Moose & Friends! — The Story

Mr. Moose & Friends! has been making music across Vermont since 2009. What began with Zak Hampton playing the streets of Poultney with a food-service cart and boombox grew into Moose Crossing—an ever-evolving musical family of talented friends, mentors, and collaborators.

Over the years, Moose Crossing took many forms: from an early duo with guitarist Mike Ray, to a Great American Songbook trio, to the beloved quartet of Zak, Joe Plotts, Tim “The Mayor” Duch, and Bob Campbell. The group eventually found its signature sound as a trio, exploring everything from jazz standards to funky, jazz-fusion arrangements of pop culture favorites.

Along the way came countless musicians, gigs, recordings, festivals, and friendships—including Johnny Rieter on bass, Brian “Buffalo” DeAngelo on percussion, Adam Shiny on keys, and many other incredible players. The trio of Zak, Brian, and Joe became the longest-running incarnation of Moose Crossing, carrying the music through the pandemic and beyond.

The pandemic also sparked Moose Junior, a collaboration with Vermont Arts Exchange that brought the group’s music, movement, and energy to children and families throughout the region.

Today, Mr. Moose & Friends! carries that legacy forward. Led by Zak, the band brings together musicians from across the Moose universe—including longtime bassist Joe Plotts and percussionist Ryan Carney—along with a rotating cast of talented friends.

From the Great American Songbook to jazz, funk, fusion, pop, rock, and joyful music for kids, the Moose keeps evolving while staying true to its roots: great musicians, good friends, and a whole lot of music.

Dig into the archives—you never know what you’ll find. There’s a lot of Moose out there!