Who We Are

By day: a harmless retired music teacher. At night: a gifted rock musician. She delivers powerful vocals blended with elegant piano riffs in addition to robust synth, organ and stringed fills. She has performed in a variety of bands and ensembles in the area since 1987. She brings an impressive resume with bands such as Vinyl Groov, Tickled Pink, Strange Eden, Full House, Mustang, Slick, and Acoustic Synergy. She occasionally pairs up with local guitar players to do acoustic duo shows for the smaller venues.

While always calm and collected away from the stage, he likes to cut loose and put his creative juices to work with his guitar in hand. Erik never fails to bring high quality riffs, gutsy solos, and captivating lead vocals to the TUG audience. Erik's musical mastery began with the exciting lead electric guitar solos in the long hair bands of the 80's. He has used the technical licks he mastered and broadened his lead repertoire incorporating blues, R N B, Pop, Southern Rock and even Country. Karen and Erik are the original founding members of TUG.

This young lady totally rocks the low end rhythm section. Also a music teacher, she offers a broad knowledge of instruments, music styles, and repertoire. We had discovered her while she was reluctantly filling in on bass guitar for a local jam session. Never having played before, she began catching on to it so quickly that everyone encouraged her to continue. Now there seems to be no stopping her. When we invited her to join The Unusual Guests, she had to learn nearly 40 songs in less than 30 days to prepare for her first gig: a huge feat even for veteran players. She did indeed learn every one and that first show was a complete success. She now adds a new flavor to the song list with her flowing lead and backup vocals. Cat brings rich know-how and expression to the group that we all adore.

Rich is no stranger to playing with popular bands. His guitar licks have adorned the likes of Tickled Pink, Zero Gravity, Premonition, Triple Shot, Pocket Puppets, and 90 Ft Snake. His lead vocals deliver that rock-n-roll edge which puts the crowd on their feet and into party mode. Whether he is providing smooth rhythm backup with his 12 string guitar or laying down robust leads on his 6 string, he makes every melody seem entirely effortless. 

The newest member of the band, Mike (Sticks) has been playing drums since he was 13.  He is addicted to the feedback from the audience and after playing and performing for over 40 years in local bands like Forever Strange, That's What She Said, Crave, and Strange Eden, drumming is a feeling he will never get out of his system.  His flashy style and solid rhythm keeps the band solid and the feet on the dance floor.