Brendyn Cane works and plays hard keeping the beat

Come May 16, when Buddy System hits the stage to open this year’s Curbside Concerts, Brendyn Cane will be in rare air up there.  

Few musicians have appeared with four different bands on the roof during Elkhart Public Library’s free music series.  

But this drummer is built different. While others might stick close to a certain style of jam, Brendyn has been able to keep time across a range of genres.  

Latin rock.  

Country.  

Motown.  

And whatever is next. 

“I break it down like this,” says Brendyn, taking a break recently in his studio down one of Elkhart County’s idyllic country roads. “I want to be one of the most versatile drummers in the world. To be versatile, you have to play many genres, and I have to study what I have to play. It’s a mindset.” 

He’s been at the drums with Lalo Cura, Paul Erdman and Darryl Buchanan’s Soul Motown All-Stars – all incredibly diverse and talented, all bright spots on the local music scene.  

For lots of reasons, though, some local music venues never quite hit it after the pandemic. It’s why Curbside Concerts and other opportunities like Elkhart Parks and Rec’s Summer Chill Series and festivals are important and valuable, Brendyn says. 

“You guys bring the community together,” he says. “And you don’t outsource. You’re doing it with local musicians. And right now, you are being tested if you’re a musician. …  

“It’s amazing what the Elkhart Library series does for people. For me, there is no other feeling like playing on the roof and looking out at the city.” 

Brendyn’s charm comes through with his openness and a wide smile. But, he jokes, it’s nice being on the tallest stage in town because “sometimes, you know, I just don’t like talking to people.” 

Performing 13 feet off the ground and separated from the crowd doesn’t mean the musicians are disconnected, though. Focused on the music, they still can get in a little people watching time, too. 

“With Paul, we play ‘Neon Rainbow’ and ‘Tennessee Whiskey.’ One time, we saw this couple sitting there all night, just enjoying the music. But then we saw them get up and start dancing – it was just pretty special,” Brendyn says. “And every time Lalo plays, I just love looking at faces. There was this one time, we were playing a song called ‘Yohualli’ and there was this guy, his mouth was just completely open, watching in awe, the whole song. 

“The concert series always brings dope moments like that.” 

When he’s not playing gigs, Brendyn is working directly with students at Crossroads Community Church in Mishawaka and at his studio. He’s a worship leader and teaches lessons, and he’s pointed toward his goal of owning a music school.  

“I’m working for myself now, something I’ve been wanting a long time,” he says. “Teaching is the thing I love. I want to help out kids on drums, bass, singing in the choir, keyboard, all of it. …  

“Giving back is huge for me. And right now I love being able to do more.” 

With his schedule, it’s difficult to see where he finds all the time. Brendyn’s playing with the Messengers. He’s one of two drummers in a new funk and jazz experience, Brollision. He’s picked up some dates with The Drifters – yes, the Rock Hall of Fame legends.  

“With those guys, you learn the music, you get a sound check, and then you’re out there in front of three or five thousand people,” Brendyn says about The Drifters. “It’s a whole different experience. No time for chemistry – you gotta know the songs and you gotta play. You have got to be a real musician, all professional. It’s tough!” 

All this success, and the library rooftop still calls to him. 

“That first time you get up there, there’s nothing like it. Now, my first time – that was before you had all those rails up around the edge. I’m carrying all this heavy equipment up there and I’m looking down like, man, I’ve seen ‘Final Destination.’”