From their formation in the summer of 2003, it was a ShurThing! that the 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!

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. Terry's musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Billy Joel and Al Jarreau.

 

Dave Eames – Guitarist, Vocals 

Dave is the newest member of the band, and comes with plenty of experience on the Omaha music scene including, most recently, Deja’ Voodoo and Bongo Fury.  Dave’s playing reflects a wide range of styles from the likes of Jimi Hendrix to George Benson, and points in between.    He adds a musical muscle to the rhythm section that is distinctly his own.   He hosted an Open Blues Jam for the past year that gave him the opportunity to play with a wide variety of instrumentalists and singers in the metro area.    Dave likes to spend his spare time building and customizing amplifiers and guitars.     

 

Fredrick Stewart - Bass 

Music has always been a part of Fredrick's life from a very early age. Constantly surrounded by the sounds of jazz and blues and gospel , as well as a very famous uncle in The Air Force band, Fredrick got his start in music in the early 70's playing violin and guitar. At the age of 16, he finally decided that the bass would be his chosen instrument. So, after pulling 2 strings from his guitar, he began teaching himself based on the theories he learned on guitar. Finally, in 1983, he bought his first and second basses, both of which he still has and still plays to this day. He landed his first band "Special Category" in 1985 on board the USS Ogden while serving in the US Navy, and saw an almost 3 year stand in the Asian-Pacific, mostly in The Philippines. He was also one of many bassists to head up jam sessions at Birdland West in California, where he'd bring his hard-edged sound and vocals to the lead while playing a Lotus piccolo bass. Returning to Nebraska in 1997, Fredrick began learning other styles of music, making a point to learn at least100 songs from every genre that was popular, and started playing in bands again in early 2000. Some of his other accomplishments include a brief return to guitar, and most significantly, his return to the upright bass.

 

Alex Rivas - Drums

Alex has been playing drums for over 17 years. He started playing at the age of 14. In 1995, he attended CENAR College of Music in El Salvador, were he studied drums and began playing with local bands. After playing in the San Salvador area, Alex moved to the US where he continued studying drums. He has learned a variety of drums styles such as jazz, funk, latin, afro-cuban, samba, rock/blues, to name a few. Alex has recorded drums for local and foreign bands. Alex is currently working in his new studio, Expressions Recording. www.expressionsrecording.com.

John Carlotto – Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet
John Carlotto brings a wide variety of musical experiences in R&B, Blues, and Jazz 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. John has performed with ShurThing! for the last 5 years.

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

A brass player since third grade, Jim majored in music at UNC/Greeley and Nebraska Western College in Scottsbluff. Jim has played regionally with Tony's PolkaMasters, Harvey and the Hubcaps, Die Meistersingers, and Taxi Driver, and is one of the founding members of ShurThing! While his career in broadcasting spans 3 decades, Jim maintains his interest in music from the groundwork laid by his parents, who have continually provided support for his artistic 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, studio recording and touring artist Dana Hughes. 

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

For bookings, email: ShurThing@hotmail.com