I started singing at age 4. Picked up my first guitar in college and only learned enough to impress boys at parties. Picked up the harmonica when I was in my early twenties. Been lead vocalist for CHEEKY SPANKS for about 30 years.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
My first concert was J. Geils Band and Golden Earring in "73 at the W. Palm Beach Auditorium. I went with a guy named Cricket. I remembered the guys in J. Geils all wore pastel colored suits and matching bowler hats.
What gear do you use?
I play a Gibson songwriter electiric acoustic, For my harps , I play Hohner Bliues harps. I used to use Lee Oskars, but find they don't have as warm a tone as they used too. I use a Fender Blues junior amp for my harps and love the raunchy tone I can only get with a tube amp.,
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Too many to name. I've been influenced in all musical styles. Blues, Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, Old School Country. Pop, British invasion, R&B. More of a memphis gal then a nashville one.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
I've been the front person for Cheeky Spanks for about 30 years. It started with 4 guys doing british invasion covers. I joined in the early 80"s after bouncing around in bands that stayed together 6 months , played a few gigs , then broke up. We did 80's covers, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline, Elvis. Talk about mixing it up. The present version of the band features myself on guitar lead vocals and harmonica. John Sherry is our amazing guitar virtuoso, with jimmy Rossi on Bass and Kirk Edwards rounding out our sound on drums. We all sing and have some really stunning 3 part harmonies. We tend to lean toward classic rock and R&B. We do a show at Hartnell College Planetarium that changes throughout the year. We've done a 60"s tribute, Legends of the Rock Guitar, and a "Getting' cheeky with the Beatles show. Right now we are rehearsing, "Stairway to the Stars- A tribute to Led Zeppelin".
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Too many to name one.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Probably about 2000 people at Laguna Seca raceway, on the back of a flat bed, for a motorcycle event. The smallest, 2 people on a rainy night at Baja Cantina.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
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