Split 2nd

Steve Bern - Guitar, Vocals Steve picked up his first guitar at age 11, and listening over and over to different artists, began copying the lead and rhythm parts. Now, as Split2nd's lead guitarist, what Steve enjoys most is the opportunity to learn and perform a variety of styles. Steve's guitar work reflects his philosophy about the group. "We do a wide mix of music - past and present - and try to do 'em like the record." "It's not about trying to learn a part note-for-note but trying to capture the flavor of a song and how my part is supposed to contribute. It's like pulling lead parts, chord progressions, and settings from a library you've spend years building just to find "that sound" that gives a song its signature. I only hope that someday I'll finally get it right!" Mike Murphy – Keyboard, Vocals When Mike was six, he discovered and fell in love with his grandmother's Hammond Organ. His parents insisted he take piano lessons before they would agree to invest the money in any keyboard. Six years later, true to their word, they bought Mike a portable organ. He joined his first band at 14, and has been Rockin' & Rollin' ever since. Since joining Split2nd, Mike's been a big part of the band's continued success. He is nothing short of “astonishing" on keys - using a wide range of techniques and sounds to make each song something very special. Besides his tremendous talent on keys, he does much of Split2nd’s vocal arrangement. With his near perfect pitch, Mike is responsible for putting together those great harmonies. “No, no, no!! It’s a Bb over a half-diminished 7th chord!! Geez, can’t you hear it?!!” Dave Spencer – Lead Vocals Dave Spencer started singing in 1970 with his Grandmother in their church choir. In 1977 with three of his friends, started his first band and played in the Greenbelt, Maryland area. In 1981 he joined the band, Black Rose, playing and touring national venues for nearly 7 years and opening up for major recording artists like KIX ,Y&T and Blue Oyster Cult. A versatile performer, Dave has been singing with several different groups since the 90’s, including country bands, and even a wedding and private party band. “I’m currently having the time of my life playing in 2 bands, Hate The Toy, which is allowing me to get back to his metal roots and Split2nd which is the band I always wanted and never thought I would be lucky enough to be in!!!” Bill Evans – Bass, Vocals Mr. Bill, as we like to call him, is the jokester of the bunch. Always quick on the uptake and entertaining, women love to be with him and men want to be him. ☺ Bill’s been playing guitar, bass and other musical instruments since he was 13, laying down rhythms with folk groups, rock groups, jazz groups and other top notch musicians. He's even backed Broadway Musicals. This kind of versatility is what made it easy for him to jump into Split2nd. Bill's got the low end covered, for sure. "This is fun! I get to play lots of different styles and lots of different places, and with lots of great people! It's always a party when Split2nd’s in town, so check the schedule, and let's dance!" Tom Walton – Drums, Vocals Our newest member. Actually, Tom has filled in for us before and now so fortunate to have him as a permanent member of Split2nd. What a talent! He is a human metronome. On top of that, an awesome vocalist. Mario Barroga – Guitar, Vocals Born in Japan, Mario started his musical career there, both as a solo artist and performing with a variety of top groups. His musical influences and styles are as diverse and extensive and his background. Here in the USA, he continued his musical journey performing with a number of bands and musicians from the west coast to the east coast before settling in the Washington D.C. area. “I’m constantly amazed with the amount of talent this band has to offer. It is reflected by the reaction and comments we receive from our audience, each time we perform.” Will Sweet - Saving the best for last, our trusted sound engineer, logistics coordinator, stage manager, financial adviser, vegetable garden grower, peace maker, drama consultant and "get off the grid now" guru. Love you, Bro!!! Readers Choice Winner for Best Local Band five years in a row - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 (Capital Gazette) playing the best hits from the 60s to today.