The Stingrays power band excites crowd
w/classic rock & other tunes at Vinyl Tap
Article by Kane Taylor - Photo by Xeandra Westcott
November 2020 Page 3
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The Stingrays are a genuine power trio, with an excellent singer, who could be a whole show her- self. This group shines with a spe- cial light. Actually a four-piece unit, the members are: Rich Virkelyst, guitar; Jeannie Sherman, bass and vocals; Bill Sherman, drumset with vocals; and Sandy Simmons, lead vocals. Founders of the band are Bill and Jeannie Sherman, with Bill relating to earlier times. The name Stingrays dates back to Bills highschool days, from his irst band. His performance experi- ence covers many different styles of music but he feels that today, with the classic rock and variety tune list, he has come back to his roots. His highschool band once won a talent contest with the song,
My Generation
by The Who, which features the drumset. We brought down the house, he recalls.
Bill enjoys having such a di- verse set of choices of music to present and likes to learn new material as well. The band cur- rently features popular and well- known songs but doesnt rule out the possibility of including some original music in the future. Lead singer is the talented singer Sandy Simmons. Her performance background was established in early childhood. Her parents were also involved in music. Her professional career started at age 14, although she began singing at age seven.
Simmons has worked manag- ing other singers who re-enacted performances by well-known stars such as Stevie Nicks, Ann Mar- garet and more. She is a pro with lights and sound/stage production and is also a voice coach.
Bassist Jeannie also sings backup and is totally in synch with drummer Bill. Her music background includes clarinet and other instruments. She be- gan playing bass in church, tak- ing a break from the music busi- ness to marry Bill and raise a family. One day she came home to a dark front room, and when the lights came up, there was a wonderful bass waiting for her. Husband Bill said, Its time. As with all members of this group, she is involved in the business aspects of running the band, and does their booking.
Bill knew he wanted to be a drummer at an early age and worked in various blues bands in the Cleveland, Ohio area, where
Left to right: Rich Virkelyst, Sandy Simmons, Jeannie Sherman, Bill Sherman
he is from. At one time, his drum- set got stolen from his car, he was drafted and spent two years in the U.S. Army, then came to San Francisco, CA. He notes that the guitar player from the James Gang, as well as other luminar- ies, used to drop in and sit in. Bill played all different kinds of ven- ues. Then he got married and fo- cused more on teaching in stores but wanted to work in a band again, so with Jeannie booking, they have played a nice circuit of many benevolent organizations, as well as nightclubs.
Newest addition to the group is Virkelyst. He states that he appreciates the attention to de- tails regarding how they perform each song. Their tune list is long and varied, presenting a chal- lenge that he characterizes as an arduous task; (it has been) rewardingespecially when hearing the final product. Virke- lyst has performed with many bands starting in junior high. He particularly enjoyed working with Downright Nasty, a seven-piece horn band, in college. He fondly recalls their show at the Blue Mountain Festival in Moscow, Idaho, for a crowd of thousands. He was also in the White Collar Crime band, comprised of white collar professionals. Their per- formances included many corpo- rate gigs and the Oregon State Fair. He notes, Its been great playing again to a crowd and the crowds have been HUNGRY for music. One comment at a recent show at Vinyl Tap said it was like busting out of prison.
The audience is the main focus of this group, keeping the dancers happy and up on their feet. The Stingrays generally feature old- ies but offer a variety of tunes for differing audiences. They all work together with special talents and a common goal. Bill provides the kind of leadership that creates a cohesive unit, always moving forward, and making best use of the gifts and offerings that each person brings to the group.
Future performances have been reduced below their nor- mal schedule, but expect to see The Stingrays at The Garages Satellite Pub in Beaverton on Dec, 5 and on New Years Eve at the Gateway Elks. Check in with them for any November perfor- mances set up recently.
To quote some experts, The Stingrays are a high-ener- gy four- piece, highly talented, professional, crowd-pleasing variety dance band featuring a world class singer. Check in at thestingraysmusic@gmail.com and the online sites. Grab your favorite designer mask, enjoy the generous elbow room in the seat- ing arrangements at clubs and restaurants, and come see The Stingrays. Get up on your feet! Everybody dance now! If you havent heard them, you will want to add them to your go-to list.
Vinyl Tap a hip restaurant and bar in the Milwaukie-Oak Grove area. There is ample, well-lit, on- street parking. When there is a cover charge, it is usually mod- est. The sound system is good. The staffis friendly and icient. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, with Oregon Lottery video games. Check the menu and ask about a dessert special. Its worth the trip.
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