Citizens Of Contrary Knowledge are a New York City band whose four members come from extremely varied backgrounds, life experiences, and musical influences, but upon hearing them, you get the impression they've known each other for a lifetime...or more. Formed in 2005, appropriately the Chinese year of the rooster, Citizens Of Contrary Knowledge are testimony to the wonderous power of music, friendship, and degrees of separation.

Lead singer Chris Barczynski and drummer Blake Hepburn were introduced by mutual friend Gary Brown, a brilliant singer, songwriter, and producer. A few months after the meeting, Chris received an unexpected call from Blake. Blake began to tell Chris of a dream he'd had. In the dream, Blake had seen Chris as the frontman of his band, performing in front of a crowded stadium. He had even envisioned the name of the band: "Rare Bird". Chris was profoundly moved by Blake's retelling of his dream and saw it as a sign not to be ignored. Chris and Blake began writing and rehearsing together with another New York guitarist while searching for a bassist. After seven months of writing and rehearsing, and playing one gig, that guitarist vanished into thin air. The dream was in limbo.

Many months later, Chris, Blake, and Gary met at a Harlem watering hole. A few beers into the afternoon, a long-time friend of Gary Brown from his days in Los Angeles walked into the bar. Guitarist, songwriter, and producer Mark Hermann began to tell Gary that he had recently moved back to New York City and was searching for a serious rock singer to form a band. Mark had already been writing and recording with an amazing bassist named Mike Leslie. Gary chuckled and said, "You need to come sit down over there." Mark said, "I'm looking for a drummer as well." Again Gary laughed and said, "You need to come sit down over there."

That afternoon, plans were made to bring Chris, Blake, Mark, and Mike into the same room together, and from the first few bars of music they played together, each of them knew that they were in the midst of something very special. The band has come a long way in the three years since that fateful meeting over a few beers and owes a huge debt of gratitude to Gary Brown for bringing them together. The story of this band is proof positive that following your dreams is the true path to happiness.