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 A wrestling injury almost waylaid the musical aspirations of a young Jim “Chopstix” Hopes, but Lucky Penny percussionist was not to be deterred. After a 15-year hiatus, he got back into the scene, “I took awhile to get my chops back, but I spent some time around some great musicians in the church band in which I play, and have learned a lot … especially in the area of Latin percussion, which was new to me,” he says, “The various percussion instruments have opened my eyes to new possibilities in creating layers of rhythm.” The Canton, Ohio, native hails from a line of musicians. He counts his uncle, who was a drummer in big bands and area combos, as an influence, and his grandmother encouraged piano lessons, which he says helped him understand the basics of music. His son, Eric, is a serious musician, proficient at playing piano, trumpet, French horn, guitar and bass guitar. Jim has played in several bands over the years. One day, Steve and A.J. approached him about joining the acoustic duo to form the trio. Jim’s musical influences and interests are varied, and he says he always has appreciated cutting edge music, as its basis is in the art rock with which he grew up. “I like a lot of modern bands – Phish, Dave Matthews, Train, even Alter Bridge,” he says, adding he and his son share a lot of music. Like several members of The Persuaders, he notes The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” as a monumental milestone in his musical history. In addition to son Eric, this self proclaimed “train nut” and wife, Linda, have a daughter, Katie. Jim enjoys boating and the beach, and says music not only brings him joy but serves as a barrier to the stress of daily life.
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