Classic Rock, Country and 'British Invasion'
Ma Barker comprises of five really talented lads of a certain age that play Classic Rock, some good old Pop and a little bit of Country. Ma Barker has performed at many events large and small since our conception in 2001 (as both Table 24, then Ma Barker). We have performed @ Carmichael Concert in The Park summer series, Carmichael founders' days, Annual CIM marathon (both along the route and at the State Capital. Appearances have also been at the Club Natomas Summer concert series, Pistol Petes Classic Car Cruise nights, at the 'Feather Falls Casino' in Oroville, Auburn Festival of Lights (Christmas), Yuba City's Christmas Strolls. We're on regular rotation at Pistol Petes Bar in Auburn and various local wineries . We have regularly appeared at the Annual Meadow vista 'Oktoberfest'' for over 10 years. Appearances at the 'Green Acres' Fall Festival' and the 'Lincoln Wine Festival' are also in our list of regular events. We have an open invitation to play the 'Sacramento' Cow Town half marathon each year and have done so for the past decade. Not forgetting the numerous private events, including corporate functions that we are continuously being booked to play.
We always put on a show for our audiences, be they large or small and we seem to be asked back year after year, sometimes being booked a year in advance to secure our services. Our high-quality Sound System will provide coverage for all sizes of venues and our lighting set up will enhance any 'evening/nighttime shows'. Our ever-updating songbook enables us to tailor a set list for a particular audience and event, with performances ranging from 45 minutes to 5 hours. Ma Barker provides an eclectic mixture of material guaranteed to have our audiences, both young and old, toe tapping, singing along, clapping their hands and getting up on the dance floor.
Wanna know more ?. Good then read on.
There's Chris Saint. Now Chris hails from South London in England. He's also known as fingers, not because of his lightning lead guitar work, but because of the number of Cadburys chocolate fingers hes known to consume given the chance. Chris now lives in Weimar, CA . As well as lead Guitar duties, he also lends a hand at lead and backing vocals.
Then we move onto Ted Wessman. Ted resides in Auburn, CA. Ted plays rhythm guitar and also delivers lead and backing vocals. Ted the quiet one in the band, well that is till you start discussing his beloved San Francisco Giants, then he won't shut up!.
So now onto Steve Spyres. Our version of a programmable drum machine. Basically tell Steve what you want him to play and he just does it. Steve's originally from San Jose, now residing in Dunnigan. Like most drummers he's passionate about his craft. He really cares about his instrument, which is weird 'cause he beats them to bits each time he plays them. Own own super hero with the title "Cap'n Cowbell"
Here's Bob Smeja. Keyboardist and Guitarist. Bob turned up out of nowhere one day with a set of bagpipes and wearing a kilt. He told us he was a distant relative of the Scotish 'McBarkers' on the Polish side, and that it was his destiny to become a member of the family's 'beat combo'. It turns out that Bob cannot play the bagpipes to save his (or anyone elses) life, but he is an excellent keyboard and rhythm guitarist. Upon first sight, Ma saw something in Bob and welcomed him with open arms. As for the bagpipes, they seem to have gone missing but I'm sure Ma has them in a safe place for when she's next upset by the neighbors.
Finally, there's Mo Debbage. Bass player , Vocalist and wannabe commedian. Mo too is a ex pat Brit, hailing from North London, now living in Citrus Heights , CA. Also known as 'Mouth Almighty' due to attempts to make funny comments about his band mates in between songs. Sometimes they work!
