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Band Bios The
Arcadia Band was formed from a group of eager musicians wanting to play
smooth music like no other band has done before. We all come from diverse music
Beyond our music ties, lies a friendship that has blossomed into a family. This connected comradery can be heard though our music. How many times have you been out to hear a band that was not "together"? When you do find a true family of musicians such as The Arcadia Band, the fusion of sounds simply can't be beat. It is this type of band that sends you home humming our songs and making plans with friends to meet up for every gig. We invite you to come be entertained. Come meet The Arcadia Band and become one of our groupies. Warning: This may be addictive and dancing and singing along may come as a result! Members (click on name for member bio) Butch Kreamer - Drums/backup vocals Doug Everton - Guitar/backup vocals Doug Wenk - Bass/backup vocals Mark Rockman - Saxophone/Harmonica Tawna King - Vocals/percussion
I got interested in drums at the age of 14 or 15, while watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. I taught myself to play (still learning), shortly after that, and went on to play in several bands over the years. When my daughter was born in 1977, I stopped playing, sold my gear and didn't pick up another pair of sticks until 1989. I was encouraged to play again by my present wife Carolyn, who I've been in love with forever. I thank her for the support she has always given me and helping make my dreams a reality. I feel good about Arcadia. I feel we have a great group of musicians and friends and I feel that we were all blessed with Tawna.
I
have been performing with various artists in Maryland, Virginia, West
Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1960.
In addition to indoor and outdoor venues (some with crowds of a thousand
or more), I have spent time in the studio and on television. I have
been fortunate to share the stage with some pretty incredible people
(Lawrence and the Arabians, Peter, Paul & Mary, Neil Diamond, the
Royal Guardsmen, and so many others ).
I first developed a strong interest in playing music when I was about 21 or 22 years of age after listening to some obscure recordings of Jimi Hendrix. Started playing Guitar at age 22 and played for about 5 to 7 years. Started to develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which caused me to eventually switch to Harmonica. Played off and on for about the last 10 or 12 years. Started playing Alto Saxophone on St. Patrick's day of 2007.
Douglas has been performing for over 20 years all over the country and has developed a performing art unlike any other. He not only imitates the original performers but precisely, imitates the instruments too. The extent of his impersonation list is mind boggling. His efforts strive for the preservation of Americana music. He recreates it with a Guitar, 6 string Banjo and a full “vocal” Brass section. (Trumpet, Trombone, Drums, Tuba, or any other instruments imaginable).
Karaoke was an addiction that developed into a serious singing bug. I was "discovered" at a local piano bar on open mic night which resulted in a audition with Peabody Preparatory. I was accepted and studied privately for opera for several years. My range was described as a "rare" coloratura (Otherwise known as the "breaking glass" range- above high soprano) with and extended bottom register (which in layman's terms means FULL range- very rare to be found in any voice). My voice is truly a gift from God. Now mind you- I am not an opera singer, but this training helped my versatility in all genera's of songs I sing. I love everything from R&B, Blues, Jazz, Top 40, Country, pop, old standards, and do my best to stay versatile enough to sing them all well and true to style. I was highly inspired by the late Eva Cassidy.
For many years I sang on the side, requested to sing at numerous weddings, funerals, parties, and was also a Karaoke show host. I never took my voice seriously and always shied away from people pushing me to "do something" with my voice. 07'Jan arrived with devastating news. I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. I went through full treatment (chemo, radiation, and surgery) and mercifully God spared my life giving me a second chance.
About the time treatment was coming to an end, I received a call from Butch asking if I would be interested in joining his band. With my new outlook on life I jumped at the chance to finally use my voice as God had indented me to. I will not let a day go by now without using the instrument I was given to its fullest extent. I hope to reach people, share, and encourage them to truly LIVE life to it's fullest. With cancer in remission, this is the new chance God has given me to be able to sing with a wonderful band with a future as bright and exciting as my new life.
I occasionally go out for "fun" still at karaoke- but never without being "mobbed" by the locals to "sing that song" upon entrance. I always encourage new singers to "find their voice".
The voice is a pathway from your soul. Sound matters not, only the passion of the notes ones breath holds.
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backgrounds and wanted to blend this diversity into a band that would, and
more importantly could, play grooving to smooth genera's of music. How often can you go
out and hear anything from Etta James, to
Eva Cassidy, to Anita Baker, to Bonnie Raitt and beyond? The Arcadia Band delivers that
and so much more.
Butch
Kreamer
Doug
Wenk
Mark Rockman
Doug
Everton
Tawna
King