Rock, Rhthym and Jazz

MidLife Crisis

Divided by Four

The Brubakers

Three popular Salisbury bands are joining forces Friday to raise money for Rowan Helping Ministries this Friday, at 7:30 p.m.

Midlife Crisis, Divided by Four and The Brubakers will all be taking the stage at the Meroney Theater, 213 S. Main St., for this audience-pleasing showcase titled "Rock, Rhythm and Jazz."

Midlife Crisis began in 1993 at the V.A. hospital when Bill Barton put an ad up on the bulletin board to see if anyone was interested in starting a band with music from the 60's and 70's. Dave Baker (guitar) and Joe Sokowski (drums) answered the ad, then they added Tom Lowman (bass guitar).They needed a lead singer and found Lonnie Carpenter months later.

Barton's wife gave the band it's name, seeing that starting a rock band at their age must be a sign of a midlife crisis.

Through their 17 years of existence they have had different members come and go, but the remaining members have stuck together for more than 10 years. Current members are Tom Lowman (bass guitar), Lonnie Carpenter (guitar and vocalist), Larry Pinkston (lead guitar), Ric Christy (drums) and Robert McCowan (guitar,keyboards and vocals). Last year they added a new member, Gerald "Spanky" Smith who sings and plays saxophone.

They have performed locally and across the state, performing their brand of classic rock, R&B and beach music to the delight of audiences of all ages.

Divided By Four was formed in 1987 by Gerald Knox, Kevin Leichman, Ronald Heggins and Roland Reid. Their first performance was at Las Palmas Restaurant on Fisher Street in Salisbury.

The band has performed up and down the east coast for years, but they have always enjoyed playing in their hometown of Salisbury most. They have volunteered for Relay for Life every year since it started in Rowan County, and have supported additional events such as the Tomato Festival and the Martin Luther King Celebration.

DBF performs a variety of music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. All of their performances are dedicated to their late keyboard player, brother and friend, Ron Heggins.

The bands current line up: Alan Wyrick (keyboard, lead and rhythm guitar), Gerald Knox (bass guitar, lead and background vocals), Jerome Heggins (percussion, lead and background vocals) and Roland Reid (lead and rhythm guitar and background vocals).

For more information or to listen, go to www.dividedbyfour.com.

The Brubakers have made quite a name for themselves regionally, playing smooth, contemporary jazz. They've made an impact on Charlotte's jazz scene, playing Spirit Square, Halton Theater, The Visulite, numerous clubs, the Charlotte Verve Jazz Fest and seven concert appearances with the Charlotte Symphony.

They've opened shows for Ken Navaro, Nicholas Peyton, Larry Carlton, The Sapphire Blues Band, Adam Nitti, Boney James and the Yellowjackets.

Their name pays homage to two jazz greats: Dave Brubeck and Chet Baker.

They have albums to their credit, including the recent CD of all original material, "Triple Bypass."

Band members are Andre Ferreri (guitar), Gray Fallin (drums), Eddie Ritch (keyboards) Joe Gminder (bass guitar) Rick Almond (saxophone and flute) and Carlton Jackson (percussion).

For more information, visit www.thebrubakers.net.

Tickets for the Friday night show are $15, available at the door. All of the proceeds go to Rowan Helping Ministries.