Hi Infidelity Named 'Best of the Burbs' by SuburbaNites Magazine

The fans have spoken, and they are nothing but faithful to area rockers Hi Infidelity.

Hi Infidelity was named favorite rock band in SuburbaNites Magazine’s annual Best of the ‘Burbs poll. Lead singer Dave Mikulskis, of , and keyboardist Bobby Scumaci each received individual honors for their contributions to the band.

The fact that fans chose the winners made the recognition all the more meaningful, Mikulskis said.

“That’s who we play for, every weekend for the past 10 or 12 years,” he said.

Because the band has won the poll before — six consecutive times — Mikulskis said they didn’t particularly promote it this year. But the fans themselves took over marketing duties to bring in a wave of votes for the band, which plays high-energy covers of 80s rock classics. Hi Infidelity's other members include Jim Warren on drums and vocals, Tyler Holcomb on bass and vocals, and Guy Dominick, who plays several instruments. 

During the winter, the band plays area clubs and bars, but Mikulskis said Hi Infidelity is already thinking ahead to their busiest time of the year — the summer concert season.

The band adds a few more amped-up songs to its setlist to cater to the varied festival audience.

“We try to think of themes and songs that remind people of summer,” he said. “Kids don’t want to hear ballads.”

To keep things fresh throughout the year, the band adds eight to 10 new songs each month to a repertoire that includes hits from Journey, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi.

Often Hi Infidelity will play the new songs together for the first time on stage — with no rehearsal — which is both daunting and a testament to the rhythm they have as a band.

“It makes us fly without a net, and that makes it interesting for sure,” Mikulskis said. He added with a laugh, “Ninety percent of the time it works.”

Hi Infidelity’s first outdoor show of 2012 will be May 18 at the Taste of Glen Ellyn. That show will kick off a season during which the band will play nearly 50 percent of its 95 yearly shows.

“We still don’t see this as work,” said Mikulskis of the jam-packed performance schedule. “It’s our release.”

The highlight of the summer is, of course, bringing it home to Darien.

“I love to play for sure,” Mikulskis said. “I think it’s one of the best fests around.”

Hi Infidelity’s next appearance is at 9:45 p.m. Saturday at Shark City Sports Bar, 2240 Bloomingdale Rd. in Glendale Heights.