Mike DeHays is Imphormal, playing electric cello covers of pop and classic rock hits and more.

I discovered the hammered dulcimer in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until 1998 that I finally owned one, thanks to a surprise gift from my wife using our wedding money. During the first decade, the dulcimer was just one of several instruments I played, which slowed my learning progress. I managed to learn a couple of songs to share with others, but it wasn’t until 2008 that things began to change. I decided to pursue music full-time and realized the hammered dulcimer was my love and instrument of choice.

I created a YouTube channel where I shared videos of Rich Mullins songs and documented the making of my first album, “Hymns.” I performed at assisted living facilities, churches, coffeehouses, and street festivals that welcomed me. I released my first album in 2009 and before long, my weekends were filled with gigs, and my day job felt increasingly unfulfilling.
In 2010, I gained recognition by winning the U.S. National Hammered Dulcimer Championship. Just a week before the competition, I lost my job, which motivated me to focus on YouTube. I launched a weekly series called “Fan Fridays,” where I took song suggestions from my email list, learned them in a few days, recorded them live—mistakes included—and uploaded them for Friday release.
For the next six years, I traveled across the country with my family, embracing the musician’s lifestyle and exploring our beautiful nation. In 2016, my backyard video of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” went viral, leading to newfound recognition.
Now, with countless miles, stories, videos, and recordings behind me, I continue to learn, entertain, teach, and compose, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Won’t you join me in seeing what’s next?

Performing with many of the jazz greats like Kenny Wheeler and Terry Lynne Carrington, this is a jazz pianist performance you won’t want to miss. 

I began studying piano at 12 years old and studied Jazz Piano at the National School of Music in Mexico City. Gabriel has had the opportunity to play in the Mexican spectacular “10 Pianos”. He has also accompanied several famous Mexican artists as well as be their Musical director. In 2014, Gabriel played in the pit of SHREK the Musical. Since moving to South Bend in June 2015, he has played in the Elkhart Jazz Festival and has the privilege of playing the piano at the famous Tippecanoe Place as well as several Notre Dame Functions.