That same spirit of camaraderie inspired Mick. Growing up hearing stories of his dad’s band, he came to Denison determined to form one of his own. First came The Cuties, a student cover band, and later Runner and Bobby, where Mick found himself part of a group writing original music, touring cities from Boston to Minneapolis, and building a fanbase of more than 60,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Runner and Bobby’s other two members are lead singer and guitarist Parker Bailey ’23 and bass player Lula Burke ’24.
“My dad always talked about what happens when you play music with others and the unique friendship and bond you build within a band,” Mick said. “I had that same experience at Denison. The people I met through music are some of my closest friends.”
In one unforgettable moment during Mick’s senior year, their two musical worlds collided. At a Delta Chi fraternity event, Mick’s band invited Dan on stage without telling him. Together, they performed “Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors, their first and only time playing side by side.
“It was such a cool moment,” Mick said. “I think that night, my dad was definitely the coolest parent around.”
That moment of harmony between father and son echoes the larger story: how Denison nurtures creativity across generations. Neither Dan nor Mick majored in music. Dan studied political science, while Mick pursued philosophy, anthropology, and sociology — but both credit the Denison community for deepening their love of the arts.
“The friendships I’ve had through music have lasted a lifetime,” Dan said. “I hope 40 years from now, Mick feels the same way about his band.”
