Steel City Sunrise

Steel City Sunrise is an energetic alternative folk-rock band from Bethlehem, PA. Using classical folk instrumentation as a backboard, they take other mainstream musical influences to complete a new sound that'll have you dancing the whole time. The band formed at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, and is compromised of Bassist James Copti, Banjo player John Pehnke, Ukelele player Jacob Newman, Drummer Evan Eckersley, and guitarist Mikale D'Andrea. They continue to play in the Philadelphia, Bethlehem and Stroudsburg area, so be sure to check them out! Jacob Newman: Jacob's mother was a Hippy who made the pilgrimage to every Woodstock Festival, and met her husband to be at the '89 festival. At that festival, Jacob was conceived. Jacob's Mother then went through a grueling three year gestation period, but finally, Jacob was born. Jacob's parents decided that it would be best if they move to the north western region of America. They've heard so many great things about this region and decided to settle in a land called Portland. All his life, Jacob's parents taught the fundamentals and importance of punk, rock, and more importantly, folk music. After high school, Jacob traveled to Pennsylvania to live in South Bethlehem AKA the Heart of Good Music. A few years later he finally found the folk band he was looking for. James Copti: James was the son of royal blood. Straight out of the womb he was crying sweet harmonies with the other newborns, and stopped only because the others weren't crying in key. At age 5, his parents thought it was best that he studied under none other than Charles Mingus, and in the coming years he learned the basics of jazz. He tried out all of the instruments, but took a liking to the Double Bass and Piano. Even at a height of 4'7" and a hand span of four inches thumb to pinky, he played some mean music. Since then, his fingers have more reach, his head stands higher, and his hair is longer, but he still plays some funky music. John Phenke: John grew up in Kansas...or Arkansas...or Oklahoma...somewhere around there... Growing up in the most rural of regions, John struggled to see other people due to geographical constraints. He frequently saw cows, sheep, corn, his sister, wheat, chickens, his father, wheel barrows, and his mother. His mother was a wonderful vocalist who went by the name of Wailin' Wendy, His father; a slide guitarist was known as Strummin' sam, and his older sister AKA Drummin' Judy played the washboards and bass drum. When John was born, he was already part of the family band. Being from somewhere in middle America, the next logical instrument to add to the family band was the Banjo, and ever since, John has been plucking his way to fame. When John was 24 he finally decided that it was time to pursue an education and ended up at Lehigh majoring in agriculture. When he heard that there was a folk band forming, he came running Mikale D'Andrea: Mikale, better known as "Plank" grew up in a cul-de-sac in London. As a child he had to be carried around by his brother due to his inability to walk correctly. Mikale's parents never paid too much attention to him or his brother and pretty much left them to their own devices. One day, after being dropped off on the couch by his brother, their mother's friend Marcus came over with his guitar. He laid it down on the couch next to Mikale and went upstairs to fetch his mother. Curious, Mikale leaned over and started fiddling with the guitar. He soon began to feel a strange sensation in his legs, and after a few minutes, Mikale decided to try to stand. After not standing for more than eight years, he could finally walk. He then realized it was the sweet melodies that he played on the guitar that helped him walk. Now must play every day to ensure that he can keep walking. Plank was so elated that he decided to learn every song that Marcus played and ever since he has been an honorary son of Marcus. When Marcus went on tour in the states, Mikale (age 18) tagged along. After performing in Stabler Arena, Marcus forgot about Mikale while partying at 426 Birkel Avenue. In grief and without any way to contact Marcus, Mikale decided to sit in front of Molly's on 4th street and start playing the guitar for bus money. He was soon found by James Copti they have been playing together ever since. www.SteelCitySunrise.com Download our EP on SteelCitySunrise.Bandcamp.com