The Extraordinaires
Band Member Bios

Amy Owen:
What an immense amount of talent she has brought to the table. Stepping in as the Lead Singer/Front Person, Amy does so much more than vocals. Being an accomplished vocalist, Amy has worked with many well-known national bands, and brings that talent over to add not just lead, but background vocals as well. She has played with some of the biggest names in the business. She has filled a void like none other, and what a treat it is to perform with her. is to watch on stage.

Rusty Bunton:
Rusty has been involved in many types of music for over thirty years. Bass and trumpet are the two primary instruments of which he plays for the group. From playing in symphonies to Big Bands, to ShowBands, throughout his career Rusty has played with numerous groups across the southest. Being business manager of the group, Rusty finds this "part-time" job extremely challenging yet rewarding, not to mention having to be the bus driver as well!

Mark Bridges:
Being one of the veteran players, Mark has been with The Extraordinaires from the beginning in 2002. Mark is one of the most versatile, talented guitar players in Western North Carolina. Exceptional guitar players know how to "fill the holes" without going overboard, and know when to pour it on or totally back off when necessary, Mark is definitely one of those individuals. Not only does he know his way around a six string, being an electrical engineer by day, he also builds/modifies his own amplifiers and pedal boards. An unbelievable asset to The Extraordinaires.

Mark Gaber:
Residing in Mathews, NC with his wife Vickie, Mark attended both University of Conn as well as University of Miami majoring in Music Education. Mark has played on the road from Conn to Fla. with numerous dance bands for the last 17 years. With this experience, Mark remains one of the most versatile trumpet players around . Having a "lip of steel" Mark keeps the horn section powerful all night.

Chuck Moss:
The newest member, Chuck, with his trombone, has added a mellow sound in the horn section like we've never had. Chuck is also involved with the Bruce Long Orchestra, one of the finest Big Bands in the area. Minoring in music at North Carolina State University has given Chuck a great knowledge and understanding of not just being a musician, but an entertainer as well. In his spare time, he's an engineer with Hickory Construction Company.

Chase Bunton:
After finishing up at Belmont University in Nashville, Tn. and touring around the country with several bands, Chase decided to come back to Hickory for a while and play with his first group. With his experience and knowledge, Chase is a tremendous asset to The Extraordinaires both in the horn section as well as out front singing lead.....and we're glad to have him back.

Steven Foster:
Is back as well on sax and vocals. After finishing his degree in music performance and advanced music education from Western Carolina University, he also decided to come back to the Hickory area and get back in with the best band in Western North Carolina, and what an asset he is. Currently Steven is the band director at North Cabarraus High School in Concord.

Tom Stainkamp:
Tom began his professional music career performing as a keyboardist & singer more than 15 years ago in Long Island, NY. He has been a member of various successful bands over the years, and has performed and recorded throughout the Eastern United States. His expressive keyboard playing and vocal precision have put him in high demand in the greater Charlotte area since moving from New York in 2008.

Eric Taylor:
Being the drummer and Hickory, NC resident, Eric Taylor is the driving backbeat behind The Extraordinaires. Eric's involvement in music began at an early age. The son of a music teacher and jazz trumpet player offered Eric the opportunity to play with and learn from some of the best musicians around. Eric has a wealth of live playing experience and is the former touring drummer with Nashville based contemporary Christian recording artist, Crutchfield.

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6407 Willowbottom Rd • Hickory, NC 28602 • 828-294-0877 • Email Us