When Mike McAlister was 10 years old, his grandfather offered to pay for his piano lessons. Since Mike always liked music, so he took lessons for a few years and learned enough to play a basic version of “Hey Jude.” In 8th grade, he received a basic course in guitar chords, and soon after, Mike’s dad helped him buy his first guitar and amplifier. A year later, on a whim, his dad bought him a Fender Music Master bass, which set the stage for his friendship with James Richards, a classmate who was already a great player. 

James and Mike soon became musical partners, playing together at school events and local concerts. By 1975 they formed the Chautauqua Road Band with another talented guitarist and singer, Gregg Messer, and a great drummer, Pat Lewis. Their first gig was at a high school Christmas dance in December of that year. Over the next few years, they played over 40 shows. During this time, Mike upgraded his gear with a Fretless Precision bass and a Carvin Bass Reflex amp (the size of a refrigerator!). He was ready for the rock star lifestyle. 

After high school, the band members went their separate ways, but Mike continued to play bass in a college band with several fantastic singers. However, after graduation, other priorities took over, and playing music was put on hold. It wasn’t until the early 90’s that he started playing again, thanks to his wife surprising him with a Takamine acoustic guitar. Soon after, Mike joined a church band, playing regularly and rediscovering the joy of making music for the people. 

In the 2010s, he bought a Gibson ES-175 guitar and explored new musical territories, including jazz. After reconnecting with James through Facebook in 2016, they soon reunited Chautauqua Road Band, playing their first gig in nearly 40 years with James’ brother Paul Richards on drums. It felt incredible bringing back that classic rock energy and seeing people dancing to their music once again. 

In 2023, CRB moved to a new phase, focusing on original music. James’ songwriting talents and their collective creativity led James, Paul, and Mike to record six songs at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the newly-named group, Divergent. The quality of the music produced at Sweetwater exceeded their expectations, and Divergent plans to release their debut EP ‘Runnin’ Free’ in the fall of 2024. 

Reflecting on his musical journey, Mike is grateful for the experiences and friendships that shaped his path. From those early days playing piano to recording originals in a professional studio, it was a dream come true. Mike is excited to keep growing musically and sharing Divergent’s songs with the world where a new and exciting journey is just beginning!