Samantha Russell - Lead Vocals
Samantha first started singing at the tender age of 5 when she
sang “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” and played the part as
Annie in a school talent show. She knew then that singing was what
she was destined to do. Samantha continued singing with various local
bands in the WPB area where she gained local recognition. She then
went on to do Sunfest in ‘98 as well as open for various country acts
such as BlackHawk, Sammy Kershaw, Marshall Tucker Band, Daryle Singletary,
Perfect Stranger, Jeff Carson, among others. In 1999 Samantha signed a record
deal with Heat Music, based out of Miami, FL., who was distributed through
Lightyear/WEA. Her Single “You Should Go” climbed all the way to #37 on the
Adult Contemporary Top 40 charts and was released (along with "Kiss 'em All")
on "Promo Only" Disc compilations in 1999 and 2000 (click on following links)
Samantha is married and has a beautiful lil’ 5 yr old girl she appropriately named Harmony.
Her influences include Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Patsy Cline, Miranda Lambert and
Shania Twain, but she has a unique vocal style of her own that is sure to attract new fans
across the nation.
Eleni Skiba - Rhythm Guitar/Background Vocals
Music has always been a constant presence in her life. While growing up in
Philadelphia, Eleni's father Nicholas was an extremely talented local singer and
her major musical influence. At the age of 3, he exposed her to The Beatles which
in turn inspired Eleni to learn how to sing harmonies and to play the guitar
and piano. He provided the foundation that would channel her into a lifelong passion
for music. Her energetic rhythm provides the anchor and vibe for SRB in addition to
adding melodic harmonies that complement Samantha’s dynamic vocal prowess. Eleni
currently resides in Boca Raton and by day she is an Account Executive at Newbridge Securities.
Lee Strasser - Guitar
Hometown: Jersey, baby!
Currently resides in: North Palm Beach
Family: Married with kids (sorry ladies, hahahaha...no broken hearts here I am sure)
Pro Wrestling Name: Over and Out, although I am considering changing it to "Over"
Hobbies: Guitar, Sports, Movies, Opportunities
Likes: Good character people, Honesty, Integrity
Dislikes: The freakin’ legal system, where justice is often an afterthought, asshole people with no
integrity, fakes and posers
Places I Like: The mountains, the ocean, the countryside, home and Turkey (the country)
Important to me: Family, Health, Happiness, True Friends
Wanna know "where I am at" on something?...check my sleeve...my heart is always on it
Favorite Bands Ever: Original Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead, Dixie Dregs
Favorite Musicians Ever: Duane Allman, Steve Morse, Jerry Garcia
Since I joined this band: The paparazzi have really become annoying ….and a bird crapped on my guitar!
Some of my sayings: Snooze you lose, squeeze you breeze; If you believe you will achieve
Personal hero: My Father
Wanna know more about me? go to www.gasvalet.com
Ziggy Bokalders - Bass Guitarist/Background Vocals
"I PLAY BACKWARDS"
Ziggy Bokalders,
aka ZiggyB, is the band's self-taught left-handed
bass player and backup singer.
Ziggy learned to play at the tender age of 17.
His first gig was playing in the orchestra
pit as a bassist for his high school musical.
Ziggy is also an accomplished professional photographer
and produces the band's
promotional photography and graphics.
Ziggy builds and repairs bass guitars as a hobby.
Born in Chicago, he is a first generation
Latvian-American, and is fluently
bi-lingual.
Frank Nesbihal - PercussionistClic
k here
Frank grew up in New Jersey. He first started playing drums
at age 8 when, at Christmas, he got his very first snare drum
and hi hat. Frank's playing has been mostly self taught.
He is a big fan of Steve Smith from the band JOURNEY. While
in NJ, Frank has played in a few popular rock bands playing at local
colleges and clubs. When he moved to Florida in 1998, Frank
played in a YES tribute band and he also fills in playing drums at
various local churches. He currently lives in West Palm Beach
working for FPL as an Environmental Manager for substation operations.
Frank's Favorite Quote - "No matter what accomplishments you make,
somebody helped you” - Althea Gibson
to add text.
Byron Cornwell - Keyboards/Background VocalsClic
k here
Byron was born and raised in Florida. As a a child he grew up in DeLand, a little
southern town in central Florida, and in his late teens and twenties he
lived and worked his way through school (at FSU and UF) as an ocean lifeguard
in Daytona Beach. His father was a classical musician from Philadelphia (a Wagnerian baritone), who
was happy with his early interest in playing piano, and then not so happy with his later interest in
playing piano and organ in southern rock bands. Byron’s favorite musician is Duane Allman, his favorite
singers are Gregg Allman, Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock and Steve Winwood and his favorite
songwriter is Ronnie Van Zandt. His favorite bands are Derek and the Dominoes, Cream,
Traffic, The Allman Brothers, The Band, and The Doors, to name a few. His favorite keyboard
players are Chuck Leavelle, Bobby Whitlock, Steve Winwood, and Gregg Allman.
As a keyboard player for various popular bands in the Orlando area
(Heart Attack Diner, Joseph Graye and the Average Joe Band, and Eleven Red Apples), Byron has had the
opportunity to play such venues as The House of Blues, The Hard Rock Café, The O’Rena,
BB King’s Blues Club, The Daytona 500, the Daytona 400, The Sapphire Supper Club,
and Clematis by Night (as well as any number of colorful honky tonk bars in the central
Florida area). In one band or another he has opened for national acts such as Ringo Starr and His All Star Band,
Edwin McCain, The Outlaws, Edgar Winter, REO Speedwagon, and Shabba Ranks.
Byron has traveled extensively, surfing around the world in places such as, Indonesia, Australia,
New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, France, Spain, England, California, and mainland Mexico. He currently
lives in West Palm Beach with his beautiful fiancee Karina, working as an attorney, and surfing
and playing music in his spare time.
PAST MEMBERS
Frank Secalic - Rhythm Guitar and Sound
ClickJohn Terrell - Mandolin
CCary Fields - Keyboards/Vocals
Tom Hotz - Keyboards/Vocals
