In July 2005' I decided to start a classic rock band which is now known as The StageHamz. I had recently left my job where I had been working the graveyard shift for some 4 years prior to July 05'. I had been a dream of mine for some time to play bass in a local classic rock band. "As long as I'm dreaming," I thought, "I may as well play at the Ivy Tavern". Because my schedule was opposite to the rest of the world and all musicians that I knew, it had been impossible to join a band if I can't make the gigs, or even practice. My new job allowed me to "try" to make the dream actually come true. I had plenty of equipment already set-up ready for a band to walk-in and use. I made up some band "tryout flyers" on the computer and posted them in the local music stores.

Two days after I hung up the flyers, my brother George called and had expressed an interest in joining-up. "I think I want in," he said. "What did you plan to use for a name?" he asked. We threw names back and forth on the phone and I said, "how about The StageHamz - and we could use a cartoon pig???" "I like it - I'll draw the pig…" he said. Now I had a name, the equipment, and my brother on keys; good start.

Now came the hard part, actually finding local musicians that were looking to join a band. It can be very difficult to find local people that are good people and good musicians. We tried-out several guitar players, drummers, singers, etc. This was very frustrating and time consuming. It took a year to find the right people with the right chemistry to form the existing band/team that we have today.

Sandy (vocals) and Chuck (drums) were asked by George (my brother - keys) if they would be interested in joining, or at least giving it a go to see how things went. Within a few songs we all knew that the project would work if we invested the time and effort. Now, all we needed was a guitar player. What an understatement! We were trying to keep the band as small as possible (5 total), so we wanted a lead guitar player who could kick-ass and take names. Just like Sandy, Chuck, and George. (Most bands have at least 2 guitar players) This is where Garry or "Double R" entered the stage.

I had met Garry thru a mutual friend (Kim Morris; infamous Biker - and a great dude overall.) Garry and I (Single R) talked briefly at the world renowned "Al's Airport Inn" right next to Trenton/Mercer Airport where Kim and I work, and Garry calls home. We decided to get together and give it a go. Halfway thru the first song, we were all pretty excited! Garry was a great guy and a great player as well. The chemistry was there. This is not something you build-up to over time, or learn. It's either there or it isn't. At that point, we started practicing together at my place on a regular basis. So, twenty-three months after the original thought of starting the band, we played a Friday night (June 1st 2007) at the Ivy Tavern.

Thanks Mike!!!

I feel very fortunate to have people surrounding me with such talents. I am the youngest in the band, and have the least experience. I started following in my brothers footsteps in late 79', early 80'. This is the first time I picked-up a bass. (This was owned by my now good friend Luke aka. "Bass-God".) Back then, everyone else had already graduated from High School and were playing in Rock Bands, and I was an Apache' (C-Hall) at Reynolds!!! (I have been carrying my brothers' keyboards and Chuck's drums since age 12, and I'm still carrying them!!! L.O.L.) I have learned a great deal from everyone in the band. I am very lucky and proud to have the great players and great people on board who now call themselves "The StageHamz".