MC & The Mystyx are a professional regional touring band - and known as one of the most diverse bands in central Texas. This group may play a country dance one evening - a blues date the next, or an evening of variety - showcasing music from Blues, to Rock, R&B, Americana and maybe even a Spanish song in their sets. The band features Melody Ackerman on lead guitar and Cathy Ruiz on lead vocals. They are accompanied by Phil Hearn (on bass guitar and vocals) and "Texas Tim" Root (on drums)
This band of seasoned musicians love playing music - and their high energy performances treat audiences to great music and a great time. The band has been on the music scene since 2005 performing in San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Sam Kindrick, in Action Magazine, had this to say about the band's featured artists:
"Cathy Ruiz displays a true honky-tonk voice...and can sing a broad range of music from blues to rock...Melody Ackerman can smoke an electric guitar on one number, then switch beautifully to an acoustic flat-top on the next number...few guitarist would find in easy to hang with her in a picking session..." - Sam Kindrick
Phil Hearn and Tim Root are the power-house rhythm section - that along with the dynamic vocal of Cathy and strong guitar solos of Melody - keep audiences engaged and grooving. Check out their schedule and come on out for a great time listening and dancing to the band. You won't be disappointed.
About the Band:
Cathy Ruiz
By the age of 10, it was recognized that Cathy had a voice and she was soon invited to sing on stage at events and festivities in San Antonio. Although she shied away from singing in the limelight, Cathy pursued other avenues of performance in which she also excelled. She performed in musical drama with Joyas Lyricas under a performance art grant and dance performance with Sarita’s Ballet Folklorico Dance Company. Cathy has always exhibited confidence in front of an audience and it was not until Melody Ackerman approached her about singing and fronting the band did she consider getting back to her vocal roots. Cathy stepped up to the challenge and has been the voice and a dynamic entertainment force that sets MC & The Mystyx apart from other musical groups and bands.
Melody Ackerman
Melody began her journey as a musician, at the age of 11, when she started playing guitar. It was not long before her passion for music and the guitar lead her to establishing her first band at the age of 13 – The Melody Wranglers. John T. Flores hired the band to play Sunday dances at Flores Country Store and the band performed at the Cabaret in Bandera, the Texas Star Inn, and the Farmer’s Daughter to mention a few. Melody went on to establish other dancehall bands that backed up the late Mel Street, and she has shared the stage with Leon Rausch, Willie Nelson, Augie Meyer, W.C. Clark, Billy Mata, the Drugstore Cowboys and Johnny Rodriguez. She also worked with Nashville songwriter Conrad Pierce, new age artist Michael Thomlinson, and recorded with Vicki Carr. Melody has backed artists, on stage and in the studio, playing many demanding guitar styles ranging from country to blues and folk to fusion. Her years of experience and exposure to various artists have made her a guitarist whose style and solos continue to engage and entertain audiences.
Phil Hearn
Phil is a multi-instrumentalist from a musically talented family. He started at the age of 6, learning piano and eagerly moving on to guitar, bass guitar, drums, and the family of clarinets – becoming a valued musician in school band programs. He developed his vocal skills in church and school choirs. Looking to satisfy his music appetite after he left college, he continued to perform in various groups and adding the saxophone to his arsenal along the way. Phil played guitar, bass, and saxophone for 23 years in a company sponsored music program performing a variety of country, rock, jazz, and pop music with different bands and ensembles.
Phil Hearn is now laying down the groove for MC & The Mystyx. His diverse musical background, musicianship, and rock - steady grooves, make him a critical member of the rhythm section.
Tim Root
“Texas Tim” is one of the 1st electronic drum clinicians in the world with over 35 years of experience electronic drums & percussion. He has played drums with artist like Dr. John, The Band, Tom Coster, Anita Bryant/David Benoit, and Peter Rivera (Rare Earth) – and performed over 300 clinics worldwide including percussion duo’s with Bill Bruford, Chester Thompson, and Vinnie Colaiuta. His electronic drum expertise has been used by Journey, Van Halen, The Eurthmics, Stevie Wonder, Joe Zawinul, La Mafia, Jim Keltner, and many more. Tim is the Global Product Manager for Alesis electronic Drums.
Tim grew up in Houston, Texas and started playing drums at the age of 10. He later studied drums and percussion at the University of Houston and University of Texas at San Antonio - and has studied privately with Keith Karnacky, Randy May, Joe Raynor, Joel Fulgum, and Ed Soph. Tim is a power house drummer and his broad skill set makes him the perfect fit for MC & The Mystyx's diverse repertoire.
