View Guestbook
Sign Guestbook
|
SERIOUS JOKERS 2004 marks the 7th year of performing for the original members of the band. Set lists continually change, purging older covers in favor of current material. Covers in general give way to original compositions. Serious Jokers has enjoyed favorable reaction to both. However, as the writing process continues they intend to move toward an all-original format. This philosophy is supported by their release of 2 CDs, Temptations in 2000 and Fetish in 2002. Career highlights include: Sony Showcase for Millennium Music at the State Theater in Falls Church, Virginia, Towsontown Spring Festival with 98 ROCK in Baltimore, Maryland, Opening for FIREHOUSE as well as ENUFF Z NUFF, at Thunder Dome in Baltimore, Maryland.
Temptations CD release party and Fetish CD release party at Genovas in Hampstead, Maryland. Serious Jokers look forward to working rooms in the mid-Atlantic region.
| |
Vocals, rhythm ("I play chords man").
Don can be serious, very serious. But then this would not be the right band for him. Just as life can be light or dark, so too can the days, the people, and the music. Dons writing style reflects this truth. Tragedy, heartache, vengeance, apathy and sarcasm, its all examined and presented to the ear of the listener. From coffee shops to dayrooms, studio, and stage; the delivery of the material employs his faith, life experience, and sense of humor. Don contributes a solid rhythm and lashing vocals. |
Lead guitar / backup vocals ("Naw, its gotta have tubes").
Steve has walked many stages from Las Vegas to the east coast. His guitar is like the cape of a super hero; once donned, the mild mannered, yet cynical humorist immediately becomes a maniacal six-string hypnotist. Steves writing style ranges from painful honesty to hilarious adult fiction. He has played with many bands as a member or hired gun and has a reputation for always giving a flawless performance. Steve has been in too many bands to mention, as if it really matters. |
Drums, vocals, ("We are not lip syncing").
A very powerful singer is an asset to any band, but when that singer is also a very powerful drummer it puts a little more money in everyones pocket. Chris puts the serious in the act. If you sometimes wonder if he feels trapped behind a kit with a bunch of loonies, dont.
Chris wouldnt have it any other way... |
Bass, vocals, rhythm guitar, (Alright, we're gonna do a song now. I don't know which one, but were gonna do it).
You know that really funky, slapping, pinging kind of bass sound? Eric can do that. He can do it three feet up in the air. To say you cant keep him down is an understatement. If you think his fingers are too calloused for finesse, Eric will pick one out on the acoustic 6-string for you. Time will tell you everything. Add some high-end vocals and some high jinx and you have what it takes to round out this band.. |
It all began in the freshmen year for Don and Steve. Steve was the new kid from Glen Burnie with long hair and a guitar. Don was the drummer, their friend Jimmy played bass. It lasted as long as garage bands do. Don went into the service, Jimmy got a job, and Steve checked into rehab.
While Don entertained drunken GIs around the country on a flat top guitar, Steve honed his skills in a succession of dead-end bands. Later they would reunite at Jimmys wedding. Brief talk of a musical get-together passed until Don finally decided to call Steve and put a duet together. The name Serious Jokers was born.
During this time of performing as a duet, Dons cousin Chris began frequenting the gigs, sitting in on an occasional vocal cameo. Soon Chris, an accomplished jazz drummer, began hinting at forming a full band. Don and Steve were into the idea and the first name that popped up for bass was Jimmy. Unfortunately, Jimmys busy schedule wouldnt allow the commitment.
After auditioning a half dozen bass players, and just when it seemed hopeless, Chris invited Eric to audition. Eric showed up with a beat up Fender Precision and made the impression they were looking for. Eric at that point was undecided. Don approached the manager of Johanssons Down Under for a shot at performing with the new four-member band. Although their initial gear was primitive, people began taking notice and Eric was in.
To distinguish the four-piece band from the duet, Shinola became the name of the band. After a year, for legal reasons and originality, Serious Jokers became the official band name and the duet was discontinued.
What started out as a precise but regular band turned into an insane rock-n-roll circus/freak show with crazy hats and masks. Known as one of the more versatile, consistently entertaining acts in the area, club owners cant get enough of this high energy, crowd gathering, nut house action.
Their first CD, Temptations- released September 2000. Second CD Fetish- released October 2002. |
|
