Photo of Michael Riendeau

Name: Michael Riendeau

Height: Tall enough (to get on the good rides)

Eye color: Blue

Birthday / Sign: June 1 Gemini

Band nickname: Double or Nothin

Instruments: Drums

1st concert you attended: Boston Pops Christmas concert in 3rd grade, my aunt and uncle brought me. Then Led Zeppelin lazer show at the Museum of Science in 6th grade. Then my brother brought me to see Aerosmith for my birthday when I was in the 7th grade.

1st tape or CD purchase: Twisted Sister - Stay Hungry

Best concert you ever attended: Alert at the Red Barn in North Andover, MA circa 1993.

Some favorite bands: Jimi Hendrix with the Band of Gypsies, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Led Zeppelin.

What have you been listening to lately? Jazz. Old Wayne Shorter stuff with Elvin on drums, 1964 Miles Davis Quintet w/ Tony Williams on drums. Reggae- like old Studio One stuff, steady supply of Bob. J Dilla stuff is always pleasant.

What’s the best part about being in a band? Living the dream.

Hardest part? It’s a big responsibility being in a band and sometimes that requires some hard work.

Favorite Canasta moment? As the lesson drones on, Mr. Keating enters the room to retrieve a few belongings. On his way out, Todd apologizes to Keating for having signed the confession, citing the pressure exerted by the Academy and his parents. Keating acknowledges this. Nolan sternly orders Todd to be quiet and demands that Keating leave at once. As he exits the door, Keating is startled to hear "O Captain! My Captain!" being called out by Todd, who has stood on his desk as Keating made him to do earlier, demonstrating the new perspective Keating has taught him. Enraged, Nolan warns Todd to sit immediately or face expulsion, only to be defied. Then, one after another, the members of the Dead Poets Society (excepting Cameron, conspicuously) climb onto their desks and look at Mr. Keating proudly.

Favorite color: Depends. Like if it’s a strawberry I’d prefer it to be red. If it’s water, I’d rather it be crystal clear.

Favorite food: Thai iced tea

Favorite book: Anna Karenina

Favorite movie: Maybe Ghostbusters, Clue is good too. Big Trouble in Little China, maybe. Definitely not Back to the Beach, but I can quote many lines!

Pet? (Current or childhood): Childhood pets: Tiny and Fluffy (guinea pigs), a bunch of fish, Charlie the hamster, Thumper (yup a bunny!), Tweetie (guess!), Beefy Jones (a garter snake), Shalomo (a frog).

Favorite Childhood Vacation: Spent every summer since I was five on the Maine coast with my family and my cousins. My folks live there and I get to go see them and the beach during the summer.

Favorite weather: Hot and sunny

If you could live somewhere other than Chicago, where would it be? Someplace hot and sunny where they speak french and have electricity.

Favorite piece of clothing you own: I got this t-shirt from my 5th grade graduation. It’s as thin as tissue paper now and it has everyone’s name on it.

Favorite game: Cribbage.

In Canasta, each member brings their unique strengths to the music. What do you bring to the band? In the risk of appearing slightly boastful, I’ll just come right out and say that I am a downright AWESOME person!

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