An Evening with Stasia

 

Craig, Ray, and Steve of Stasia

“I was playing my broken guitar with only one string on the corner of a street when I met Steve, who just happened to fly by...,” Craig, the lead guitarist, jokes after I ask the members of the band how they all met. I walked into the garage while the band was practicing “Jumping Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones. Immediately after, seemingly without anybody cueing, a spontaneous and solid version of “Evil Ways” by Santana broke out. With Ray singing, some impressive keyboard, guitar, drum bridges and solos had a party in my ears. I settled on the steps of the garage inner door and sipped a glass of wine while enjoying the songs. The band graciously decided to take a short break and talk to me about their brand new 70s cover group.

Stasia originally started as a garage band. Nothing underground, just guys gathering to jam on their instruments in a garage on warm Florida weekday evenings. Ranging in ages, interests, and backgrounds, they all seem to have found enthusiasm for their common taste in music. Their initial meeting was nothing as romantic or fictitious as meeting on a street corner or anybody flying by – the word “Craigslist” was mumbled and laughed off quickly. “I saw them at Sarbez and decided that they needed a keyboard player,” interjected Rich, who is an optometrist by day. “And I joined them at an improv evening,” laughs John, the drummer. I noticed that they certainly had connected in a new brotherhood.

Stasia from left to right: Rich, Ray, Steve, John, and Craig

In no particular order of importance, Stasia consists of Steve Thompson (guitar, harmonica), Ray Niederriter (bass guitar), Craig Antley (lead guitar), Rich Greene (keyboard), and brand new drummer John Tremel (drums). They all sing too. Together, they generally choose to cover songs from classic rock artists like Santana, Tom Petty, Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, or Rolling Stones. While I am gathering this information, Steve, a pilot during the day, brings out his harmonica. While also playing guitar and singing, “Angel from Montgomery,” originally performed by John Prine, rings through the garage. These guys are brimming with talent and musical energy.

Apart, the members of Stasia have performed in many places. Craig, for example, opened with a previous band for Chris Stapleton. As Revoc, the former name of the band, they have performed locally at Planet Sarbez, O’Laughlins, Colonial Oak, Hurricane Patties, and the Crow Bar. With John as the new drummer, they are currently building up their repertoire and extending their potential venue reach. They aim to perform at festivals, weddings, and many other hot spots around town. They also recently appointed Ashley Berg as their new manager. Ashley is ready to book this exciting band to lighten up your evening and bring dance and laughter to your party. As I finish my wine and say goodbye to my new favorite band, the guys start to jam themselves into another spontaneous song. We will definitely hear more from Stasia.

Contact Ashley Berg at bergalerg@gmail.com

Or send a message through Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/stasiaband/