Greetings Everyone, Merry Meet, and How's it goin'?
You've now entered what I like to call:
Those of you that know me personally, know that I'm definitely NOT your 'normal' average everyday chick. There are many facets to me as there are stars and galaxies in the universe. Grab a drink, smoke 'em if ya got 'em, and enjoy your stay. My realm is your realm. When you're a friend you're family. Welcome "home"...
Chris
Nick: STRIKER
Sign: Aquarius
D.O.B.: 02/15/71
Born: Silver Spring, MD
Raised: Harpers Ferry, WV
Currently residing: Harpers Ferry, WV
Top 3 Influences: Pink Floyd, Rush, Van-Halen
Multi-talents: Mother, Female Alpha Wolf, Executive Administration, Web Designer, Graphics Artistry
Musical Multi-talents: Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Keys, Clarinet, Sax, Flute
Live Rig: Carvin R1000, Carvin R410, Carvin R115 Fender 4x10, 2003 Ibanez Extreme 505 TL (a.k.a. "Gollum"), Yamaha Pro-Line Alto Sax
Favorite Quote / Words of Wisdom: Anything is possible, Nothing beats a failure but a try, An it harm None, do what Thou wilt, See no race, creed, religion, or preference, WE ARE ALL HUMAN & EQUAL!, Refuse to conform to the norm!
Chris was raised far enough out of the city to enjoy the mountain life and nature, yet close enough to DC to hit all of the concerts. D.A.R. Constitution Hall was where she spent her Sundays growing up, as her parents took her to all of the weekend concerts. Now she travels to any venue within reach!
For her 4th birthday, when asked what she wanted, she asked for a guitar, and Red Lobster. She picked out an acoustic at Victor Litz Music in Silver Spring, MD, and was taken to Red Lobster in Wheaton.
That next Christmas, her list added a keyboard. Her godfather, Uncle Vince, got her 1st keyboard for Christmas at age 4. She continued playing both.
At age 11, she added the clarinet to her list. Her Uncle Vince being 1st chair in the PA State band, allowed her use of his. She quickly followed in his footsteps of 1st chair clarinetist in concert band, marching band, wind ensemble, and jazz band.
At age 15, she received the Directors Award for Band, the highest recognition for musical students. When she turned 16, the next year, she took on flute and sax. She also joined a band with fellow classmates, called Peoples Republic of Sound, playing originals and heavy metal covers. It was fun, but the progressiveness she was looking for did not exist.
At age 17, she was asked to play boards for a classic rock group that got together for 2 gigs a year. Being they were people she grew up with, she joined immediately. They were affectionately known as Joels Garage Band. Unlike the schoolmates group, this band was older, more talented, and had serious potential. It was too bad only 2 gigs a year were scheduled. It was enough that in being together for 8 years, when Chris lived in FL, she would travel 16 hrs, and 976 miles to play for 1 night! As all good things must end, so did this venture, but Chris still will travel to play!
At age 25, Chris put out her solo keyboard album entitled, Gaeas Love. It was a 10 year collective goal set at age 15, and completed 2 weeks before her 25th birthday. It was a success, having airplay in DC, OH, WV, and PA, on new age, jazz and public radio stations.
Long story short, (you can ask her the details), in November 1994, she ended up acquiring a bass guitar, and becoming the bassist for the Andrews AFB based band, , playing many gigs in many far off places. No place is too far to gig. Most notable drive: She traveled from Harpers Ferry, WV to Hartford, CT for a 1 night gig at the NY Pickle Deli on Fri. May 16th, 1997. She drove by herself through NYC rush hour traffic at 5pm. The coolest thing happened across the G.W. Bridge; the theme from Taxi played on the radio! She knew she was doing something right. The gig went off without a hitch, and the rest is classified. Then, after being with the No Brainers family for several years as the Bass Bitch, it was time to change musical direction. Chris wanted something newer, heavier, and more options to play different instrumentation.
In Sept. 2001, Chris linked up with John Gross, and helped to form Critical Path. Crit-Path was a hit from the start. Coming from the popular No Brainers, and still currently being the only chick bassist / vocalist in the area, Chris had a following, and John had a following of his own from his ventures as well. Combined with excellent vocalists, and players, Crit-Path hit the ground running. But yet again, the snag this time was the military, and orders. Critical Path was put to rest.
John and Chris refusing to stop, formed Cyrus Column. After many changes, and realizing friendship is much more important than business, Cyrus Column was put to rest. The momentum is building behind John's new project with all new members and a new band name. Chris is currently sitting in with the new project as well.
Chris has also gone back home to the No Brainers. Being off the road for a year, after a long tour w/ Cycle Promotions USA, it's time to getthe lead out. Every week, a different town, a different state, but always 1 place in her heart and mind...
word on the steret is that you'll be seeing some ORIGINAL NO BRAINERS members this go-around! That's GOOD TIMES!
Over the years, Chris has had the great opportunity to befriend and perform with many musical talents, engineers, and producers. Some of her more favorite memories are with composer Hank Levy ("Shenandoah Junction"), the legendary Tim Lawrence, Grant Dawson, Aram Cartozian, Keith Harancher, Dave Tedder, Dave DeMarco, EVICK, No Brainers, Critical Path, Cyrus Column, No Existance, Great Train Robbery, Poison, Bret Michaels, Cinderella, Faster Pussycat, Trick Pony, Sara Evans, Montgomery Gentry, Battery Apple, Dio, Warrant, Firehouse, Plunge, SR-71, Fuel, Ivory Tower Project, Radiodaze, Hydra FX, American Lesley Jane, Beatlesex, Sexmusic, Carol Lowery Styles, & the great tour w/ Cycle Promotions USA.
She has recorded her own originals in a collaboration effort with Sexmusic US' Grant Dawson. It's quite unlike the Gaea's Love material. (Finally someone that UNDERSTANDS it all! Thank you, Commander!)
She continues to play bass and sing, but is also playing guitar, keys and sax as well. She doesnt take no for an answer. She is living back in Harpers Ferry, WV, she travels 120 miles 1 way to practice and play. Shes extremely happy with and dedicated to her bands, and will continue her full efforts on her own original material as well.
If youre still wanting more about her, you may find her playing at open mic nights in the area. Just look around, and dont be afraid to ask questions. Shes the proud "bass bitch" of the band, but only a "bitch" when she needs to be!
Yes, I do play live, however, the collaberation project is what this section is about.
There are way too many to list, therefore, the top 3 are:
1) Pink Floyd
2) Rush
3) Van Halen
This is in conjunction with artists such as David Arkenstone, Jim Brickman, Roxy Music, Babble, and the like.
is featured on the it
, is a group of international people campaigning for Children's Rights. is being featured on the CD, entitled . The CD should be completed by July 4th with 10 original tracks performed by the BEST INDIE ARTISTS you will ever hear. Please visit the links provided for more information on , and
You can get all the latest news and updates via STR1KER's main site:
Take Care & Keep Rockin',
STRIKER