Sheila
Keyboards, Harmonica, Vocals 


   Hailing from the home of the 2007 Grey Cup Champion Roughriders, (as  opposed to anyone predisposed to want to spell it “Rough Riders”…) has had music in her life since, like, forever. Her parents forced the “conservatory” piano lessons as a child of tender years, to try develop the handwriting skills. 

While she never did develop the anticipated penmanship, she continues to play and is now nurturing her passion for rockin’ blues. Her “almost famous” musical stories range from playing with the Intensely Vigorous College Nine [ca 1983-1990] to blowing harp with the blues legend Big Miller. 





Dave
Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals

Dave's fame started in childhood, when he did TV commercials for Breck hair products! In his teen years, in between Montreal's famed smoked meat sandwiches and steamed hot dogs, Dave worked part time at B Sharp Music. It was this stint that put Dave in contact with several great musicians, and before too long, Dave was touring both the U.S. and Canada with a host of R&B bands, wearing spiffy suits and laying down his now trademarked bass lines.
 
A fine multi-instrumentalist with many years of pro music experience, Dave has many hilarious road stories that he shares with the band! 

Dave has played for The Earl of Sussex, the Duke of Windsor, and many other fine drinking establishments!
In his spare time, Dave still plays bass, but also enjoys woodworking and watching sci-fi series. 

John
Drums, Percussion

At the tender age of 7, John’s parents recognized his penchant to play with his knife and fork and enrolled him in the Canadian Conservatory of Music. John soon gave his first drum performance playing “Wipe Out” and “The Twist”.
John’s early influences were Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, Yes, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rush, Bad Company, Genesis, Steve Miller, and The Stones. Drummers like Neil Peart, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Buddy Rich inspired him.

John has been in several local bands including The Chance Band, The Undercover Project and Pond Hollow. John joined Cracked Lantern in May 2007 and continues to impress us with his amazing “flying stick” routine!



Mike
Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

 
All the way from Gatineau Quebec, Mike was inspired in his early teens by CCR, Grand Funk, Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie. But once Mike experienced YES in concert (the Relayer tour, 1975), he was hooked, and in fact spent most of a summer learning Steve Howe's Mood For a Day.

Mike’s first (and only) music lesson was from his father, who taught him Five Foot Two on a Gibson ukelele. From then, it wasn’t long until his family had to endure Mike playing along with Led Zeppelin II, Uriah Heep Live, and Humble Pie’s Rockin’ The Fillmore. Mike's dad also introduced him to the music of Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Glenn Miller, Spike Jones, Laurence Welk, barbershop and other singing groups such as The Mills Brothers and The Four Freshmen.

Al
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Cowbell, Tambourine, Handclapper and Finger Snapper

Having roots in parts unknown, Al has been singing before he could talk.
He competed in his first singing competition at the age of 8 and also sang with his school choir that won the Southern Ontario title.

Al also does many charity events with a band comprised of Ottawa firefighters, which has raised money for the Hot Nite in the City Firefighter Calendar, the United Way and 24hr relay to name a few.

Al has been influenced by everything from The Beach Boys to Van Halen.
Although he played accordion as a kid and was self-taught on the guitar when he was 30, he feels his greatest talent is his gift for the air guitar solo. 

Brady
Saxophone


Brady is the newest member of the band. In addition to Cracked Lantern, Brady is pursuing jazz studies at Carleton University, and also performs with a funky band called F.