Sponsored by
LEE ROCKER….of The Stray Cats!
Lee Rocker made his mark singing, playing, standing on, spinning and rocking his giant upright bass as a founding member (along with Brian Setzer and Slim Jim Phantom), of the Grammy nominated music group The Stray Cats, who sold over 10 million albums and garnered 23 gold and platinum certified records worldwide. He has since been named “Greatest Of All Time” in Bass Player Magazine’s 2022 listing of the top 100 bassists ever. Come hear Lee and his band perform Stray Cats hits like “Sexy and Seventeen”, “Stray Cat Strut” and “Rock This Town”, plus lots of other rockin’ songs Lee performed post-Stray Cats with music legends from Ringo Starr and George Harrison to John Fogerty and The Rolling Stones.
From appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, to headlining the world’s biggest festivals and touring with the Rolling Stones…Lee Rocker has seen and done it all! In addition to his career with The Stray Cats, Lee Rocker has recorded and performed with George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, John Fogerty and Carl Perkins. In 1982, Rocker and his father Stanley Drucker (classical clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, under Leonard Bernstein) both received Grammy nominations; this was something that has only occurred twice in the history of the Grammy Awards! In 2012, Lee appeared on Broadway in the hit musical "Million Dollar Quartet.” Rocker has also received numerous honors for his contributions to music and the arts, including being inducted to the Bass Player Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and he is a recipient of the Visionary Artist Award by his home city of Laguna Beach, California. In 2021, Rocker was honored to perform at the Library of Congress and at the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden’s Luncheon. Also during 2021, music from his critically acclaimed record “Gather Round” was choreographed and performed as a “rock ballet” by world-renowned New York City dance company “COMPLEXIONS.” And finally, the year 2022 found Lee Rocker included in Bass Player Magazine’s 100 Greatest Bassists of all time – in great company alongside Sir Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, Charles Mingus, Ron Carter and other legends of the instrument.
MEET LEE’S BANDMATES!
BUZZ CAMPBELL (Guitar/Backing Vocals)
BUZZ CAMPBELL is an American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. He founded his group, Hot Rod Lincoln, from San Diego, CA in 1990. Buzz met Lee Rocker while opening for him and approached Lee about producing his first release. Lee produced self-titled CD, Hot Rod Lincoln in 1992 as well as Blue Cafe, the bands third CD, in 1996. The title track, "Blue Cafe”, was written for Buzz by Brian Setzer, front-man of the Stray Cats. In 2000, Buzz was asked to join Sha Na Na, 1950’s revival group whose legacy includes performing at Woodstock, a cameo in the movie Grease, and their own TV show from 1975-1981. Buzz left Sha Na Na in 2004, after Lee Rocker asked him to join his group. Buzz has been touring the world with Lee ever since and is on all of Lee’s releases since 2004. Buzz penned the song, “Crazy When She Drinks” for Lee, which was released in 2008 on the album, Black Cat Bone. In 2015, Buzz approached Lee with the idea of creating a theater-show telling Lee’s musical story. He is endorsed by Gretsch Guitars.
Phil Parlapiano (Keys/Acoustic Guitar/Backing Vocals)
Born in New York City and raised by his musical parents, Phil learned to play the piano at the age of 4 from his talented grandmother, who also played mandolin and guitar. After playing the organ at his church, the road called to him leaving to tour with Joan Baez. Parlapiano then followed his musical path as a founding member of The Brothers Figaro. Signed to Geffen Records after a bidding war, the seminal folk rock duo recorded their critically acclaimed album, Gypsy Beat, published by BMG. After opening for John Haitt, Billy Bragg and Jill Souble, the Brothers called it quits but continued playing together backing folk legend, John Prine. This led Phil to a nine year stint with Prine, touring and recording CD's including the Grammy award winning releases The Missing Years and Fair and Square as well as co-writing "Leave the Lights On" for the CD Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. After this Phil was asked to play on the Rod Stewart's pivotal Unplugged and Seated album, after which followed a one and a half year touring stint with the rock icon. Phil was drafted into the smooth jazz world by saxophonist, Dave Koz, which culminated in co-writing a Chanukah song, "Eight Candles," featured on the Grammy nominated December Makes Me Feel This Way. His songs have been featured in TV shows Friday Night Lights, Heros, Alias, Felicity and most recently Once Upon a Time. Parlapiano continues to work in the studio and live as a first call accordionist and keyboardist with the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Carlene Carter, Lucinda Williams, Social Distortion, Elvis Costello, Tracy Chapman, The Dixie Chicks, Jonas Brothers, Iron Butterfly and others. You could see him in the TV shows Happily Divorced, New Girl, Transparent and Lethal Weapon. Movie goers saw Parlapiano in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’ as an accordion player during the memorable scene in the lower decks when Kate and Leo are dancing. As of late, Phil’s work has been featured on the soundtrack to the Oscar winning film, The Shape of Water and the comedy Pitch Perfect 3.
LARRY MITCHELL (Drums)
Larry Mitchell was raised in Southern California in the 60’s and has played drums professionally since he was 16 years old, in and around Los Angeles and Nashville. His professional accomplishments reflect his love of Americana and roots music, which have included touring and recording for many artists such as Heather Myles, Wylie & the Wild West, Jann Browne, Rosie Flores and Trini Lopez to name a few. His studio work includes countless sessions for genres that range from blues to country to rock and pop.