Formed in early 2008, The Sturdy Beggars is well on its way to developing a creative and entertaining show in the Reno area and beyond. Their sound might best be described as an eclectic mix of classic rock with English folk elements, twisted together with a sultry Irish fiddle. Add a quick wit and clever stage banter and all audiences will see and hear what makes the Sturdy Beggars the next big thing in music.
What are people saying about the Sturdy Beggars?
"People were raving about the band - so shouldn't be too hard to promote you guys . . ." -- Prudence Wildman, Reno Celtic Celebration
Paul ManktelowGuitar, Vocals, Harmonica
The inspiration and face of the Sturdy Beggars, Paul Manktelow was lead guitarist for Rob Hanna's salute to Rod Stewart and for 6 years toured all over the US, Canada and Mexico. He was also lead guitarist in Alan Jackson's video "Don't Rock the Juke Box", nominated for best country video of the year. Paul played with English folk recording artists Plumb Duff and toured England and Europe for 2 years. He also played in the Justus 5 and many other bands in US, Canada, and England. Paul is also a professional artist professional artist and the background to this page is one of Paul's works, named "The Sturdy Beggar." You can see some of his works at the world-renowned Chalk Farm Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. Paul is also a prolific songwriter and most of the band's originals come from his pen.
Steve BrennanPercussion and Vocals
The straight man of the group, Steve Brennan is a fine percussionist. He has played all over Reno with some of the most eclectic groups, proving Steve's amazing adaptability to any musical situation. Together with newer percussionist Cap, Steve creates the heartbeat of the Sturdy Beggars.
CapPercussion and Vocals
Originally from northern New Jersey, Cap's musical influences came right out of the Woodstock Generation of the late Sixties. Cap received his first drum set as a Christmas present in 1968. Reflective of the Greenwich Village style, Cap started as a percussionist with David Oatfling and various locals bands including sitting in with Hickory Wind. The Eighties brought a switch from drums to acoustic guitar and fifteen years of solo projects. The dawn of a new era began in 1995 with the experimental sounds and drum circle sessions of the Buena Vista Budz, an ever-changing line of musicians, poets and pranksters. In 1996-1997 Cap, along with Rodney Swann and Shanell Smith, formed the all-percussion ensemble The Gathering with the occasional guest appearance by flutist André Walton. Cap's ability to easily shift between hand drums and guitar led he and Rodney to join forces with Jay Fail (guitar) on the Abazär project. With the arrival of the new millennium, Cap teamed up with Lenny Supera to form the acoustic duo Cap n' Soup, which eventually led to teaming with Todd South and forming Burning Peace. Cap has also sat in with acoustic artists such as Amber Rubarth, Sean Spurling, Dave Bentel and Dave Fritz.
Charlene AdzimaFiddle, Whistles and Vocals
The newest member of the band, Charlene adds an Irish flavor to the Sturdy Beggars' classic folk rock mix. The 2005 Midwest Senior Irish Fiddle Champion, Charlene has been honing her violin skills for the last 17 years and has studied Irish fiddle for the past 13. She has been an avid performer since she was 6 and continues to wow audiences with her musical aptitude and enthusiastic stage presence. Visit her MySpace page and CD Baby entry for more on Charlene.
HI, IM TAMMY THE WILD ONE A TRIBAL BELLY DANCER. MY HUSBEND IS CAPTAIN RON AND I ARE PIRATES OF RENO. THANK YOU FOR THE INVTE AND GREAT MUSIC. NICE TO MET YOU.
Come and support local artists and their rad music this Wednesday at West street Market! Its free and awesome, and I'd love to see my buddies and new friends there!
YEAH! GREAT TUNES!!! ThankS for the Friendship! Rock SXSW 2009 "Doggy Style" with The Dogs!! The Dogs from Lansing/Detroit Rock City celebrate their 40th anniversary w/t 2 Disks, 25 tribute bands, 3 unreleased historic tracks from The Dogs from 1971 & 1976, 28 page booklet, liner notes by John Sinclair (MC5) and cover artwork by Rockin' Jellybean!!
