Based in Southern California, Country Thunder is a kick-ass Country Music band playing all the best high-energy cover tunes from the genre's greatest artists, old and new (not to mention a few catchy original songs written by front-man and singer-songwriter, Trey Hirsh). This uber-talented group of musicians knew there were tons of under-served Country Music fans in Southern California. So they set out to get them all together on a more regular basis. They started out in the South Bay communities of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach, and things took off from there. Now in addition to playing the band's favorite watering holes on a regular basis, Country Thunder does everything from large corporate events to weddings, private clubs, casinos, and city summer-concert series. Country Thunder is made up of Trey Hirsh on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Dave Maciel on lead guitar and vocals, Dan Matsuura on bass guitar and vocals, and Gregg Ginsburg on drums and vocals.
Band Members
Trey Hirsh - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar Country Music singer-songwriter and guitarist, Lenny "Trey" Hirsh, received UCLA's Hal Gaba Songwriting Scholarship Award in 2014, and he won "Best Country Song" in West Coast Songwriters' International Songwriting Contest in 2013 for his song "Mess with Texas" from his album "Livin' the Dream." Trey has been dubbed “One to Watch” by NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). Having attended the annual Stagecoach Country Music festival since 2008, Trey knew there were plenty of Country Music fans in Southern California, and he wanted to party with them more than once per year.
Dave Maciel - Lead Guitar/Background Vocals Dave Maciel has been playing music since he was 7 years old. His first instrument was the piano. At 9 years old, Dave was already an accomplished concert pianist. By age 11, he was a drummer for a cover band which played many venues in the South Bay. By the time he had reached 13, Dave had already recorded two original rock albums with different bands where he worked as a drummer for one, and the lead guitarist for the other. Dave currently holds two residencies in Manhattan Beach at a sports bar named Shark’s Cove and Shade Hotel. When he isn’t playing clubs, Dave writes and records for many artists and enjoys learning to play new instruments and teaching lessons lessons.
Dan Matsuura - Bass/Background Vocals Dan grew up listening to Country Music on KFROG with his grandpa in his younger years, but never understood or enjoyed the style. In his adolescence, Dan found his identity in a more aggressive scene, joining and quitting multiple punk rock and heavy metal bands. As an adult, Dan has found a new appreciation for Country Music after life has kicked his ass multiple times. "Yeah, he's gone country, a new kind of walk. He's gone country, a new kind of talk. He's gone country, look at them boots. He's gone country, back to his roots."
Gregg Ginsburg - Drums/Background Vocals Gregg, also known as "Groggster," is from Hollywood, California and has played drums and percussion professionally off and on for over 35 years. He has recorded and toured all over the world with many talented musicians, from Country legend James Intveild, to members of popular rock groups like The Small faces, Guns N' Roses, Melisa Ethridge, Rogue Wave, Elton John Band, Brian Setzer, The Good Brothers, MiniBar, Jazz is Dead, and many others. Coming from a musical family (his cousin was legendary Jazz singer, Mel Torme'), Gregg started playing music at a young age, and like his 6 foot nine tall frame, his love and passion of music grew with him. When he is not performing with Country Thunder or doing side session work you Gregg can be found surfing near his home in Santa Monica.