When The Extrusions take the stage, they bring more than a carefully curated cover set—they bring a philosophy rooted in musical joy. Since first playing Ann Arbor in 2019, the band has carved out a reputation for danceable sets that span decades, genres and moods, while staying grounded in genuine connection with their audience.
From Dexter roots to a six-piece force
“Jeff Turck and Scott Kelsey founded the band in 2012 in Dexter, MI, with local friends they’d grown up with,” guitarist Brian Tobin said. “Their original goal was to play classic and alternative rock covers with a focus on more ‘left of the dial’ songs that are not often played by most bar bands, as well as ‘extruding’ popular songs into their own unique take at times.”
Over the years, that vision expanded.
“The current lineup has expanded to blend in more classic crowd pleasers and replicate more complex studio arrangements…while still keeping the spirit of the original mission statement,” Tobin said.
Finding a home in Ann Arbor’s music scene
“We still pinch ourselves that we’ve been welcomed into the rich Ann Arbor music scene with such open arms ever since our first show in A2 at the Zal Gaz Grotto Club in December 2019,” Tobin said. While there’s some overlap with other local cover bands, “we also feel that we have our own unique chemistry to offer.”
That sense of belonging runs deep.
“We’re also humbled to have been able to share the stage with many great musicians from great local bands…as well as having come to count them as good friends, over these last six years,” Tobin said.
Deep cuts on the dance floor
Song selection in The Extrusions is anything but arbitrary.
“We have a democratic system of picking songs…with each member making a spreadsheet of songs they’d like to do and other members adding their initials to ‘vote’ for the ones they like,” Tobin said. Songs with near-unanimous support move quickly into rehearsal.
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The system has evolved. “We added a ‘jump’ system where each member got to pick a song that the band had to learn,” he said. “The ‘jump’ system is on its 5th round and has been a smashing success, with many of those songs instantly joining the ranks of our most popular crowd pleasers.”
Heart over hype
For Tobin, what works live is ultimately simple. “Honestly, it seems to come down to singing and playing from the heart, no matter what the song,” he said. “I think people can often sense when things are genuine and when a band is just going through the motions.”
That sincerity translates directly to the dance floor. “If you really mean it, the audience is more likely to want to come along for the ride,” Tobin said.
Keeping it danceable—and challenging
Musicianship matters, but movement sometimes matters more. “A band can play the most complex song well, but…if it’s not danceable, you’re not going to make the audience happy,” Tobin said, especially at venues like the Zal Gaz Grotto and LIVE.
The solution? Momentum. “We also minimize slow numbers, one—or less—per set generally, to keep the momentum going,” Tobin said.
An audience that gives back
“Our typical audience…is made up of music-and-fun-loving people of all ages,” Tobin said, noting that crowds have grown steadily over time. “We’re constantly blown away by the boundless energy and waves of positive vibrations coming from the dance floor and beyond.”
One standout feature is who’s watching. “It always includes musicians from the other bands that frequent the same venues we do,” he said. “The support that local Ann Arbor musicians show for each other…is absolutely inspiring.”
The Zal Gaz Grotto magic
While the band plays a variety of venues, some shows rise above the rest. “Any of our performances at the Zal Gaz Grotto Club, but especially our themed shows…because we always take care to try to make them unforgettable nights,” Tobin said.
That effort extends beyond music. “Specially chosen songs, wonderful decorations by highly talented friends, and tremendous audience participation” are all part of the experience, according to Tobin.
After the shutdown, stronger than ever
The pandemic marked a turning point. “We had only played two shows in Ann Arbor…when things finally opened back up…we were worried that the new fans we’d made might’ve forgotten us,” Tobin said. They hadn’t.
“For the Extrusions, it was key that we enjoyed each other’s company so much that we consistently rehearsed together throughout the lockdown,” he said. “As a result, we emerged…with a ton of new songs and an even bigger appreciation for our audience.”
Why they keep doing it
Touring isn’t the goal—and that’s intentional.
“What keeps us motivated to perform regularly locally is the enjoyment we get from and camaraderie that we feel for each other and, most importantly, the special bond that we’ve developed with our regular fans,” Tobin said.
That bond shows up in surprising ways.
“Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd…absolutely packs the dance floor every time,” Tobin said, along with the seven-minute version of “Bloodletting” by Concrete Blonde.
What first-timers should know
“We truly appreciate you for choosing us on any given night with so many other entertainment choices,” Tobin said. “We’ll do our best to put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step with a night full of the best rock & dance music spanning six decades.”
And don’t expect repeats. “We have well over 100 songs in our current active rotation,” he notes. “Our motto is ‘you’ll never see the same show twice’!”
The Extrusions
- Jeff Turck — guitar, vocals, percussion, flute, pennywhistle (2012–present)
- Scott Kelsey — guitar, vocals (2012–present)
- Melanie Siebert — bass, vocals (2015–present)
- Brian Tobin — guitar, vocals, percussion, bass (2016–present)
- Mat Brzezinski — drums, percussion, vocals (2018–present)
- Ed Celkis — keyboards, vocals, sound & light management (2018–present)
Upcoming Performances (Zal Gaz Grotto Club)
- Saturday, January 31 — 2nd Annual Midwinter Glowfest Black Light Party
- Saturday, February 14 — Mardi Gras / Valentine’s / Melanie’s Birthday Bash
- Saturday, March 14 — 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
