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
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
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
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: