Still Rock’n & Friends
Still Rock’n and Friends is made up of a number of local musicians who come together to provide an incredible music experience no matter what the venue. From private parties, restaurant & club gigs, weddings, social events to outdoor gatherings and festivals. Whether you need background music with a duet or small combo for entertaining dinner guests, or a full band for indoor or outdoor venues, we have the musicians for you. Still Rock’n & Friends has a very eclectic style and performs music in numerous genres including: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass and Pop. “Our goal is to provide “feel good” music that gets your toes tapping and makes you want to sing along or get up and dance”. Still Rock’n & Friends enjoys having guest musicians sit in on a few songs during their sets so if you are a performing musician and would like to perform at local venues with them, please contact Craig Harper (see info below).
Band Members:
Craig Harper (Lead guitar, flute, sax, lead & backup vocals) – Craig began his music studies at the age of 11 learning to play clarinet in the school band. In Junior High he began playing acoustic guitar and taking guitar lessons in a trailer park outside of Macon, GA from a fiddle player who taught him chords and accompanying chord progressions and harmonies. In High School (9th Grade) he joined his first rock band (This Generation) as rhythm guitarist which won the school’s talent contest and later changed its name to Arlington Street Station, which performed for local dances at schools and teen clubs. Craig expanded his music studies in college majoring on flute and taking lessons from professional musicians on guitar, sax & flute. In the 90’s Craig had the opportunity to perfrom with Rex Bell’s Rock & Jazz Ensemble which brought in guest artist such as Orestes Vilato, who performed and recorded with Santana, and Jeff Tamelier, who performed and recorded with Tower of Power. Craig later formed the Still Rock’n Band in the Bay Area and performed with other professional musicians who have performed and recorded with such notable artists as Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Barbara Streisand, Donna Summer, The Pointer Sisters, The 5th Dimension, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dionne Warwick and others. Most recently, Craig retired to the Sierra foothills near Cool, CA with his wife Tracey and their two dogs (Sierra & Zoe) and has continued to perform locally with other local musicians.
Dennis Edwards (Bass Guitar, backup vocals) – Dennis began playing music at the age of 8, coming from a very musically inclined family. At the age of 10 a family friend, Pat Neil of The Gentrys, began giving him lessions that instilled the desire to be part of the Memphis Music Scene. By junior high, Dennis became part of his High School band, continuing his love of the bass line with Tuba, Sousaphone and String Bass. Between orchestra, jazz band and several garage bands, his high school years were spent building his love for music. Dennis later studied music at Memphis State University where he majored in music history, theory, orchestra and Jazz Band. Playing with several local bands through the mid ‘70s (country, blues and jazz) he later changed his major to business when he realized that there was more money to be made with a real job than being a high school music teacher. Working with United Artist as a record distributor he remained in several bands in the Memphis area until kids and career put his love for music on the back burner while he became a full time dad, soccer coach and wage earner. Moving to Cool CA in the late ‘90s he met his wife Anne and began playing music again after a short hiatus, ( ok so 20 years is not considered short ). Joining his local church’s worship team and playing with local musicians at a few local venues stirred his love for performing again. Owning a local restaurant made it possible to meet Craig a few years later and their combined history had them both getting a bit more serious about music again. Retired now, Dennis spends his days building cars, remodeling his house and managing to find time to get a bit of practice in on his Fender Jazz Bass, a pretty good copy of his 1972 ax. I bet he wishes he had that one back…
Lenny Brann (Rhythm guitar, lead & backup vocals) – Lenny began studying music and playing acoustic guitar in 1982 while in college at Chico State University, primarily playing classic/alternative rock cover tunes. He soon added vocals, electric guitar, and piano to his musical talents. In 1992, Lenny connected with other musicians in the Sacramento area to form a 5-piece rock band that played at various private parties and events throughout the region. This was the decade Lenny’s creativity in song writing, solid rhythms, and vocals began to develop. As time marched on in the new millennium, the core group of band members moved on with different jobs in different states while Lenny continued to actively play as a soloist, but it wasn’t until attending a Murder Mystery Party at The Cork & Fork Restaurant on New Years Eve 2013 and meeting up with Craig Harper and Dennis Edwards that prompted him to soon join the Still Rock’n & Friends Band which began a new chapter in his love of playing and performing music with other musicians. Lenny resides in the town of Cool, CA with his wife Chris and their dog Chaps.
John Hobbs – (Drums, percussion including congas, bongos & cajon, harmonica, backup vocals) – John began playing drums in the 5th grade at Lincoln Way School in Auburn and continued through 8th grade at E.V. Cain. In 7th Grade, he was in his first combo, “The Cacophonites” which took 2nd place in the “1972 Search for Talent” contest in Auburn. Joining the Golden Hillmen Band at Placer High in 1972, a strong Jazz influence was present and influenced his style and technique. “We were fortunate to have Stan Kenton’s band clinic for our Jazz Band every year”. John took private lessons as a high school senior from Jazz great, Joe Beladeno. Joe was a childhood protégé of the great Gene Krupa and played in Big Bands like Lionel Hampton. “Taking lessons from Joe was like having Babe Ruth as your hitting coach”. John continued for a year at Sierra College in the Jazz band but soon decided he wanted a “normal life”, not the life of a full-time professional musician. At that point he joined the workforce in various positions until, In 1987 when he began working for Stanley Black and Decker where he continues to work today. John lives just outside Cool, CA with his wife Beverly and in addition to performing with Still Rock’n & Friends, John plays for his Worship Team at Cool Community Church in Cool, CA.
For More Information Contact: Craig Harper / Booking Agent
