KENNY BRINKLEY
GUITAR, LEAD VOCALS
Kenny was born in Southwestern Indiana and raised in a musical family where he was given the opportunity to work at and develop his talent. Kenny’s parents had their own local T.V. show, performing country music in the 1950s and 60s. As a child, Kenny used to sit on his Father’s lap, learning to play the guitar. By middle school he was teaching lessons and performing on a local T.V. station. Kenny has shared stages with Johnny Paycheck, Hank Williams Jr and Head East. “I’ve played music all my life - everything from Classical to Country to Rock and Roll. My true love is playing the guitar - and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do that.”
SIMONE SIMONTON
DRUMS, LEAD VOCALS
Simone grew up in Southern Illinois and was given her first drum kit when she was seven - teaching herself timing, feel, dynamics, and song structure by playing and singing along to her parents' albums. She has a Bachelor of Arts in music performance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and is an award-winning songwriter, recording artist, and performing drummer. Simone is a co-founder of the multi-platinum group Sugarland. Simone also formed her own band, South 70, opening for musical acts such as Zac Brown, Styx and REO Speedwagon to name a few. In 2013, Simone joined country artist Drew Baldridge as band leader, touring drummer and songwriter, playing the Grand Ole Opry and other celebrated venues in the U.S. and abroad.
BOB ROBINSON
KEYBOARDS, BACKING VOCALS
Bob grew up in a very musical family from Ohio. His Mother was a piano instructor and choir director. His Father was a minister. As a child he played piano and sang at church functions. While in high school Bob played drums, piano, and sang in the choir. He studied classical piano, music theory and ear training extensively. It was during this time that he discovered and developed his ability to improvise. After studying music at Ohio Northern University he toured with several acts including Spiral Staircase, The Smash and Louie Fontaine of Paul Revere fame. Bob eventually settled in Seattle, WA where he spent 34 years working in the music education field. Bob has released several albums of his original instrumental music, which is currently streaming worldwide, and has recorded on dozens of film and album projects. Bob and his wife Sue moved from Seattle, Wa to Punta Gorda, Fl in 2014 where he continues his musical journey.
CHRIS FRANZEN
BASS, BACKING VOCALS
Chris is a relative newcomer to music performance, having taken up bass guitar at the tender age of thirty-nine. He grew up in New England with exposure to diverse music tastes at an early age; his father played standards on clarinet and organ, and his siblings shared their love of 60's and 70's music with him. "I used to listen to my oldest brother's records, such as Paul Revere and the Raiders, Jethro Tull and The Association, continuing from there with artists like Led Zeppelin, Yes and Emerson Lake & Palmer", he notes. With his love of music, and after professing a desire to take up an instrument and receiving a gift of six music lessons from his wife, his bass teacher (shout-out to Paul Doo at Crossroads) had him out gigging with him within six months. Various bands followed, with Chris sharing stages with a wide range of talented players. "I'm happy to be part of a band with great talents like Kenny, Simone and Bob, and look forward to their helping me to become a better player."