Roger Girke
Veteran guitarist/singer/writer Roger Girke has been performing
and recording steadily after hitting the nightclub circuit in 1975. By 1978 and at just 21 years old Roger scored a pivotal touring gig with Capital Recording Artists Pickins'. Pickin's was legendary at the time for their funky fusion of blues and rock. Contacts made during that early success paved the way for a string of regional and national touring opportunities with diverse artists on Arista, Electra and RCA records. At the conclusion of twenty years of playing over two hundred plus over the road dates a year as a first-call guitarist, Roger was ready to focus on his own projects. In 1995 Roger relocated to Delaware and joined up with the venerable Dr. Harmonica and Rockett 88, playing with the Dr. on his wild performances for three years and recording and producing the good Dr's only CD effort "Swingin' Easy" In 1999 Roger formed Roger Girke and The Funky Twisters (later changed to The Roger Girke Band) and released two critically acclaimed CD’s, the later “My Baby Loves That Stuff” winning an esteemed “Top 5 self-produced” accolade in the 2005 International Blues Challenge, which takes place every year in Memphis, TN. Additionally the band is a two time IBC finalist (2005 & 2006)
The Roger Girke Band continues to evolve each year with a solid mix of contemporary and traditional blues, especially drawing on the New Orleans tradition. The band's live performances feature strong original songs, combined with ecclectic covers and energized performances all anchored by Roger's intense vocals, guitar style and personal energy. In addition to Roger, the band is anchored by by Glenn Bickel on keyboards and vocals, a veteran of counteless Philly blues and soul acts; the incredible Pat B on bass and vocals and Dave Rainey on Drums, also a vet of tons of philly based blues, jazz and songwriting acts.
