We are sad to announce that as of Dec 31, 2005 Mitz and the Blitz will be no more. Michelle has decided to take a break from music for a while to look after her 2 young children. Dave and Randy are going to continue playing with Lori Jordan a BCCMA Horizon award winner. The new band will be called " BATTLE CREEK " Lori is a great singer with many years experience.

BATTLE CREEK can be reached @ battle-creek@hotmail.com

Just like everyone else, Randy and Dave are going to miss Michelle, her fantastic personality and hard work ethic. Both Randy and Dave have stated " We love Mitz and she will be in our musical lives forever !!!"

There is one thing that I know Michelle would like to request and that is that " Everyone please support live MUSIC !!!!! "

BATTLE CREEK has an open invitation to Mitz anytime she wants to sing.

Thank you for all your support in the passed and for the future.

Michelle Yanko

As a former member of the country duo "The Oakleys" Michelle honed her musical skills recording and performing in clubs and at fairs and festivals across Western Canada and the Pacific North West. When "The Oakleys" disbanded in 1998, Michelle had the opportunity to play with many talented Musicians, including Lindsay Mitchell (Prism), Kenny Wayne and Darryl Mayes (Colin James Band), before forming "MITZ & THE BLITZ" with Randy Shepherd on Bass Guitar and Dave Stang on Lead guitar.

Randy Shepherd

Randy has been playing music for over 30 years. He started playing with Rocky Swanson as a teenager and in 1981 they played Nashville for fan fair.  After numerous recording, TV shows and opening for such acts as Bobby Bare, Asleep at the Wheel, Randy moved to the band Saddle Tramp which in 1982 and 1983 won Group of the year, which also included Instrumentalist of the year, Randy Montana. Randy Shepherd, Mark Telford and Randy Montana moved on to form the Roosters, which mostly played the Vancouver A rooms and a 2 years house gig at the famous Bobs Tavern in Blaine Washington.  Randy Shepherd then went on to form " BackSeat Driver" with Randy Montana, Gaylord Wood (Lonestar Cattle Company) and Lorne Burns. (6 Cylinder)  BackSeat Driver was a powerful driving force in the Vancouver Country music scene for many years.  Some of their recordings were " Let it Ring " " Party Man" and " Don't you worry about me".  Other highlights for BSD was opening for Vince Gill at the Commodore and a 6 month gig at the 1992 EXPO in Sevilla Spain. Randy met Michelle (Mitz) when she was 17. They have been friends ever since and now look forward to developing a NEW Country Music sound in the Vancouver area.  With harmony and original music as a goal you will be sure to be hearing their music sometime soon.  Mitz & The Blitz are up and running!!!

Dave Stang

The "Stanger" started at the tender age of seven playing country dances with his dad and uncles whose home town is Camrose, Alberta. At the age of twelve, Dave put together his own band and started playing school and hall dances. Between their own gigs and much side man work Dave was kept working virtually all year long. At seventeen Dave started with a popular local band (Godfrey Blaque – later Whiskey Jack) and consequently started doing the local bar circuit, fairs, jamborees, etc. for the local radio station (CFCW).  In 1988 Dave hit the road with bands such as "Wheatstone", "Stateside", "Melissa and the Prairie Rose Band" backing other artists such as Wilf Carter, Nestor Pister, Rick Morgentern and others. Dave then was hired by the band Desperados in the Summer of ’92 with 30 years of experience.  He stayed with them until the fall of 1998 when he family obligations deemed it necessary for him to be home a little more.  He started to freelance and played with various other bands (to many to name) throughout the lower mainland before finally meeting up with Mitz and the Blitz this past year. During his musical career Dave has become a confident front man and friend amongst the various band families he was with.  He made a lot of new fans and friends because of his devotion to play the "Music People Want to Hear".

2 for 1 Dance
Featuring Mitz & The Blitz & Ropin' The Wind

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING MITZ & THE BLITZ!

For Bookings and More info:
Mitz & The Blitz
Ph# (604) 476-2562 or 778-895-1234
Email: Mitz1@shaw.ca