2i was formed in 1980 and performed and recorded regularly until 1986.  They blurred many lines between
musical genres, and their use of trumpet and saxophones established their reputation as a unique voice. This
horn section, or the members thereof, have appeared with a variety of other groups in performance and in recording.
They have been featured with the Violent Femmes, Boiled in Lead, The Hypstyrz, The Buck-Fifty Boys, Curtis A,
Poetry Grenade and many other notable acts. Most demonstrative of their own recordings are the  CD, "2i" , the
LP, "House of Nerves" and the single, "Smile Down".

    With the passing of Jay McHale in October of 2002, the music that was 2i truly lost it's heart.  While the tapes exist and the spirit has been released for posterity, the entity will not play on.  Jay's involvement was integral to the creation of the sound, and his love for all things 2i was was central to the dream.

    Since 1995, 2i  performed infrequently, but sustained an adventurous course.  Rather than rely on tired
and familiar material, they entertained their approach to songwriting publicly.  That is to say that their public
performances were made up of improvisations.  Whether the segments of a performance were made up by the
suggestion of musical genre, poetic wordplay, or prepared but unexplained titles, the result was a living surprise for
audience and musician alike.

        This may not have been a new idea in the world of music, as it could be cited in the work of John Zorn, Material, Tom Waits, Frank Zappa and many others, but when churned with the ideals, coloquialisms and passions of the midwest,, it took on another patina.
 

DISCOGRAPHY

Who Hears?                        1982    i tapes 1    (cassette)
BOO!                                  1983    i tapes 2    (cassette)
Never Pet A Burning Dog   1984    i tapes 3    (cassette)
House Of Nerves                1985    Goat in a Birdsuit  001     (LP)
Smile Down b/w Baby, Your House ...    G.I.A.B.        002     (7" )
2i                                         2000     breakeven records BE02-2000 (compact disc)