The series features Dirk Balsak, a local guitarist, who was fired from Hairbangers Ball right at the time of the Covid Lockdown. Dirk goes into a deep depression and secludes himself from the outside world for years. As a chance encounter with an old rocker friend leads to a Rock N Roll opportunity, Dirk rediscovers life and his thirst for the stage. After building a friendship with a student prodigy, discovering love with a talented artist, and striving to rejoin his old band, Dirk falls back into his old habits and reckless behavior. Will Dirk make the right choices and make his way back to Rock N roll stardom? Find out in The Adventures of Dirk Balsak.
A lifelong musician and songwriter, Markeshe has been playing live music, and sharing stories for over 20 years.
Played by Jonny Ballgame.
Dirk Balsak was raised by Rockstars in East Hollywood, CA. He was left on the doorstep of the Troubador on April 1, 1980. Found by a few partying musicians early that morning, the men brought the baby to the after party. After a few days of no news anywhere about a lost child being left on a doorstep, the clan just kept raising the child as their own. David Lee Roth was the first to go out for diapers. Dirk ultimately left Hollywood for Chicago after a failed attempt at The Balsak Band and a failed relationship with Lita Foxx. Dirk has been a hired gun, in and out of bands, until he found happiness in Hairbangers Ball. The premier 80s Hair Metal Tribute in Chicago. Stays stays mostly isolated in his apartment for almost 3 years, only coming out into public to teach guitar at the Music School.
Played by Amanda Rebecca.
Lucy Stardust is a sultry singer and pianist who just moved to Chicago from Nashville. She started dating TLau who is the singer/guitar player for a revolutionary rock band named Strippers In The Park. Lucy wants to break free of the band and do her own solo album, and does so after meeting Dirk. Dirk and Lucy develop a relationship but it is also tested due to Dirk’s dishonesty, and Lucy’s intentions seem questionable.
Played by Wolfgang Paul.
Wolfgang is a guitar student that Dirk befriends at the Music School where Dirk teaches guitar. The two become instant friends as Dirk sees the talent and genuine Rock N Roll Spirit in him. Wolfgang’s passion is with the drums, but his father is pushing guitar on him as guitar is the family instrument handed down from generation to generation. Dirk reinforces the theory that drums are too difficult, massive, and leaves a hidden band member behind that kit. Wolfgang and Dirk’s bond is tested as Dirk gets caught in lies and exaggerations in making him more of a renowned and famous Rockstar.
As himself.
Markeshe is a legendary guitar player that has also been a hired gun in West Hollywood performing with bands like E’nuff Z’nuff, Survivor, and Life Sex and Death. Markeshe knows Dirk from those years when Dirk was Raised by Rockstars in the 1980’s. On a chance encounter during the Covid lockdown, Markeshe delivers Door Dash to Dirk and the two become reacquainted. Markeshe talks Dirk into stepping out into the world again. Dirk hasn’t been out of his apartment (except to teach guitar) in years and has stopped playing in bands after the Hairbangers Ball firing.
TLAU • Played by Chris Mathis • The very impatient, angry, and unlucky Rockstar who is well respected in the music world has just put together his own band, Strippers In The Park. Lucy Stardust, who he is now dating, plays keys. TLau (pronounced T- louw) (ex. Loud) was once a soft spoken, friendly, encouraging bandmate until he joined the Balsak Band back in 2019 and had to deal with Dirk as the band’s leader. The Balsak Band was a project put together by the legendary Rockstar Chip Z’nuff. After “The Wiener Biscuit Incident” The Balsak Band was no more.
TOMMY DRAGON • Played by Tommy Donegan • Tommy played bass in the Balsak Band, and now in SITP. Tommy is aging and his back is shot. He has been trying to move into the executive level of the Rock Label business, and this is now a source of tension for TLau.
ROCKY ROPES • Played by Rocky Roppo • Rocky is the free spirit stoner drummer of the group and now also plays with TLau in SITP. Rocky seems to be the one who will speak the truth and never causes drama. A guy who is hard to dislike and a brilliant drummer.
Played by Ken Gohmann.
Leo is the General Manager of Kifas Auto Sales who hires Dirk to sell cars and use his celebrity to build the business. Leo saw Dirk perform and loves his Rock Star energy as Leo is a Rock enthusiast and memorabilia collector. Dirk accepts the job only to get a demo vehicle to drive because he does not own a car.
Played by Dylan Smith.
Crackie is Leo’s son who used to hang and party with Dirk. Crackie and Dirk sold cars together a decade ago. Crackie finds Dirk and offers him a car sales job and promises him a dealer car (demo) to drive as part of the job perks. Crackies father, Leo, saw Dirk perform as a last second fill in and knows his son is friends with him.
Played by Alexis Sheridan.
Lexi is Leo’s daughter, Crackie’s sister. When Crackie and Dirk hung out so many years ago, Lexi was underdeveloped and was teased ruthlessly by Dirk. Now, as a 28 year old woman, Lexi is supermodel gorgeous and runs the store for Leo when he is not there. Lexi used to idolize Dirk, and Dirk is worried about retribution.
As himself.
Jack is a flamboyant rockstar and lead singer of Mockstar. Jack develops a friendship with Dirk after Dirk fills in for Jack’s guitar player, who suddenly becomes ill with vulverian sclerosis. Jack has ties with Lucy Stardust from long ago, and gets caught in the middle of Dirk’s demanding ways.
Members: Polly Pantz, Mick Jager, Rod Viper, Nikki Thunders, Clare Crush, Jack Charlotte.
Hairbangers Ball is the premier Chicagoland Tribute to 80’s Hair metal. With over 15 years of Banging, and thousands of faces melted, Hairbangers Ball decided to give Dirk a shot a guitar position in 2020. After failing to keep control of himself, Dirk was fired the night before the Covid lockdown. Dirk realizes what a great gig it was, and will stop at nothing to get his job back! Mick, Polly, Clare, Viper, and Jack search for their forever guitarist, but Dirk may just have what it takes to be in the band again, and it isn’t his guitar skills.
As himself.
Chip Znuff was just inducted to the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chip knows Dirk from the Rock house that Dirk grew up in in West Hollywood in the 80s and 90s. Chip is an original member and founder of the Rock N Roll band Enuff Znuff who still has a very strong cult following. Dirk was closest to Chip and Chip protected Dirk like a big brother. Dirk still calls Chip big brother to this day. Chip hears of Dirks survival and offers him a last second chance to take the stage and rock the fans once again. Mr. Znuff has always been there to rescue Dirk from himself, and apparently still does.
