Meet the Band

FullSizeRender-9

Andy Potocic – Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin

“I started playing music when I was 12 years old. First it was the guitar, then the bass, then the accordian, then the mandolin, then the banjo, then the… nope, that’s it. Dave and I have been performing together since we were wee lads (16 years old). He’s really helped my writing. And in recent years I’ve gotten hooked on recording and producing music in my home studio. I like many styles of music — as long as it’s good! But I’ve got a special place in my musical heart for Van Halen and Bob Dylan. Basically, I’m a quiet boy that likes puzzles… ”

Jordan Lannert – Bass

“I started playing music when I was quite young. While teaching myself to play various instruments I became a big fan of playing bass and have played it for about 15 years. It’s like a union of drums and guitar for me. I’ve played many different musical styles but I’d say my favorite is heavy metal. Outside of music, I enjoy woodworking and foraging for mushrooms while enjoying nature and spending time with my family.”

gretchen

Gretchen Grube – Fiddle

Gretchen holds a B.M. in Violin Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP). She completed her M.M. in Violin Performance with Suzuki Pedagogy from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). She has been playing the violin for over 20 years! Gretchen currently is the string department chair at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She plays with several local orchestras in the Milwaukee area including Festival City Symphony and Wisconsin Philharmonic. Gretchen also enjoys playing with her cat & chickens, scrapbooking, and eating ice cream! A few other facts…. “I love playing in the Gleasons and rocking out in a whole other style of music! I started piano when I was four years old.  However, I begged my mom for violin lessons for a whole year before she finally agreed to let me start when I was in 2nd grade- and I haven’t looked back. I also play French Horn, Tuba, and Upright Bass. My influences include Natalie MacMaster and Charlie Daniels.”

FullSizeRender-8

Vince Clore – Guitars

“A songwriter’s lead guitar player”. A term that has been used to describe Vince’s playing. “I like to play to the song. Sure, it’s fun to put in a blazing solo from time to time… but lead playing works best when it compliments the song”. I started playing guitar around age 14. Edward Van Halen definitely influenced me to pick up the guitar, but song writers like Paul Westerberg are the reason I still play today. My biggest (guitar player) influences are EVH, Alex Lifeson, and Tommy Keene. I’ve been in metal, punk, rockabilly, and pop band throughout the years. The great thing about playing with The Gleasons is there are so many different musical influences going on, yet at it’s core, it is still rocking!”

FullSizeRender-4

Barry Salem – Drums

“I have been playing drums and percussion for 25 years. I toured with Jo Serrapere and Pub Domain in the late 1990’s. I like ice water and pomegranates. My interests include building homes, fishing, golf, and appearing out of nowhere when you least expect it. Influences include Ringo Starr, Bun E Carlos, Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Neil Peart, and The Velvet Fog (Mel Torme). Band influences include The Beatles, Cheap Trick, Rush, Lunasa, Eileen Ivers, Kodo, Dead Can Dance and any movie soundtracks written by John Williams or Danny Elfman. That’s all I got to say about that.”

Nicole Martin – Flute/Whistle

“I started playing the flute in 4th grade (but I really wanted to play the violin instead).  I have been part of church choirs, flute ensembles, orchestras, & concert bands.  One of my favorite musical experiences was being a member of the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra.  A few years ago I started sitting in with local musicians & bands.  Other favorite hobbies are traveling with my husband and bragging about my amazing kids.  I’m excited to be part of The Gleasons and exploring the 1/16 of my DNA which consists of Irish rock.”

dave

Dave Stevens – Vocals, Guitars

“I began writing music and playing in bands in the early 90’s and was heavily influenced by alt rock and American folk music. Ironically, it was at the urging of The Gleasons very own Andy Potocic that I began my musical career. That eclectic journey led me down several pathways that included the rock bands Central Plain, Thin Man and Dorian’s Virtue — all of which included Andy. I was also the lead vocalist in the prog metal band Max Cooper until The Gleasons formed in early 2003. I cite several influences including Bob Dylan, U2, Clannad and Johnny Cash. I’m a Rush fanatic and my favorite vocalist is Nat King Cole.”