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BAND OF THE WEEK-Alias

Getting to know your local bands with this weekly blog that features a different local band from the Lehigh Valley and beyond!

Tracie L. Lovett, Neighbor

Posted Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 11:36 pm ET

Introducing...ALIAS!!

Although ALIAS has been around, in many forms, for about 12 years, the current ALIAS formed when Dave Meichtry (remaining member of ALIAS), joined up with Tom GuteKunst and Chris Fullenwider, who had been playing in another band together for 5 years. ALIAS was joined by Jeff Crammer a year later to form the current ALIAS lineup.

ALIAS set out to deliver classic and dance rock from the 70’s to today, and to play as many Lehigh Valley venues as possible to spread the word. A goal that has been reached many times over. With music from artists such as Tom Petty, Van Halen, The Monkees, The Hooters, Stray Cats, and a diverse long list of music in their arsenal, ALIAS varies their music just about every show and tailors the music to each venue but frequently turns on a dime based on the crowds’ response. Crowds take comfort in knowing that each song ALIAS performs is the song that they know allowing spontaneous sing-alongs and air guitar solos. All band members trade off singing lead, allowing them to perform a broader range of music. ALIAS puts the same amount of musical effort into their show whether their playing to a crowd of 100 or 10 loyal fans.

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All band members have been playing on and off for many years in various bands. Band member, Dave Meichtry is the founding member of ALIAS, playing with different members for the past 12 years. Dave also plays in the Lehigh Valley band Hoozya Daddy. He is proficient on several instruments including lead, rhythm and slide guitars and harmonica. Chris Fullenwider was raised in a musical family, playing in school groups, jazz band and early 80’s, 90’s cover/bands Kid Gloves and Strange Angel. Chris dazzles on several instruments, including electric/acoustic guitar, mandolin and bass. Tom Gutekunst played drums for several local bands in his early years. After a break, Tom got back on the drums and performed with several bands with Chris before finally settling in with ALIAS. Tom can always be counted on to hold down the tempo, which is rare for drummers J. Jeff Crammer has been playing musical instruments since the 1^st grade, playing piano, clarinet, sax, drums and finally settling in on the bass guitar later in high school. He was a member of several 70’s/80’s band such as White Tiger Band, Trilogy and Ultra (along with CACD’s Brian Shumway!) . After a few years break, Jeff dusted off the bass in order to play along with his drummer son. 4 years ago, he got the chance to sub as bass player for ALIAS and was asked to become a permanent member.

ALIAS asks everyone to think about that song that is stuck in your head…then check us out to hear that song, live…..the way you know and love it!!