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WHO ARE THEY?
They're the hypnotic "ZIPCODE" band comprised of seasoned artists that
joined to form an outfit that plays "Classic", danceable, cover tunes by
such artists as The Gap Band, Al Green, Earth, Wind & Fire, Heat Wave,
Madonna, J. Geils etc. featuring strong male & female vocalists
"I FINALLY FOUND A BAND THAT PLAYS THE SONGS THAT I
WISH I COULD HEAR!".....This is what everyone is saying about the
"Hypnotic" ZIPCODE band. This ACT is musically tight , puts on an
exciting stage show, and keeps the crowd singing and dancing. Just TRY
sitting still!! The band's concept was developed by Bassist, ROLAND
COSBY, who, while roller skating around the streets of Lowell Mass. with
his legendary "sail' happened to fall upon vocalist, LEROY CHAMPION.
"CHAMP" , as he was referred to in the music community, had just put in
a CD of Marvin Gaye as he sat in his vintage Cadillac waiting for his
lady to return from an appointment. Roland heard this and he stopped to
listen. A conversation started that began, what would be, a long
friendship.
For many years "Champ" had performed throughout
the Northeast Region of the U.S.A. in nightclubs, colleges, functions,
ski lodges, and festivals with such notables as "The Swingin' Impalas",
"Herbie Lee", "The Fabulous Five", and the "Midnight Special" band. It
was his unconditional friendship with former band members that opened
the door to recruit former drummer of "Midnight Special", BILLY BEALE.
From that point, Billy reached out and contacted former lead guitarist
of "The Strike", SHAWN SHEPHERD, who had just come back from touring the
Midwest. After an imaginary "twist of the arm", Shawn blew the cobwebs
off his vintage "Telecaster" and embarked on some of the "uncharted
waters" of top 40 dance and R & B.
This 4 man outfit started rehearsing regularly and
before they all knew it, they became a band. They had developed a raw
sound that made people take note of them. Unfortunately, without using
pre-recorded "tracks", they were somewhat limited to what material they
could perform successfully.
As luck, and the grace of God, would have it, MARK
SLADE, former synthesizer/keyboardist for "Midnight Special", contacted
Billy his longtime friend & mentor, by way of an internet search. Mark
had just moved back to the East Coast after spending years in Cleveland.
After hearing about the "ZIPCODE" band, he attended a rehearsal and the
rest is history. THE FAMILY WAS FINALLY BACK TOGETHER !
Things developed pretty rapidly
from there. Before they knew it, "ZIPCODE" was out of the proverbial
"basement' and playing to large audiences.
Even with the success of the group, there still seemed
to be room for some improvement. The band then auditioned and recruited
model, actress, dancer, and most importantly, vocalist, LAURA MESSNER.
Traveling from New Hampshire, her home state, to get to rehearsal and
doing her "homework" on her vocals, she proved to be a perfect fit for
the "ZIPCODE" family. Although she is the youngest member of the group,
she brings a freshness, energy, and vitality that truly compliments this
experienced group. This dynamic group, encompassing 45 years of
experience, KEEPS THE CROWDS ON THEIR FEET ASKING FOR MORE !! Trust
this........You will "NEVER" forget the band, "ZIPCODE"........They
deliver .......ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE !
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