MIMX is set to rock Mercerdale Park tonight

It all began with a rock ‘n’ roll pickleball party.

Rhythm guitarist and vocalist Tim Tiscornia’s foray into live music performing occurred during that bash at his Mercer Island abode 15 years ago.

Tonight, the MIMX (Mercer Island Music eXperience) co-founder will hit the big stage and rip into a slew of rock, blues and funk covers at a Mostly Music in the Park concert from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mercerdale Park.

Tiscornia, a lifelong Mercer Islander, is simply stoked to be accompanying the multi-piece band at the event. He appreciates getting the opportunity to strum and sing in front of his hometown crowd as part of the series that he enjoys attending.

MIMX only plays four to five gigs a year, so Tiscornia is ready to roll.

“I’m there to entertain. I might not be the greatest voice that you have ever heard, but I’ll tell you, you’re not going to have any doubts whether or not I’m giving you everything I have,” said Tiscornia, who rattled off Mick Jagger, Eddie Vedder and Kenny Chesney as being some of his favorite singers. On the guitar front, he’s big on Jimi Hendrix and Jack Johnson.

Within his own band, which has been comprised mainly of Mercer Islanders since its inception 15 years ago, Tiscornia is constantly blown away by the talent of guitarist/vocalist Mike Bove. The band also features copious other skillful locals like co-founder Steve Mattox (trumpet and vocals), Greg Brown (drummer), Greg Norden (bass), Cliff Garrett (lead guitar), Deb Brandt (keys), Aly Burks (vocalist and backup vocals), Per Noren (saxophone and flute) and Steve Conn (trombone and vocals).

As he mentally cruises through the band’s set list, Tiscornia said that MIMX digs into some Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Doobie Brothers, Cake, Rolling Stones, some popular ’70s and ’80s numbers and more.

“We put on a good show and we want people to be happy and dance and enjoy themselves. And if we look out there and people are dancing and smiling, then we know that we’ve done our job,” he said.

Chemistry among the band members is continuously flowing throughout their set.

“You’ll see us all smiling, and I’ll tell you why. One, when we look out and the crowd’s into it, it’s exciting and it’s fun and we’re happy to help other people have a good time. But we’re also fans of each other,” said Tiscornia, whose first concert was Grateful Dead at KeyArena and the first album he bought was the Rolling Stones’ “High Tide and Green Grass.”

Tiscornia’s vision to keep the band local was because they’re all busy moms and dads with day jobs and it’s easier for everyone to stay on Island for practices and gigs.

“I would say most of them are members of the Mercer Island Country Club. So we play tennis together, we play music, and so when we play on Mercer Island, we’re usually playing for friends of ours,” he said.

Looking at the future of MIMX, Tiscornia hopes the band can continue with other adult players and younger musicians who call the Island home.

“I love this idea of having a band mostly of Mercer Island members,” he said. “As some people may eventually move out, we bring in other people from Mercer Island. It’s like this Mercer Island music experience.”