Mary Adam 12

Columbus, Ohio funk/soul rock band primarily active in the 1990s while still playing shows into the 2010s. Mary Adam 12 was formed in 1991 by Jeff Plavcan and Michelle Ishida. They played frequently on the Midwest college circuit from 1991-1997 before disbanding. They had 2 full length releases- Mary Adam 12 and Dingwitch. One 45 record -Freak with B side Bust A 40. In 2012 they recorded an EP with some new songs and some unreleased old songs that have yet to be mixed and mastered but will be coming out in 2019. The reunion was sparked by the death of Brian Casey their original trombone player and they formed a new group to play a tribute show for Brian at Columbus' annual Community Festival of which they were a staple main stage act in the 1990's. The original band line up and players on the Debut album were: Jeff Plavcan- bass, Michelle Ishida- keys/vox, John Messersmith- drums/vox, John Plagata-guitar, Tom Hamrick-percussion/vox, Kris Keith-sax/flute/vocals, Brian Casey-trombone/vox. On the second album Dingwitch members were: Jeff Plavcan- bass, Michelle Ishida- keys/vox, John Messersmith- drums/vox, John Plagata-guitar, John Polansky-percussion, Kris Keith-sax/flute/vocals. The reunion shows played in 2012 featured various combinations of the following musicians: Jeff Plavcan- bass, Michelle Ishida- keys/vox, Tom Hamrick-percussion/vox, Drew Layman-drums, Tim Perdue-trumpet, Fred Gablick-sax/flute, Evan Oberla-trombone, Jason Branscum-trombone, Elisa Nicolas- gtr/vox, Mike Ianacello-guitar, and Cathy Wix-vox. The origin of Mary Adam 12 came out of a backing band for a character named Disco Dave (Tim Craig) who used to DJ disco night at Crazy Mama's a legendary campus club in Columbus, OH. Disco Dave wanted to perform with a band so Jeff and Michelle put together a backing band for him called Loose Booty. Loose Booty was Jeff Plavcan- bass, Michelle Ishida- keys/vox, John Messersmith- drums/vox, John Plagata-guitar, Kristi Jendry-vocals and if I can remember correctly Paul Baker on sax and Randy Sanders on trumpet. (Paul and Randy were the original horn section for Mary Adam 12 but didn't stay in the band long enough to be on the first record.) The band had so much fun they formed their own band and played Jeff and Michelle's original songs with Disco Dave and Kristi Jendry as guest vocalists. Disco Dave (Tim) would create beautiful stage settings in well known Columbus club Staches made from 70's thrift store finds like crushed velvet curtains and chain globe lamps of different colors so you felt like you were in a 70's swingers den. Velvet, afro wigs, platform shoes, capes, 70's hats and anything shiny were also main themes in his wonderful outfits. Disco Dave and Kristi moved to San Francisco in 1993 and were no longer part of the live shows but the band maintained a loyal and growing following. Other musicians who played with the band during those years were Kim Kaler-vocals and Michael Locke-saxophone. Musicians who played with the group who are no longer living are Michael Locke, Paul Baker and Brian Casey. On that note a very important part of the lyric writing for the debut album must be credited to Peter Cassely a good friend who is also deceased. Peter "Cass" Cassely was an art school friend and wonderful photographer/poet who wrote the lyrics to Donkey Song, Lamb Of The Universe, Little Girl and co wrote Deep Green. In the years following their debut album the writing got a little more introspective and the second album Dingwitch moved toward jazz/pop with a little less funk. In 1995 Jeff and Michelle had a son Cole and found the touring to be trying with a family, the band went strong until 1997 when they agreed to disband for family and day job responsibilites. John Plagata moved from Ohio shortly afterward for an editing career in Portland, OR. John Messersmith moved to upstate New York and continues to play in various jazz groups. John Polansky played with Ekoostik Hookah and CJ Chenier among many other acts and still plays around Columbus often with New Basics Brass Band. Kris Keith plays with many different jazz groups and taught at Ohio State until moving to Cincinnati. Jeff Plavcan plays around Columbus in rock bands and Michelle Ishida plays in an acoustic duo Jason & Michelle and pop/rock band Gathering Stars. -written by michelle 3/8/19