The History Of Our World (As Best We Can Remember It)

Protégé has been in existence since 1989.  Founding members Mike Todd and Bob Keenan met in a music store and history was born!  Protégé has toured extensively throughout Central Illinois and built a loyal following.  The band performed for many community benefits, fairs, festivals, weddings, office parties, graduation parties and many other public and private functions.

For some time after, Protégé focused their energies into a four piece extravaganza, presenting renewed enthusiasm and continued success as top a contender in the local Classic Rock music scene.

Most recently, Protégé has extended their abilities by adding a fantastic female vocalist to their line-up...Charlotte Harrelson brings a wealth of classic rock and blues experiences adding an even GREATER dimension and versatility to the group!

Through its existence which touches three decades (of which only Mike Todd has seen every moment), Protégé has been blessed with many talented musicians.  Here is an approximate timeline:

1989 - 1992:  Mike Todd, Bob Keenan, Rick Lehner, Steve Trost, Dave Redden

1993 - 1995:  Mike Todd, Rick Lehner, Dave Jensen, Danny Beal, Les Tipton

1995 - 1995:  Mike Todd, Rick Lehner, Dave Jensen, Danny Beal, Dave Fryer

1995 - 1996:  Mike Todd, Rick Lehner, Danny Beal, Dave Fryer, Brad Gilmore

1996:  Protégé disbands for a five year sabbatical.

2000 - 2001:  Founding members Mike Todd and Bob Keenan piece the band together again.

2001 - 2004:  Mike Todd, Bob Keenan, Chris Ruehle, Troy Vanover, Mike Olson

2004 - 2005:  Mike Todd, Bob Keenan, Chris Ruehle, Mike Olson, Ralph Perez

2005 - 2007:  Mike Todd, Bob Keenan, Mike Olson, Greg Lutz

2007 - 2010:  Mike Todd, Bob Keenan, Greg Lutz, Brad Lutz

2010 - Present:  Mike Todd, Bob Keenan, Brad Lutz, Charlotte Harrelson, Lance Kwasny

Because of the band's wide variety of musical and vocal capabilities, Protégé continues to be a top contender in the local music scene.  With Protégé's abundance of high quality sound reinforcement, visual effects and lighting, every show is a rock'n'roll extravaganza.