The Shams , formed in 2004, have in the past been one of the most interesting and up and coming acts in the State of Maine. In 2007 the Shams hung up their towels and called it quits so they could all pursue their own separate paths. In 2008 The Shams reunited for a couple of shows here and there, but mostly stayed on the down low. Flash forward to 2009, The Shams reunite once again to rock the stage at Catherine Macualey, the stage that made them in the last ever performance of a band at rock off. The Phoenix rises from the ashes.
The Members:
Drummer Sky Critchfield has been working since the end of the Shams, last seen in the band Pool Of Radiance.
Pianist Sam Bagala, reknowned through the state of Maine as a classical pianist. Having been won multiple competitions including the Bangor Symphony Concerto Competition and The Ralph Gould Award. Sam is also regular accompianist and music director in the Southern Maine Musical theater scene, having worked at CLT, Lyric Music Theater, Portland Players and will be working at Maine State music Theater this summer.
Guitarist/Lead Vocalist Marcus Bagala, currently attending the University of Maine with plans to move to Boston in the Fall of 09 to attend the Berklee School Of Music.
Marcus's compositions (rock and concert music)have won him reknown including a national nomination for BMI John Lennon song writing competition. Marcus has also headed the Hot Swing Quintette, a Portland based Gypsy Jazz ensemble, as well many theater jobs including music directing (with sam) the first production of Rent ever to be produced in the state of maine.
Andrew Deal, Bass has been playing around the Maine music scene for over 6 years, currently doing time with Single Handed, after the dissolution of The Shams. Andrew will be travelling Europe this summer, in search of the meaning of life.
Haydn Deal on the lead guitar, is currently attending the University of Maine persueing a Jazz Performance major. Haydn has played on and off with many different ensembles at and around USM. Haydn has won awards for song writing and originality.
Peter Eckstein, a Geology Major at USM, also has some sick nasty cello skills.
Throw it all together and you get one of the most interesting and intense up and coming live acts in the state of Maine.
The Shows
Working their way through the local scene The Shams played parties and small self-promoted shows, quickly becoming regular support acts for successful local acts like The Killing Moon and Sparks The Rescue, on the way making the finals two years in a row in the Reindeer Records Maine Rock Off. Now The Shams have made their way into supporting slots for national acts like Vanna.
The Sound:
Dueling guitar leads, Carl Orf inspired openings, classically influenced piano, latin grooves, dunback rhythyms, hardcore breakdowns, poppy hum able choruses, giant 80's style sing alongs, heavy metal riffage and blast beats, all things you can expect while listening to The Shams, who aim to always keep you on the edge of your proverbial seat.
After a long hiatus the Shams are returning to the stage to guest at this years Rock Off finals. Where they will again play the stage that made them.
The Shams have shared the stage with:
Sparks The Rescue, The Killing Moon, Vanna, Too Late The Hero, Radiation Year, Cambiata, Lannen Fall, Permanent Holiday, The Minus Scale, Headstart, Gone Baby Gone, Dead Legend, The Sophomore Beat and many more.
Header Banner Made with MyBannerMaker.com! Click here to make your own!
