 |
|
The Extraordinaires
|
|
|
|
 |
Rusty
Bunton:
A successful sales rep for networking and high-speed
connectivity, 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. Being the business manager of the group, Rusty finds this
"part-time" job extremely challenging yet rewarding. |
|
 |
Mark
Bridges:
Lead Guitarist for the group, Mark is an accomplished and very
proficient musician. His talents never cease to amaze the audience. An original
member of the group, Mark has been playing semi-professionally since 1979 in
several local bands and praise and worship teams. In these groups, he has
played nearly every style of music, from heavy metal to country to bluegrass to
southern rock to contemporary Christian. |
|
 |
Greg
Conrad:
Being one of the most musically seasoned members of the group,
Greg has added an immense amount of talent to The Extraordinaires. Greg owns a
successful managerial recruiting firm in Bethlehem, NC. He is our Keyboardist
and also does some of our Lead / Backup Vocals. Greg, being professionally
trained , started playing professionally in 1972, and toured full time thru
1997, playing with several groups, such as National Recording artist "The
Inkspots" and "Harry Deal & The Galaxies". In 1982 he wrote the song
"Summertime Means Beach" which was nominated for the Beach music song of the
year. And his latest work is our first original, “Shad Could Really
Boogie” which we hope will follow in the footsteps of Summertime Means
Beach. |
|
 |
Wayne
Kates:
Wayne comes to The Extraordinaires with a vast musical
background. From playing in various orchestras to Broadway Musicals to jazz and
brass ensembles, Wayne has what it takes to make the horn section one
harmonizing unit. Being an assistant band director has helped add patience to
his list of qualities. Wayne's dancing and enthusiam in the horn section is
what keeps the party going. |
|
 |
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. |
|
 |
Bruce
Flynn:
The newest member, Bruce has played with some of the biggest
names in Beach/ R&B group in the SE. He spent numerous years with The
Spontanes, The Catalinas, Billy Scott and The Prophets as well as many others.
He’s been called the “the best in the pocket drummer” there is.
Living in Gastonia, NC, Bruce’s real job is property management. Bruce
sets the “Groove” for every show and it’s fun just hanging on to
him. |
|
 |
Jerry
Collins:
Jerry has been with The Extraordinaires since July of ’07.
Playing with various bands in the mid west, Jerry brings a fresh new sound to
the horn section. His main instrument is bari sax, but during the night you
will see him pick up tenor, alto, and even flute from time to time. You can
always notice him on stage…He says he’s the “good looking”
guy with the hat on! |
|
 |
Christa
Shuford:
What an immense amount of talent she has brought to the table.
Stepping in as the Lead Singer, Christa does so much more than vocals. With
being an accomplished vocal with many other bands, Christa 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. |
|
 |
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. |
|
 |
Ray
Yeager:
Sound Engineer for the Extraordinaires. Ray brings years of
experience on numerous FOH boards. As most musicians know, every venue is
different and it takes experience to match sound to rooms. During the day Ray
is a consulting engineer in telecommunications, video and audio systems. You
will also find Ray lending his vocal and percussion skills to a number of
contemporary praise bands in the Hickory area. |
|
 |
|
The Extraordinaires
|
|
| 6407
Willowbottom Rd • Hickory, NC 28602 • 828-294-0877 • Email
Us |
|
|