Mark S. "Conductor" (lead vocals, promotions, Morale Officer).
Paul K. "Twang" (lead guitar, Lead String-Breaker).
Craig M. "Showtime" (rhythm guitar, backup vocals).
Jon W. "Crash" (drums, background vocals, Destroyer of Cymbals).
John A. "Gadget" (bass, background vocals, recording engineer).
Lissie S. "Warden" (costumes, navigatrix, band wrangler).
Kenny "Littlefoot" (roadie, band heckler, cellar-dweller).
Fugly the Rooster "Alarm Clock" (EPB status awarded posthumously).
Influences
AC/DC ,
Aerosmith ,
Allman Bros ,
Brownsville Station ,
Dave Edwards ,
Eric Clapton ,
Foghat ,
Georgia Satellites ,
Grand Funk Railroad ,
James Gang ,
James Taylor ,
Joe Walsh ,
Johnny Cash ,
Little Feat ,
Lynrd Skynrd ,
Molly Hatchet ,
Pat Travers ,
Rolling Stones ,
Steppenwolf ,
The Commitments ,
The Doors ,
Wet Willie ,
ZZ Top
Escape Plan B (EPB) has had various members over the years. There was a hiatus in 2007-2008 after the bass player left. Over the years, Mark and Craig have played many times at Beach Cove Restaurant and Lounge in Chesapeake Beach. It proved musically valuable.
TURN UP THE BASS:
Mark met John at Beach Cove, playing blues on his bass, and invited John to join EPB. A few weeks later, John showed up at Mark's house with his bass and two platters of Trader Joe's sushi. "We don't care if you can play--just bring sushi!" quipped Jon W., the drummer. EPB had playlists, amps and PA equipment, a near-soundproof practice basement -- basically a fully-functional band environment! Oh, did I mention the pool? And bats? And mutant frogs? John couldn't resist.
WHEN NOT PLAYING:
Mark S., the band's founder, does marine fiberglass repair, custom painting, and enjoys collecting (and possibly riding) motorcycles. Craig M. is an electrician for a hospital (Volts is his business, and business is Good). Jon W. plays drums in heavy metal band Sunday Grubb, also works on the boat-repair venue, and can destroy drum heads and cymbals using only his mind. John A. has a long (psst...Intelligence Community...shh) background in computers and awes EPB band members with his gadgets (hence his nickname), and currently exercises at Trader Joe's. Paul K. enjoys playing music, and delights in not providing us with anything interesting to type here. (Paul? some help?)
VENUES:
Li'l Jays By the Bay, a bar/restaurant in Chesapeake Beach, was refreshed-EPB's first venue in April 2008, and again in May. When we played on the nice outdoor deck (facing the bay), we were heard by several club owners from the area who expressed interest in having us play at their location, too. Nice. Li'l Jay's had booked us through September for monthly evenings and Sunday afternoons.
BLUE ON JAYS:
Unfortunately, coincidental with a tornado that touched down in Chesapeake Beach in early June 2008, Li'l Jay's closed their business. We took the opportunity to expand our repetoire.
ONGOING:
We have played some private parties for friends (Bonnie & Donny, Greg's Horse Farm, Keith Wood/Woodfest), and did a few benefits (Stand Up For Kids at the 8x10 club, among others). We played a set at an open-mic club, Sapphire, and may do so in the future, though with several more sets of music. Or not. Guess so, since they booked a DJ over us. :-/
WHAT? WE'VE LOST OUR RHYTHM!
Sad to say, this applies to both our drums (Jon/Crash) and rhythm guitar (Craig/Showtime). Yep, they flew the EPB coop. Creative differences and all. Crap. And before the big 2008/2009 finale. :-( We'll keep you posted, though we're taking a well-deserved break while we lick our wounds and until we restock our talent.
Sad news: Jon the drummer and Craig the rhythm guitarist left EPB in late November/early December. So the band is on hold during the holidays until we find new members, and get "songed up".
Is anyone else able to hear our songs? The music player isn't even showing our playlist for me. Not sure if this is a continuation of the MySpace music problems from late Sep, or simply limited to my laptop. --Gadget
Since Popper told me that Nikki Sixx was looking for his hair when I came to the party, I thought this comment would only be appropriate coming from me...
