Vocalists: (Helen) Sammy, Constant "CB-200" Bernard, Miriam Phifer, Wayne Hammond, Mark Henry........ Guitarists: Andrew Lee, Dave "The Fuze" Fiuczynski, Larry Baeder, Dave "Digger" Phelps, Dan Mathaney, Sten Pillis, Adam Rogers, Mark Ciprut, others.... Bass Keith, Matt Malles, Wayne Hammond, Marcus, Uncle Funky, Hal Cragin, Jeff Anderson, Shyndigg, others.......Drums: Jamal, Clyde, Scott "Sugar Free" Turner, Tom Nazziola, Donald "The Kid" Guillame, Erik Stams, Mo Roberts, Todd Isler, Hugh Elliot, Ivan Katz, Frank Katz, Keane Carse, Kevin, The Drummer from DownUnder, Luke Ebbin, Jarred "Deisel" Newman....Keys: Dave Barry, Etienne Lytle, John Cowherd, Mike "The Probe", others .... Horns: Z Ross Morgan, Tim Champeau, Josh Rabinowitz, Mark Henry, Jeremy Adelamn, Dave Rappaport, Danny Lippman, Craig Rivers, Stacey, Jenny Hill, others
Influences
Sly and the Family Stone, Fishbone, Shinehead, Urban Blight, the Tosters, Earth Wind and Fire, Living Color, Toots, Jimmy Cliff, Hendrix, Selector, Madness, English Beat, Meters, etc...
They have played over 1500 shows in the US and Japan, sometimes at a clip of 200+ per annum, and continue to play, in a smaller way, to dancing, sweaty crowds at clubs and private parties. Starting out as a Ska Band in the Third Wave Ska Scene that was rampant in NYCs East Village in the Mid 80's, they morphed their sound from ska/reggae, to "ethno-funk", to funk, soul, and other addictive dance rhythms, becoming a popular local and touring NYC based outfit.
Come to Our 20th Anniversary Show in NY at THE CANAL ROOM on Thursday May 3rd, 2007 at 8:30 PM
at CBGBs along with bands like the A-Kings, The Toasters, The Boilers, Legal Gender (NY Citizens), and other members of the New York Beat scene. They were 8 Members strong, fronted by toaster Constant Bernard and lead vocalist (Helen) Sammy, had a three piece horn section, and a great live show.
1988
at Prospect Park Bandshell when the band won Brooklyn Lager’s Battle of the Unsigned Bands Competition, opening for Dr John or at the Central Park bandshell (Pre-Summer Stage) opening for the Del Fuegos.
1989
touring the Southeast, opening for Toots and The Maytals at Tipitina’s in New Orleans, and the Tampa Sun Dome, or playing at the Earth Day celebraion for thousands in Central Park.
1990
at The Big Kahuna, with bands such as Plate O’ Shrimp, Bim Skala Bim, and the Interns of Dub. Maybe at a college playing with Pebbles on the Beach, Too Heavy, or Frozen Concentrate.
1991
at Gonzalez y Gonzalez in NYC before they rescinded the caberet laws and you weren’t allowed to dance! They were also chosen for the Miller Genuine Draft Band Network, along with 23 popular National touring Acts, including Bop (Harvey), Dash Rip Rock, Egypt, and the Bonedaddy’s, and won several product endorsements including Gibson, Remo, Sabian, Shure and Pro-Mark. New lead vocalist Miriam Phifer had joined the band.
1992
opening for the Meters return tour at the Muse in NYC. Maybe in Macon with Jupiter Coyote, or in New Orleans with Charmaine Neville, or in DC with Kid Creole, or CBs with Sonic Youth, or in Ithaca with the Great Train Robbery, or in Binghampton when Billy Baldwin was the Bartender.
1993
along with Funkster Milo Z became at the New Music Café. Or at the CD release party at Wetlands with 2 Skinne Js. Or possibly in Hilton Head South Carolina with the Mundahs, Herman’s Hermits (Yes Herman’s Hermits), Hootie and the Blowfish, Dave Matthews, Phish, or others…
1994
in Rhode Island at the Bon Vue in Naragannsett, or the Yellow Kittens on Block Island. Or, maybe opening for Public Enemy in NC. Or possibly playing with NYs own the Authority at a college near you. Or Maybe in Osaka Japan - when Mark Henry (aka Hank Love) stepped up to front the band.
1995
at McGovern’s Bar on Spring Street, or that great gig with Urban Blight at Tramps.
1996
How ‘bout the sold out Tramps Benefit with Brooklyn Funk Essentials.
1997
Or possibly one of the great Manny’s Carwash shows Uptown where we did War Pigs as our encore. AND, maybe you were there for the 10th Year Anniversay gig with over 25 Second Step Alumni at New Music Café.
1998
Maybe the benefit with AMP and Doctor’s Without Borders at Webster Hall?
1999
Hopefully the last Summer Night of the Century party at SOB’s sponsored by Lyle of Bang Music
2000
Maybe that great show, again with Milo, at the Village Underground?
2001
A fun gig at Don Hills with Brother Mustard
2002
Our 15th Anniversary Show at SOBs
2003-present
Any of those summer gigs at Stephen’s Talkhouse in Amagansett that went ‘til 3:30AM?
Hi guys Just stopping by to say,"Hello". This page takes me back quite a few years. Thanks for the memories!! I'm sorry I missed the 20 year reunion. BTW.Can you change my name back from STEN to STAN? Thx. -Stan Pillis
Hey, Thanks for the add. I met you guys when I visited NY in 93, even caught a show. Stayed at Dave's and Josh's when they lived on 14th St. Still rock your cd "Culturally Dead".
