Our Story
The Detonators - You can typically find this local band on the slopes of Sugarbush and Mad River Glen rocking ski parties and packing dance floors from the beginning of the season until the last chair spins in May. The combination of Aaron’s big bass sound, powerful voice, Tom Hooper’s rock solid drumming, and a song list full of good time party favorites is guaranteed to get any crowd on its feet. The Detonators began in The Sugarbush Vermont resort area in 1995. Rocking Vermont ski areas, street dances, functions, festivals and clubs with an unusual collection of rock, country and blues music that appeals to everyone. The band has developed its own style of tight grooves and high energy from years of performing together. Aaron Hersey fronts the band, getting crowds fired up and filling the dance floor. Highlighting the band's sound are Aaron's big bass and the Detonator guitar platoon. These guitars create big sounds and explosive solos that create epic performances at every party. Filling out the band's rhythm section creating driving pockets are musicians who hail from Boston, Virginia and the Austin music scenes. These musicians combine their talents to make a unique, polished band that delivers every time.

Tom Hooper The size of Hoops fat grooves are matched only by the size of his heart and soul for music. As the "Drumming Dervish" of Mad River Valley, Hoop enjoys helping both his fellow musicians and charitable causes for every benefit and show he can get involved with. A proud product of Boston, he moved from the big city to live a relaxed life of making music in the mountains of Vermont. During his years in Boston he had played with such notable artists as Ben Orr (The Cars),Brad Delp (Boston), J. Geils and James Montgomery. Partnering with Sean O'Connor they received a finalist bid for the award of" Best Unsigned Band" by Musician Magazine. This resulted in a contract with Atlantic Records and the band moving to New York to produce their debut album Sean O'Connor and Nokandu.


