The Herbivores began performing at the University Bistro (Seattle, WA) in 1989, the only reggae club that was happening at that time and were also checking other venues to perform. Our lead guitarist at that time had family committments, had to leave the band and our sax play, Jimmy Jake, had a friend, Jay Roberts, that he said could fill in with some amazing guitar.Well say no more, Jay has been playing lead guitar with us for 16 years now and the family bond has grown to encompass Jay's world of jazz performers. Jay's best buddy, (Dirty) Dann McCormack, joined the Herbs in 1993 as our keyboard player. Once again the family came first. Jay and Dann grew up together playing music, so it was natural that he join. Dann's humor has brought the band through some difficult moments, always with a smile on his face. Kelly Paletta, drummer on our first album, GENETIC BEHAVIOR, was a member of the Herbs for nearly 5 years. Kelly later married Gretchen, with whom he has a beautiful son. Kelley still remains an intergal part of the Herbs, still getting together for occasional jam sessions, parties and just hangin'.Kelly left the band to dedicate his time to his family and another "family" member, Mark Arrington, joined as our drummer to record our second album, HERBIVORES. His serious mannerism and dedication to performing kept the band in check all the time-- whenever anyones mind would wander to the "grocery list", Mark was there to reign them back in. Mark and Lore had a beautiful son, thus Mark left the Herbs to put his energies into his new family.Again the Herbs were on the lookout for a drummer. The Rocket ad section was the way we found Brendan Scanlan, our current drummer. And what a find that was. Brendan, a graduate of the Berklee School of Music, brings forth major jazz influences into our material. His love of jazz and fusion, has broadened our music once again.But sadly, it is with heavy hearts that the band suffered the recent loss of our beautiful, Mother Earth bass player, Sister Share Parker to cancer. Shares passing left the band stunned and empty. But as she would have wanted, we continue on in her honor, and are starting to regroup and reinvent ourselves. In Shares absence, (Dirty) Dann McCormack has stepped away from the roll of keyboard player and humbly stepped over to the bass, where he constantly strives to live up to Shares spirit of bass playing. That currently leaves somewhat of an empty seat at the keyboards, but not to worry. We're sure that the right Herbivore will come along with the good energy to fill that spot.So recently, over this past Summer we have had the AWESOME privelage to meet up with another UNBELIEVABLE group of musicians from Oregon called The State of Jefferson. If you've never heard these guys, do yourself a HUGE favor and go check them out! They put on an AWESOME show and on top of being just an awesome group of guys turned great friends, they are a seriously tight group of players. Simply put - there music will blow you away! :) The last few times the Herbs have played, we've been fortunate enough to have these guys be there and melt in with us, making some seriously bad-ass music! Hopefully we'll be able to continue to play with these guys and hopefully, get a show going on the road with them as well in the near future. So keep your eyes peeled as it's gonna happen! :)Meanwhile, we're keepin on and DIGGING carrying on the great tradition of good music, family and great energy! Hopefully you all will continue to join us in our never-ending journey of this musical adventure. See you on the dance floor! :)
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