OUR STORY
This female-fronted party band burst on to the music scene in 2016 with an explosive force of musical talent and an energy so infectious it should come with a warning label. Since then, Atomic Annie has been igniting audiences all over mid-Michigan, with a set list spanning decades of hit music. From MTv classics to alternative rock anthems, to today’s chart toppers, Atomic Annie delivers an unforgettable experience, with non-stop entertainment and fun in every performance.
Band Member Bios.
photo credit J. Erwin Bates
Dennis Benjamin
lead guitar/vocals
Dennis is a veteran of the mid-Michigan rock scene, having played with HeadBand and his own acoustic solo act before joining Annie. Dennis is the band’s musical encyclopedia, with literally hundreds of songs (or half songs) at his fingertips. Working as a marketing professional by day, Dennis puts on his super suit and cape when he picks up a guitar. - figuratively speaking, of course. But rumor has it that he does actually have a cape, along with several wigs…. His dream job is to join the Grateful Dead.
Rachel Helinski
lead vocals
Rachel’s vocals, from soft and sultry to full-on rocked out, are the backbone of the band’s sound. Previously with Slingshot, Rachel brings a unique sound and fireball energy to the band. Rachel also serves as Annie’s musical conscience and business manager, keeping the band focused and moving forward (herding cattle….). Rachel has also been seen in the Flint/Detroit tribute band circuit, singing backup vocals for Fire and Ice: a Pat Benetar tribute, and Street Angel: a Stevie Nicks tribute. Making strangers into friends and sharing positive energy with the crowd is her favorite part of the Annie experience.
Phil Schrantz
bass guitar
Phil brings a wide experience in many musical genres to Annie’s sound. Whether it’s rock and blues on electric bass, bluegrass and Celtic on upright bass, or Latin and middle eastern percussion in world music, he creates a solid foundation for his bandmates to build on . Phil also serves as Annie’s professional sound man, dialing in just the right volume and mix for the venue. Previously seen with the Uptown Band, he’s also a pretty mean trombone player! His biggest new-found joy in life is being a grandpa.
Troy Hale
rhythm guitar
Troy is a man of many talents. After many years of holding down the beats on drums for Atomic Annie, he seamlessly stepped into the rhythm guitar role in 2020. Troy also serves as Annie’s media specialist, having designed our first logo, and editing/producing our videos. And if all that wasn’t enough, Troy is an award-winning documentary film maker and journalist, an avid multi-sport athlete, and a film and journalism professor at MSU.
Clark Hubbard
drums
Clark generously agreed to sit in with us for a gig in February of 2020, and that’s when the courtship began to make him our full-time drummer. Always wanting a bit of mysterious edge, we only know that he fears commitment, loves jazz and girlie drinks, and hates group texts. He has a very important day job, though none of us are exactly sure what he does… What we do know is that he lays down some sick beats! Clark can also be seen behind the kit drumming for Switching Seasons.