazz, pop, & rock hits for you to enjoy.
Dave Hanzel
Drums / Percussion
Dave has been active in the music business for over forty years. He has played in venues hosting national artists such as Celine Deon, Donny Osmond and more. He currently plays in a variety of settings from corporate shows, public and private events etc. He owns his own custom drum business, Boom Alley Drums.
The Players
Meet the musicians
Michael Dripps
Piano / Keyboards
Michael is a pianist / keyboard player who graduated from Berklee College of Music. . His 30+ years of musical experience encapsulates performances with musical groups including jazz trios, popular tribute bands, and the Award-winning Synergy Band.
Dave Mendenhall
Flute, EWI, Bass
Dave is a bassist/ flutist and has been an active freelance musician for over 50 years playing a wide variety of musical styles as well as playing stage shows, musical theater, and in demand party bands. He was a public school band director for 35 yrs. He was also the creator and conductor of an annual Christmas show for his church of over 5,000 congregants. When playing together, they were the heart & soul of the most award winning band in the Twin Cities area. They will be playing jazz, pop, & rock hits for you to enjoy.
Dave Hanzel
Drums / Percussion
Dave has been active in the music business for over forty years. He has played in venues hosting national artists such as Celine Deon, Donny Osmond and more. He currently plays in a variety of settings from corporate shows, public and private events etc. He owns his own custom drum business, Boom Alley Drums.
Mission & values
We're on a mission…
...unite friendship and artistry through the performance of distinctive, expressive music....
Ambitious
To share our music with diverse audiences, inspiring connection and creativity through every performance.
Practical
Des Ami crafts a musical ambiance in perfect harmony with your event’s mood and setting.
Impactful
Our goal is to make your event a joyful and memorable experience for every guest.
Collaborative
We work hand in hand with you to craft a trio experience that resonates with the unique rhythm of your event.
Mission & values
We're on a mission…
...unite friendship and artistry through the performance of distinctive, expressive music....
Ambitious
To share our music with diverse audiences, inspiring connection and creativity through every performance.
Practical
Des Ami crafts a musical ambiance in perfect harmony with your event’s mood and setting.
Impactful
Our goal is to make your event a joyful and memorable experience for every guest.
Collaborative
We work hand in hand with you to craft a trio experience that resonates with the unique rhythm of your event.
Mission & values
We're on a mission…
...unite friendship and artistry through the performance of distinctive, expressive music....
Ambitious
To share our music with diverse audiences, inspiring connection and creativity through every performance.
Practical
Des Ami crafts a musical ambiance in perfect harmony with your event’s mood and setting.
Impactful
Our goal is to make your event a joyful and memorable experience for every guest.
Collaborative
We work hand in hand with you to craft a trio experience that resonates with the unique rhythm of your event.
0+
0+
Songs
0+
0+
Styles
0+
0+
Gigs / Year
0+
0+
Happy Customers
0+
0+
Songs
0+
0+
Styles
0+
0+
Gigs / Year
0+
0+
Happy Customers
0+
0+
Songs
0+
0+
Styles
0+
0+
Gigs / Year
0+
0+
Happy Customers
"The guys really enjoyed playing for our event and their tune selections was spot on. You could sense their commitment to their music and to each other. Highly enjoyable and recommended! "
Dave
"The guys really enjoyed playing for our event and their tune selections was spot on. You could sense their commitment to their music and to each other. Highly enjoyable and recommended! "
Dave
"The guys really enjoyed playing for our event and their tune selections was spot on. You could sense their commitment to their music and to each other. Highly enjoyable and recommended! "
Dave
Got a date in mind?
Des Amis' mindful song selection, volume, and balance during your event are pre-eminent in our minds. We want your event to be an enjoyable occasion for your guests.
Got a date in mind?
Des Amis' mindful song selection, volume, and balance during your event are pre-eminent in our minds. We want your event to be an enjoyable occasion for your guests.
Got a date in mind?
Des Amis' mindful song selection, volume, and balance during your event are pre-eminent in our minds. We want your event to be an enjoyable occasion for your guests.