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* About Us *
Brian McCarty, one might say, was raised on polka music, and probably learned to dance before he learned to walk. At
age 4, he asked for an accordion for Christmas. After getting his wish, he surprised his family by teaching himself simple
songs by ear. Having realized this gift, his parents went to long time family friend and accordionist extraordinaire, Don
Lipovac, who referred them to Alfred Vacca for formal accordion instruction. In his high school years, Brian took up the
button box and won contests in Florida and Colorado. In 1979, Brian helped start a band called "Four of a Kind". He played
with that group until forming his own band in 1984. Brian now lives in Lee's Summit, MO with his lovely wife Debbie, and four
children: Nick, Monica, Kimberly, and Zachary.
Gary McCarty, Brian's brother took guitar lessons as a youngster from Frankie Kay. He took up the banjo in 1987 and
joined Brian's band for a trip to Aurora, Minnesota for a week long engagement. Gary loves to play and it shows. When
he's not playing Banjo, you just might find him polishing his car, manicuring his yard, or donning an apron to prepare for a
barbecue contest with his "Pig Pen Barbecue" friends. Gary lives in his home town of Kansas City, KS, with his wife, Mary
Beth, and three daughters. Other hobbies include golf, playing basketball with friends, and lets not forget
................................................... watching NASCAR racing!
John (J.J.) Schneller, was a friend of Gary's who stopped at the house one day when Brian was practicing with "Four of a
Kind". He was fascinated with the polka music, and inspired to get his drums down out of the attic and dust them off. J. J. is
a "charter member" of the Brian McCarty Band. He provides the solid beat that makes you want to dance. J. J. lives in
Shawnee, KS, with wife Julie, a son, and two daughters. He enjoys golf, basketball, and drag racing.
Coker Thomas, a native Texan, joined the band in 1995 after answering an add in a local newspaper. Coker, a North
Texas State graduate with a BA in music, wasted no time in telling Brian over the phone that he didn't like accordion and
probably would not be interested in playing with the band. He did, however, come and listen to the band once, and that's all it
took. He was hooked. Coker lives in Parkville, MO with his wife Vicky. When not playing sax, you might find him hunting
deer or wild turkey, or trading firearms at a local gun show.
age 4, he asked for an accordion for Christmas. After getting his wish, he surprised his family by teaching himself simple
songs by ear. Having realized this gift, his parents went to long time family friend and accordionist extraordinaire, Don
Lipovac, who referred them to Alfred Vacca for formal accordion instruction. In his high school years, Brian took up the
button box and won contests in Florida and Colorado. In 1979, Brian helped start a band called "Four of a Kind". He played
with that group until forming his own band in 1984. Brian now lives in Lee's Summit, MO with his lovely wife Debbie, and four
children: Nick, Monica, Kimberly, and Zachary.
Gary McCarty, Brian's brother took guitar lessons as a youngster from Frankie Kay. He took up the banjo in 1987 and
joined Brian's band for a trip to Aurora, Minnesota for a week long engagement. Gary loves to play and it shows. When
he's not playing Banjo, you just might find him polishing his car, manicuring his yard, or donning an apron to prepare for a
barbecue contest with his "Pig Pen Barbecue" friends. Gary lives in his home town of Kansas City, KS, with his wife, Mary
Beth, and three daughters. Other hobbies include golf, playing basketball with friends, and lets not forget
................................................... watching NASCAR racing!
John (J.J.) Schneller, was a friend of Gary's who stopped at the house one day when Brian was practicing with "Four of a
Kind". He was fascinated with the polka music, and inspired to get his drums down out of the attic and dust them off. J. J. is
a "charter member" of the Brian McCarty Band. He provides the solid beat that makes you want to dance. J. J. lives in
Shawnee, KS, with wife Julie, a son, and two daughters. He enjoys golf, basketball, and drag racing.
Coker Thomas, a native Texan, joined the band in 1995 after answering an add in a local newspaper. Coker, a North
Texas State graduate with a BA in music, wasted no time in telling Brian over the phone that he didn't like accordion and
probably would not be interested in playing with the band. He did, however, come and listen to the band once, and that's all it
took. He was hooked. Coker lives in Parkville, MO with his wife Vicky. When not playing sax, you might find him hunting
deer or wild turkey, or trading firearms at a local gun show.