Band Member Biographies

Dr. Brad "Oly" Bangstad, keyboard, music arranger: Brad was born and raised in Buffalo Minnesota, not far from "the Cities".  He started playing piano, organ and trumpet at an early age, performing in his hometown Lutheran Church ( complete with church basement potluck "hotdish", lutefisk and lefse... oofda!). At an impressionable age, he toured full time with the Johnny Holm band.  Brad graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead Minnesota, majoring in music and biology.  After his undergraduate work, Brad received his degree in optometry from Ohio State University. While in Columbus, he was the featured organist at two churches. Brad moved to Gainesville in 1986, and practices optometry. He continues his music ministry by arranging music for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, and performing organ music at the Church, including presenting the dedication concert for the Church's new organ in 2000. 

Doctor Brad               

Bill Barnard, guitar:   Bill is a dyed-in-the-wool blues fan. He was a co-founder, and served as the first president of the North Central Florida Blues Society. He has played guitar since the Beatles and the "British Invasion", and quickly found a love for the blues. He played through college; then put the guitar away until 1999, when he resumed playing.  In 2002, Bill attended the National Guitar Workshop Blues Summit in Connecticut. Master classes were taught by noted blues guitarists Ronnie Earl and Robben Ford. Bill was a founding member of Gainesville's The Unusual Suspects Blues Band . The Suspects opened for national headliners Mem Shannon, Nick Curran and Debbie Davies. His knowledge of blues history, current blues artists, and the Gainesville music scene is unmatched. Bill's style of guitar playing is melodic, like the early Chicago R&B and blues greats, playing the notes and the spaces with texture and finesse'. Bill  has authored original material for the band, including "Just Like A Man", that was featured at the 2010 IBC in Memphis. He continues to compose songs for the Band, including  "Impact Zone" and Nickl'd And Dimed" to be featured at the 2011 IBC.

Bill                    

Professor Steve "Bing" Bingham, tenor and alto saxophones, flute,bass guitar, trumpet: Dr. Bing holds a doctorate in music from the University of Florida. He is jazz band director, and music professor, at Santa Fe College. He has the unique distinction of being Bingo Bingham's older brother. Bing can read and arrange music, but that hasn't hurt him none in playing the blues. He plays a mean alto and tenor sax, a lyrical flute, and a driving bass guitar. Bing owns a subtle ( think "Animal House" , "Monty Python" and Caddyshack") sense of humor, and has a stage presence somewhere between Doctor John and Doctor Phil. He instructs and tours with the Sonlight Youth Choir and band at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. 

Doctor Bing      

Deby Starr Barth, vocals and percussion:

 Deby is a perfect fit for 6^th Street with her attention- getting combination of a sultry voice and striking stage presence…a blond Marcia Ball. She is a native of Ohio ( but that’s OK because she has promised to wear Orange and Blue and not get all misty eyed when the tuba player dots the i  for Ohio State). Her early musical influences were Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, The Motels, Led Zeppelin and The Pretenders, but she has developed her own musical style that will remind you of Julie London and Janis Joplin. In addition to being a dynamite blues singer, she is able to transition between, and has mastered, material in other musical genres, including jazz, soul, R&B, rock and country. She is recognized by her musical peers as one of the most gifted female singers in Florida. Her resume’ includes performing with “Class X” where she followed Charlie Hargett ( who founded and went on tour with “Blackfoot”). Other North Florida bands where she honed her “chops” were RedEye, The Fabulous Comatones, and Crisis. 

Deby           

Steve Hart, tenor, alto, baritone and soprano saxophones, trombone: Steve, a native of the Chicago area, played his first gig at age 13. His bands, Bill and the Bachelors, and the Good Times Quintet played summer-long stints at Chicago area resorts, clubs, and special events.The Bachelors was the house band at Porky's in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Two players in the Bachelors, Curley Cooke and Tim Davis, co-founded the Steve Miller Band.  Steve earned his law degree from the University of Florida, and practiced law in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 1998, through a project at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, a  6-piece horn-driven blues band , Code Blues, was formed; Steve joined Code Blues in 1999. Code Blues played at well-known Chicago area clubs ( Cubby Bear, Chord-On-Blues, Flatlanders), corporate events ( Abbott Labs, Crate and Barrel ), high profile North Shore society civic and charitable events, and festivals. Code Blues was featured at the United Center, playing for the Chicago Bulls.   Steve joined the Unusual Suspects Blues Band in Gainesville before co-founding 6th Street with Bill Barnard.    

Steve    

Joe Loper, bass guitar:

Joe Loper, known as Hizzoner, "The Mayor of Hawthorne" is one of the best bass guitar players in Florida....he not only can groove and funk, and do killer solos, but he makes his own bass guitars...the one he plays is made of wood. ( There is no truth to the rumor that he also makes his own amps and glass blows the tubes...but we are sure he could if he makes up his mind to do so). Joe is a quiet guy...content to let his axe do his talking...but he has a quick wit and great sense of humor ( unlike the other half of our backline). He is so shy that we had to cobble together pictures of him. Resembling Clark Kent, we have concluded he is really Superman ( on the bass).  Welcome aboard Joe!

      Joe                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

John Eric "Bingo" Bingham, drums: Bingo has been with 6th Street since early 2009. We are fortunate to have him. He keeps time like a Rolex and has a pocket deeper than a kangaroo. Dr. Steve Binghams's little brother, Bingo too is a Gainesville native. He graduated from Gainesville High School, where he performed with GHS's drumline and jazz band. After school, he really "went to school" with Glass Hammer, which became Silent Image....they were under contract to RCA Records and toured nationally for two years. Later, he co-founded Black Molly with Charlie Hargrett ( Blackfoot) and Banner Thomas ( Molly Hatchet), and again was a road warrior for two years. His education still expanding, and being tired of greezy road food and living out of a suitcase, Bingo matriculated to Memphis where he was a "first call" studio drummer. Since returning to Gainesville, Bingo has played with the Hollow Body Hellraisers ( folks, I am not making that up), several local groups ( he's like "Cheers"...everybody knows his name) and continues to be in demand for recording sessions.

     Bingo, as he sees himself.... and as we see him:              

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