About Us at The Hazel James Band
Anora O'Connor
Anora O’Connor, the powerhouse lead vocalist of The Hazel James Band, has been captivating audiences since the band’s inception. Music has always been a part of her life, with deep-rooted influences from artists like Jewel, Alanis Morissette, and Janis Joplin. Anora brings her passion for music to life through the band’s unique mashups, which she absolutely loves performing.
Beyond the stage, Anora is a devoted dog mom to three fur babies—two Pitbull/Boxer mixes named Daryl and Esther, and a Golden Retriever named Roxanne. Her nurturing spirit also extends to her love for plants, making her a true plant lady at heart. When it comes to food, nothing beats her husband’s chicken piccata, which she calls her favorite meal of all time.
Anora’s joy for life is something she simply can’t live without, and her favorite aspect of being in The Hazel James Band is the opportunity to make music with her friends. She has many cherished memories with the band, including performing on the rooftop of Hotel Earl during Charlevoix’s Venetian Festival and a special performance at The Headlands.
When she’s not on stage, Anora enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and dogs. She also has a passion for photography and dedicates time to tending her beloved plants. Anora’s connection with the audience is effortless, as she draws them in with eye contact and a warm smile, all while hoping everyone enjoys the music as much as she does.
Patrick O'Connor
Patrick is the talented guitarist and foot drummer of The Hazel James Band, having been with the band since its inception.
Patrick’s musical journey began at about ten years old with the guitar, followed by drums at eleven, a switch to bass in middle school, and a return to guitar in high school. His eclectic range of musical influences, from Bluegrass to Jazz, shapes the diverse and dynamic sound of The Hazel James Band. One of his favorite songs to perform is their rendition of “I Will Survive,” where he gets to let loose on the drums.
Off the stage, Patrick is an avid enthusiast of leather work, woodwork, and embroidery—anything to keep his mind busy. He’s also a huge fan of Thai and Tex-Mex cuisine and always enjoys a good bourbon. Patrick treasures his three dogs: Roxanne, the queen of the household; Daryl, the ever-vigilant guard; and Esther, the lovable menace to society.
When he’s not making music, Patrick works as the Maintenance Coordinator at a skilled nursing facility and enjoys tending to yard work and watching movies. Before each performance, Patrick takes a deep breath and shares a toast with the band, setting the stage for another unforgettable show.
Andy Tall
Andy Tall has been the backbone of The Hazel James Band’s rhythm section for the past five years, bringing a depth of experience to the group since he first picked up the bass in 1999. Influenced by iconic bassists like Flea, Duff McKagan, and Andy McKee, Andy’s playing style is both versatile and powerful, perfectly complementing the band’s unique folk-rock sound.
When it comes to choosing a favorite song, Andy is diplomatic, refusing to make any of their tunes feel less appreciated by picking just one. His sense of humor and humility are just as strong as his musical skills.
At home, Andy and his wife are at the mercy of their three dogs, who clearly run the household. Layla, the regal Maltese, rules the pack and enjoys lounging on the back of the couch. Nala, a Terrier/Pug mix, is a bundle of energy, either smothering you with affection or racing around barking. And then there’s Potato, their Corgi, who takes his job as gatekeeper very seriously, ensuring that no one—especially the other dogs—passes through without his approval.
Andy’s love for the open road is as strong as his passion for music. He’s been riding motorcycles since he was 11, traveling coast to coast on two wheels. His favorite summer activity is hopping on his Harley for a long cruise, provided it’s in working order!
A die-hard Detroit Lions fan since age 5, Andy is as loyal as they come. He’s also a pizza enthusiast, claiming he’s never met a slice he didn’t like.
For Andy, playing with The Hazel James Band is more than just performing—it’s a constant journey of growth. He’s been in bands since he was 19, but he’s never been part of something as unique and fun as this. The talent of his bandmates challenges him to merge his rock roots with the folk genre, making every performance an opportunity to become a better musician.
One of Andy’s favorite memories with the band is playing on the rooftop of The Earl during Charlevoix’s Venetian Festival in 2023. With fireworks lighting up the sky and great crowds below, it was a truly unforgettable experience. It was also the night he debuted “Ivey,” his Ibanez bass, which quickly became his go-to instrument—a memorable first “date” that sealed their musical partnership.
Thomas Heath
Thomas Heath has been an integral part of The Hazel James Band for the past decade, captivating audiences with his mastery of the violin, mandolin, and vocals. Thomas began his musical journey in the 6th grade, and over the years, he’s been influenced by legendary musicians like Chris Thile, Stéphane Grappelli, and Marcus Mumford. His diverse talents bring a rich, dynamic sound to the band’s performances.
When it comes to favorite songs, Thomas holds a special place for "One Left Turn"—a track that’s uniquely theirs. It’s a testament to his passion for creating music that resonates deeply with both the band and their fans.
Thomas is also a devoted dog dad to three rescue Pitbulls: Argos, Dexter, and Evie, who keep life at home lively and full of love.
Beyond music, Thomas has a wide range of interests that include video games, public speaking, DJ industry education, and lighting design. He’s a true Renaissance man, blending his creative talents with technical skills.
Music is more than just a profession for Thomas; it’s his livelihood and passion. He can’t imagine life without it, and it shows in every note he plays.
One of Thomas’s favorite things about being in The Hazel James Band is the camaraderie and the inside jokes that make every rehearsal and performance a joy. A particularly memorable moment for him was playing on the radio—a milestone that underscored the band’s growing reach and impact.
As an MC, Thomas excels at connecting with the audience. He has a natural ability to engage with those who are interacting with the music, using the microphone to "bring them in" and make them feel like part of the show.
Off-stage, Thomas juggles multiple wedding industry businesses while being a dedicated husband, father, and dog wrangler. His life is a blend of family, work, and music—a balance that he handles with grace and enthusiasm.