POPPY AND THE USUAL SUSPECTS

POPPY AND THE USUAL SUSPECTS Introduction to a Phenomenon"You got it, you got it, man!"With those seven, very enthusiastic words, legendary blues man Chico Chism expressed what Arizona fans already knew: that Poppy and the Usual Suspects is one of the hottest bands in the American southwest.Playing shockingly powerful funky grooves, Poppy and the boys have been wowing the crowds at the Valley's ridiculously popular Rhythm Room and headlined Scottsdale's huge Red, White & Blues Festival 2004 and 2005 at the infamous Boulder's Resort, raising money for injured servicemen returning from tours of duty. But that's hardly their only claim to burgeoning fame.The band has also appeared on The WB (now The CW), ABC and NBC television networks; rocked Lake Havasu at ROCKFEST '06 with The Black Crowes, Cheap Trick and The Doobie Brothers; performed for corporations as mammoth as the Arizona Department of Transportation; entertained Governor Janet Napolitano on numerous occasions; and opened for Bad Company in late 2006.Any band's strength, of course, can be traced to the individual strengths of its members ... and, just as Chico Chism observed, these guys have "got it, man".They are:Poppy (lead vocals/harmonica) Poppy's vocals are the personality and power that drives Poppy and the Usual Suspects' hard-hitting songs. On stage Poppy is a busy man, not only is he lead vocalist, he also pierces the air with his wailing harmonica licks. His energy oozes off the stage captivating every member of the audience. Poppy's songwriting efforts comprise some of Poppy and the Usual Suspects' more edgy songs. His collaborations with Tevis brought to light their smash hit and title track from their 2006 release, Celestial Love Jones, which has become their most requested song.Julio "Fast Fret" Franco (lead guitar/vocals) "Fast Fret" produces the signature sound of Poppy and the Usual Suspects. A master from the beginning, he plays with an ease and grace that puts most players to shame. An extremely expressive player, Julio doesn't let any note go to waste. "Fast Fret" has now combined his efforts with Poppy to bring you the most innovative, power-funk groove ever experienced.Joe "Jas" Srogoncik (bass guitar/vocals) Whether picking, plucking, slapping or tapping, "Jas" manages to stay true to Poppy And The Usual Suspects' tradition of melodic bassmanship. On stage, his high energy performances start from the first note of every show and never let up until the house lights come on. Through thick and thin, up and down, his love for music and his desire to entertain the audience never waivers.Wayne "Knightstick" Wheless (drums/percussion/vocals) Hard hitting drummer "Knightstick" is the new backbone of Poppy And The Usual Suspects' live performances. From his relentless grooves, to blistering fills, Wayne plays with a style and muscianship that compliments the band. His on stage energy and showmanship is a thrill for fans. Always playing for the song, Wayne seems to play the right thing at the right time.