Outside Recess originally formed in February of 2008 as a four man band with Tom Uecker (lead vocals), Chad Hammerschmidt (Guitar), Ben Elsenpeter (Bass), and Marty Kiebel (Drums).  After a series of conversations, emails, and meetings... Outside Recess was born.

Where did the name "Outside Recess" come from?  Being that three out of the four original members are elementary school teachers, we were looking for something that could tie into that unique feature of the band.  Since we looked at this as a fun break from our "day jobs", it only made sense to name the band after what many kids would say is the most fun part of school... recess.  “Outside Recess” was thrown out there as a potential band name, and it name stuck.

In October of 2008, Phil Schreifels became a member of the band.  Phil added a variety of musical talents to the group such as keyboards, another guitar, and even the accordion which helped improve our sound and increase our song base.  As an added bonus to the group, he was also an educator (a principal actually), which meant he'd fit right in.

The summer of 2011 brought about some change to the band's makeup when Ben Elsenpeter stepped aside as our bass player, and Pat Kealy became the newest member of Outside Recess.  In addition to filling the void at bass, Pat also filled out the band roster as another fellow educator (not that that was a prerequisite in our search) which in turn meant that Outside Recess was now truly "the teacher band", as some would describe us.

We play a wide variety of rock & roll that includes genres ranging from classic rock to southern rock, favorites from the 80's & 90's , and even some of the hits you're hearing on the radio today. If you like Journey, Matchbox 20, Green Day, Nickelback, AC/DC, Counting Crows, John Mellencamp, Daughtry, Bon Jovi, Tom Petty, Maroon 5, The Outfield & tons of other great rock then you are sure to enjoy yourself at one of our shows!  Our high energy songs and proven ability can definitely get a dance floor rockin'.

We've played at a variety of events over the past three years, including special guest appearances with GB Leighton at both Serum’s Halloween Celebration (Anoka) and O’Gara’s Garage (St. Paul), Cass Lake Ribfest, the Maple Lake St. Patrick’s Day Celebration for three years running, Spudfest (Big Lake), Float Rite Park (Sommerset, WI), Toby Keith's Bar (St. Louis Park) as well as many other bars, private parties and street dances.  We are always looking to hit new venues and events, so if you would like us to visit your neighborhood bar or festival, contact us via e-mail to schedule a "Recess" session near you.  

We would also like to take the opportunity to say thanks to all those who have supported the band thus far, and we hope that you are having as much fun as we are.  We really appreciate seeing all the familiar faces at our shows, and always look forward to meeting new ones.  So if you happen to get out to see us sometime, be sure to catch us during a break and say hello.

Remember when recess was fun?  Well, the playground is calling once again.  No matter if you were the hero hitting the game winning home run just as the bell rang, the quiet kid who finally gave the playground bully a taste of his own medicine, or the last kid picked for kickball... everyone is welcome on our playground.  And what makes Outside Recess better now than when you were a kid?....... There are NO RULES on our playground.

Hope to see you soon!

(Tom, Chad, Phil, Pat, & Marty)