Personal Info - Michael was born in Marengo, Iowa on July 6, 1969, to David L. and Joy G. Hartz.
Michael graduated from Marengo High School in 1987, Marengo, Iowa. He started out on the drums in
his first band and migrated to the electric guitar and then steel guitar. Michael married Jodi
(Koffron) Hartz, on July 24, 1993. They have two boys, Derik (16) and Timothy (14). Michael presently
works full time for IKON Office Solutions as a Master Service Technician and lives in Decorah, Iowa.
Influences - Michael's first major influence was Jeff Larson who later became his steel guitar
teacher and mentor. Other major influences upon his music carrier have been Brent Mason and Paul
Franklin. Michael says that he has been greatly influenced by each group he has played with from
Cousins, Cactus Moon, Mason Dixon, Cheyenne and the "new" Country Cousins.
Equipment Used - Michael (as Tim Severson) is a fan of Fender Guitars. His favorite guitar is his
1968 Fender Telecaster (for lead guitar), and he plays a Mullen pedal steel guitar.
Hobbies - Michael's hobbies are playing music for wild and crazy fans, fishing, hunting, working with
wood and antiqueing for Red Wing crocks.
Pet Peeves - When he orders a "hamburger, ketchup only" through the drive threw and they slap
pickles and junk on his burger.
What he likes most about the band - "I admire the professionalism of the bands appreciation for
music. I enjoy playing for the dedicated fans of the band and enjoy meeting new listeners each time I
go out to play. Lastly, I have much appreciation for the band adopting me into their family. I feel a very
close connection musically with all the guys and can't help but have an awesome time each event we
perform for".
Michael graduated from Marengo High School in 1987, Marengo, Iowa. He started out on the drums in
his first band and migrated to the electric guitar and then steel guitar. Michael married Jodi
(Koffron) Hartz, on July 24, 1993. They have two boys, Derik (16) and Timothy (14). Michael presently
works full time for IKON Office Solutions as a Master Service Technician and lives in Decorah, Iowa.
Influences - Michael's first major influence was Jeff Larson who later became his steel guitar
teacher and mentor. Other major influences upon his music carrier have been Brent Mason and Paul
Franklin. Michael says that he has been greatly influenced by each group he has played with from
Cousins, Cactus Moon, Mason Dixon, Cheyenne and the "new" Country Cousins.
Equipment Used - Michael (as Tim Severson) is a fan of Fender Guitars. His favorite guitar is his
1968 Fender Telecaster (for lead guitar), and he plays a Mullen pedal steel guitar.
Hobbies - Michael's hobbies are playing music for wild and crazy fans, fishing, hunting, working with
wood and antiqueing for Red Wing crocks.
Pet Peeves - When he orders a "hamburger, ketchup only" through the drive threw and they slap
pickles and junk on his burger.
What he likes most about the band - "I admire the professionalism of the bands appreciation for
music. I enjoy playing for the dedicated fans of the band and enjoy meeting new listeners each time I
go out to play. Lastly, I have much appreciation for the band adopting me into their family. I feel a very
close connection musically with all the guys and can't help but have an awesome time each event we
perform for".
Michael Hartz-Steel and Lead Guitar
