ABOUT US (SUMMARIZED)
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ABOUT THE BAND: The Soul Chase Reggae and Funk (5-6 piece) Band offering a unique blend of well-known songs adapted to our groove-oriented vibe. All our songs are popular, danceable songs, with a reggae or funk twist. We appeal to diverse audiences of all ages. We add a great sax player to fill out our sound for larger shows or festivals.
Lavender Browne – Female Vocals – A young, local, singer-song-writer who performs with us in addition her solo projects
Michael Drew – Male Vocals & Guitar - 30+ years singing and playing guitar across several genres
Dave Zipse – Keyboards – A life-long, professional musician and music teacher who covers jazz, funk, reggae, and classis rock
Joel Popelsky – Drums – An NYC drummer for 50+ yrs, studied under NYC’s top drummers, and played at top clubs like CBGB’s
Irv Rodrigues – Bass – 20+ years with DC area bands (Problem Child & Blind Date)
Rob Barbarita – Sax – UD music major, Beacon MS music director & teacher, sings, and plays guitar, bass, & sax
PLAYER BIO'S
Lavender Browne - Vocals & Percussion
Lavender Browne brings energy and emotion to all her performances. A Delaware native, singer-songwriter Lavender Browne uses her diverse musical background to immerse fans in a melodically-driven, multi-genre experience. Lavender has firmly established herself as a multi-media artist, with a flourishing music career. Lavender has lent her talent to bands such as Marissa Levy & The Lady Parts, The Repeat Offenders, and The Soul Chase. Lavender also composed and produced the theme song for the Dragons Drink Bourbon podcast.
David Zipse - Keyboards
David Zipse a virtuoso pianist who plays festivals, concert venues, casinos, clubs, restaurants and theater shows is also available for weddings, parties and corporate events. David is renowned for his vast repertoire of over 1000 memorized songs, and prides himself on being able to play most any request. From jazz standards to Broadway, from oldies and motown to classic and modern rock, David knows them all. His passion and perfectionism permeate everything he plays, and his mastery of the piano has the critics proclaiming him a true "virtuoso," a "PIANIST EXTRA-ORDINAIRE!"
Joel Popelsky - Drums
Joel Popelsky is a native of the Bronx, NY and has been playing drums for more than 50 years. In his early years he had the great fortune to study drums in NYC with Henry Adler, Norman Grossman and Frank Marino. Joel played in numerous original and cover bands in the NY tristate area and was lucky enough to play at the famed CBGB's in NYC. He has authored three drumming instructional articles which appeared in Modern Drummer Magazine.
J Michael Drew - Vocals & Guitar
J Michael Drew Served his country, sings and played guitar in several bands in the DC area, and now at the eastern shores. Several influences from country, rock-n-roll, and the classics, Michael has been a great influence to the Soul Chase Band bringing his favorite reggae and classic R&B songs as the band’s lead male singer, lead, and rhythm guitarist.
Irv “Chili” Rodrigues - Bass Guitar
Irv “Chili” Rodrigues a founding member of The Soul Chase Band had played bass for over 30 years. Originally from the Arlington area, Irv played bass in DC area, blues, rockabilly, and R&B bands including The Psyco Girls, Problem Child, and Blind Date. He was surprised to find no local reggae bands at the Mid-Atlantic, eastern shore beaches. He re-started his music carrier with the Repeat Offenders, and The Short Term Memories while starting the Soul Chase Band.
Rob Barbarita - Sax
Rob Barbarita, a Delaware native, received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware and his Masters Degree from Wilmington University. Rob has been a music teacher and band director in the Cape District for 14 years and is a local musician. Rob has had appearances with Linda Clifford, The Chantels, Bumpin Uglies and the Shirelles. Rob can be seen performing in town solo, as a duo, or with the Over Time Band, The Larks, The Lunch Dog, Delmarva Big Band and the Soul Chase among other great groups!
alternates
The Soul Chase Band utilizes alternates to cover the large geography of the Eastern Shore Beaches, or to cover our members if they are not available. Our alternates include:
James “Mez” Cook, a 22-year-old local drummer. A couple years after that first snare lesson, Mez’s family got him an electronic drum kit, and his gift for drumming took flight — powered by a love of the instrument that would have him playing 24/7. “Mez is a really good dude with impeccable timing,” said Andy Urban, who is the guitarist for Witches Brew and who came out to watch Soul Chase. “You see that bowler hat he is wearing? Well, he believes he just might be the reincarnation of John Henry Bonham from Led Zeppelin! And he might be right!”.
Billy Bilbo Yanuk a former surfer, and tennis pro started playing keyboards at open-mics in the Ocean City area. Shortly his talent was recognized and he joined the open-mic host band. Billy had to support the host band play with all who attended the open-mics, in any and all genres. This prepared him for the unique style The Soul Chase Band developed.
Jason Rus, a lead guitarist and singer with Identity Crisis of Ocean City is one of the area’s best guitarists. He hosts and open-mic, and fills in with several bands. Jason joins The Soul Chase and others when they need a great guitarist on short notice, when available.
