The Reel is an Alternative Pop/Rock band that began with two guys and their acoustic guitars. It was hard to deny the musical connection; The Reel was born with their first album, Come Alive. After two years, Cameron and Curtis were introduced to Christian and they knew that he was right guy to lay down the groove. It was obvious who the other two band members would be. Kevin, a long time friend and guitarist, and Jacob, who truly knew the meaning of “slappa da bass!” Becoming more brothers than friends, The Reel found their sound. Coming from Placerville, California, The Reel is most commonly known to play around California in churches, bars, and festivals. However, they have made it around the United States and other countries, traveling to Niger, Africa and Delhi, India. In just the past two years, The Reel has accomplished national radio with their song, “Come Alive” as well as several interviews on local radio stations. They have also been featured in newspapers across California. In addition, The Reel is proud to be a partner of Courage to Be You, Inc., an international, non-profit organization dedicated to building homes and providing care for underage victims of human sex-trafficking. More recently, The Reel entered competition and headed to Nashville where they were privileged to perform at the CMAs and won 2nd place for their song “What If You Believed”. Their new song, “Made For You”, recently won Grand Prize for the West Coast Songwriters International Song Competition. Beyond their love of music, The Reel’s passion is to inspire, challenge, and move people. The Reel’s second album Stars is out now and can be purchased at live shows, from iTunes or from Amazon MP3.
Cameron Stymeist
Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Worship Director at Green Valley Community Church
Cameron started his career as a dancer.
Cameron Stymeist was born and raised in Placerville, CA where he still resides. It wasn't until around the 8th grade his father taught him his first few guitar chords. Halfway through high school, Cameron found his love for singing when his best friend conned him into choir for 5 extra credit points. Cameron wrote and performed his first original song for his high school "Farewell Rally" which helped him discover his passion for songwriting. He knew at this point that music would always be an integral part of his life. Cameron has since won a multitude of awards for his craft.
Curtis Van Winkle
Electric Guitar, Background Vocals
Farmers Insurance Agent
When Curtis was 12 he had a bowl cut and a lizard.
Curtis was born and raised in Redmond, Oregon. He had a pretty typical childhood mingling with the local hillbillies. He didn't really get into music much until 7th-8th grade when he got an electric guitar for Christmas. After acquiring a grunge pedal and learning power chords he spent most of his time (musically) listening to punk songs and learning how to play them in his bedroom. Throughout high school Curtis was involved with his local youth group and began playing guitar for the youth services. After graduating high school in 2003, he moved to California to play in a band with a group of home town buddies. After migrating from Hollywood to Folsom in 2005, the group went their separate ways. While living in Placerville, Curtis met Cameron Stymeist. They began making music and would later form The Reel.
Kevin Balzer
Electric Guitar, Background Vocals
High School Art Teacher
Kevin grew a beard so he wouldn't be confused with Robert Pattinson.
When Kevin was 12 his 10-year old cousin sparked his interest in guitar. Two years later, he joined an awkward garage band named Borderline with his friends and forced himself to contribute to the less than pleasing sound. Borderline quickly disbanded, but Kevin’s musical drive was just beginning. As high school ended, he started pursuing recording and sound engineering. Music Theory classes, talented classmates, and the extensive accessibility of musical instruments made him the musician that he is today. He later stumbled across a picture of his high school friend, Cameron Stymeist, on a myspace music page. After reuniting at a show, Kevin insisted on joining Cameron's, then acoustic, band, The Reel.
Christian Midthun
Drums, Cajon
Professional Interviewee
Christian is the master of metaphors.
Christian Midthun was in born in Long Beach, CA. With his father as a blues guitarist and his mother a pianist he was adamant about not sharing instruments. After learning the pink panther on saxophone he decided to hang up the beezy whistle and not steal Kenny G's thunder. His parents reluctantly brought the drum set out of storage and watched a slight infatuation turn into a full-blown obsession. He has had the privilege of studying with some of the greatest educators in Northern California. After floating around band to band he had an audition with The Reel in July of 2006 and something clicked musically and socially.
Jacob Ricketts
Bass
Software Developer
Jacob loves the song "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper.
Jacob never touched an instrument until his mother forced him to take guitar lessons at age 13. Even though he initially protested, it only took one lesson for the love of music to take hold. He played on his church worship team for a couple of years until he was "volunteered" to be the bass player. The groove quickly overtook him and he never looked back to any of the "lesser" guitars. After college he started a progressive rock band, Shadowproof, with his brother and a couple of friends. The band ended after his brother's death in a motorcycle accident in 2008 and shortly after he joined his worship leader's band, The Reel.
