The Afterburners

For immediate release - “The Afterburners” Sat. April 5th 2014 April 5, 2014 at 4:53pm You all know the Portland Rockabilly band, “The Twangshifters.” The chances are, if you're familiar with Classic Rockabilly, you're also familiar with "The Effies." There's a brand new project that combines key players of each and it Rocks! The Twangshifters have had the pleasure of performing with many great musicians throughout the years. They’ve shared the stage with artists such as Jon Koonce (Johnny & The Distractions), The Red Elvises, Levi Dexter (Neo Rockabilly Legend), The Hillbilly Hellcats and Deke Dickerson among many others. They’ve performed up and down the west coast, from Northern Wa. to LasVegas NV. and everywhere in between. The Effies are not lightweights to the Northwest scene & have made quite a splash over the last couple of years with their classic Rockabilly sound and captivating stage performances. Traveling up and down the I-5 corridor, they've performed at Sam Bond's, Rust-O-Rama, Duff's Garage, The Portland Roadster Show and many others. We would like to proudly present to you, “The Afterburners”! Featuring: Wells Gregory - Lead Vocals, Shaun Toman - Guitar, Colt DeSando - Upright Bass and Troy Stutzman - Drums. Wells Gregory: Hales from Eugene Oregon and has been the front-woman of local Rockabilly band, "The Effies" since 2012. She was a classical violinist for 25 years before making the move to vocals. She has also made multiple guest appearances with “The Ladykillers.” She loves being on stage, performing and showing the audience a good time. Colt DeSando: Is a founding member of “The Effies” Rockabilly band. He grew up playing in punk and metal bands, studied under the late James Phillips (former Cherry Popping Daddies member) and won the Louis Armstrong jazz award in high school. Some notable bands he has been in are; "Nice Pants," "No Looking Back," "Javelia" and "Abandon The Shore." He plays a mean upright bass, puts on a killer stage show and always has a great time. Shaun Toman: Born and raised in Portland, OR. He has been playing guitar since 17 and has been on stage with many of Portland's greats such as Jon Koonce, Larue Todd and Kip Richardson, to name a few. He has had the opportunity to be in the company of many national acts as well. Shaun met with Mark Knopfler three times, the last being in 2006 at the Hilton Hotel where he hung out with Mark and the band drinking wine! Has also performed in Nashville TN at Robert's Western World on Lower Broadway with “Harry Fontana and his Tennessee Tone Boys.” Troy Stutzman: Cut his teeth on early metal, Glam, butt rock and Punk. His resume is quite extensive, having worked w/ former "Poison Idea" members, "King Black Acid," "The Wild Dogs" and more recently, "The Dry County Crooks." He's had the pleasure of working with some of the best musicians Portland has to offer. He's opened numerous national act shows and genuinely just loves to rock. Don’t worry, you will still see "The Twangshifters" performing this summer at various shows and outdoor festivals. “The Afterburners" will feature Classic Rockabilly and 50's music, high energy and a big stage show! The first “The Afterburners" show will be Fri. April 18 at The Lehrer in Beaverton Oregon. The opening act is Portland legend, Jon Koonce! Show starts @ 8pm sharp. “The Afterburners" will hit the stage around 10pm. This is certain to be a show you won't want to miss! Featuring: Wells Gregory - Lead Vocals, Shaun Toman - Guitar, Colt DeSando - Upright Bass and Troy Stutzman - Drums.