From their formation in the summer of 2003, it was a ShurThing! that the 7 members of this group were all dedicated to finding an outlet for their musical 'muse' by performing high-energy pop and dance music, rock and roll, funk, top 40 and r&b to the best of their abilities. The result is a musical experience for audiences far greater than the sum of its individual players. 

Blistering with energy, ShurThing! captures the same spirit, attitude, and explosiveness that originally brought the songs they cover to the public’s ears. Musically, the group captures a pressing sense of urgency devoid of anything trite or gimmicky. Ultimately, ShurThing! is the type of band that pops as much for its melodic sensibilities as for its infectious rhythm.

It was pure luck that brought them together, and pure joy and friendship that keeps them going. It’s a…ShurThing!

Julie Kurtz - Vocals
Fronting the band is lead vocalist Julie Kurtz, who was also front person in former bands Montaj, Prodigy and Fast-Forward. Julie’s vocal stylings defy description, as the listener with closed eyes and an open mind could easily imagine Julie with the musical experience of any diva, yet the purity and innocence of a child prodigy. Julie is a devoted wife and mother of 5, and works full time as a long term disability analyst.

Terry Parker – Keys, Vocals
Terry’s 'tickling of the ivories' goes back more than 20 years, and has brought him much success and satisfaction playing with such bands as BossPhilly and Power. He studied music at UNL, and has kept in touch with his musical spirituality by performing in church for the better part of the last 10 years. Terry is also deeply rooted in his career and relationships, as he has worked for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Lincoln for over 17 years, and maintains a very satisfying relationship with his girlfriend, whom he says is a primary source of inspiration.

Walter Ryan  - Guitar
Walter picked up the guitar at age 7 and never let go, except to study piano, sax, flute, violin and drums! Walter brings a wide variety of musical know-how to the band, largely resulting from his studies in music composition, orchestration, and guitar performance. He has even composed a full score to the children's film "The Legend of Farmer Jenkins". Walter is also well versed as a session guitarist and has much experience forming, managing and producing rock groups in the Kansas City area. Walter was ShurThing's original guitarist, and even though he left the band a few years back to take a job in Loveland, Colorado, Walter couldn't stay away from ShurThing! very long, as he soon moved back and rejoined the band! 

Fredrick Stewart - Bass 

Having been part of the jam-band and progressive rock scene over the last 20 years or so (both U.S. and abroad with The Navy), Fredrick is very easily one of Omaha's most recognized bassists (notwithstanding the fact that he's a left-handed player).  Whether he's playing his 4, 5, or 6 string bass (or even his upright bass), Fredrick's "less is more" style has had him rockin' in bands like The Nelson Bros., The Blues Mechanics, and the original music band, The Defiant.  He's also been guest bassist for bands like Roadhouse, Planet Boom, Taxi Driver and....uh....oh yeah, the cover band he's now a member of, ShurThing!  Fredrick has a few favorite bass players which he draws his style from like Larry Graham, Rocco Prestia, Rhonda Smith, and 2 local bassists in Craig Balderston and Rev. Nate Bray.  Fredrick resides in Omaha with his wife of 5 years, and 5 children.

 

Alex Rivas - Drums

Originally from San Salvador, El Salvador, Alex began playing drums (left-handed!) as a child and started playing in a band at the age of 14. At that time his main influence was Master Vinnie Colaiuta. At the age of 17, he was instumental in forming a rock band at his high school. In 1995, he attended the El Salvador College of Music (CENAR), where he studied drums and began playing with local gospel bands. After playing in the San Salvador area, Alex moved to the US, where he continued studying drums and taking lessons with Dennis Chambers, Steve Smith, Dave Garibaldi, Greg Bissonette and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez; where he learned a variety of drums styles such as jazz, funk, latin-jazz, Afro-Cuban, shuffle, samba, disco, rock/blues, R&B , reggae, fusion, etc. Alex’s influences include Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, Steve Gadd, just to name a few. In 2004 he began studying music production and recording, working and recording personal projects using ProTools software. Currently, Alex teaches drums in the local area (Omaha) and, just recently, became the newest member of ShurThing!

 

John Carlotto – Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet
John brings a wide variety of musical experiences to the group. He has studied the saxophone since the age of 10. After high school he spent three years in the 7th Division Army Band at Ft. Ord, California. He later graduated from Hastings College with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance/Saxophone, and continued his music studies at the University of Northern Colorado where he earned a Master’s Degree in Saxophone Performance. He has appeared with numerous musical groups throughout the United States and Europe, including single engagements with national acts such as the Temptations, Coasters, and the Drifters. Currently, John performs with numerous Omaha area blues, jazz, and rock groups.

Jim Snyder - Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Fluegelhorn, Vocals, Percussion

A brass player since third grade, Jim majored in music at UNC/Greeley. Jim has played regionally with Tony's PolkaMasters, Harvey and the Hubcaps and Taxi Driver.  Jim was sidelined by a broadcasting "career" that has helped pay the bills for over thirty years, but maintains his interest in music from the groundwork laid by his parents, who have continually provided support for his musical endeavors; from inspiration provided by grandfather Orin Smith, professional zither player and accomplished banjoist; and from aspirations to reach the lofty musical goals achieved by his late cousin, trombonist and studio recording and touring artist Dana Hughes. Jim's other hobbies include bowling, downhill skiing, biking, hiking, foosball, photography, and maintaining his 1958 Edsel woodie station wagon.    

For audio samples, click on the radio "volume" knob at the top of the page!

For bookings, email: ShurThing@hotmail.com