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. 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 

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 band he's now a member of, ShurThing!  Fredrick has a few favorite bass players from whom he draws his style, such as Larry Graham, Rocco Prestia, Rhonda Smith, and two local bassists; Craig Balderston and Rev. Nate Bray.  Fredrick resides in Omaha with his wife of 9 years, and 5 children.

 

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