EXPERIENCE THE G-GAP BAND
Playing the best rock, pop and country songs of the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond!
ABOUT
A Musical Journey
"Great music!", "You guys are awesome!", "Sang ALL my favorite songs!", "Makes me want to dance like the good old days!", "Love it!", and "These guys are dynamite!" are some of the phrases to describe the G-Gap Band.
The G-Gap Band is a Dance Party Rock and Roll Band that plays the best Pop, Rock, and Country hits of the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond. Now entering their 19th year, the band is based out of the greater Columbus, Ohio area.
Over the years, the band has played many venues including restaurants/pubs, private parties, festivals, charity events, country clubs, and corporate events. The G-Gap Band was selected as the featured entertainment for the "Rosie Reds" 50th Anniversary Formal Gala at Great American Ball Park's Riverfront Club. The Rosie Reds are the official Cincinnati Red's fan club. After the event, the Rosie's wrote, "Thank you for performing at our 50th Anniversary Gala, You all truly made it spectacular!"
THE G-GAP BAND
Behind the Music
The band consists of five multi-talented musicians who enjoy having fun and interacting with their audience. Members of the band are Ben Strunk (lead vocals), Larry Pruitt (lead guitar), Bob Miller (bass guitar), John Zab (percussion, vocals), Erika Patrone (rhythm guitar, vocals) and Marty Skidmore (rhythm guitar, keyboard, back-up vocals).
For booking inquiries, please contact band member, Marty Skidmore, at (513) 519-4419 or mskidmore044@gmail.com.
WHO WE ARE
BEN STRUNK
Lead vocalist
Ben is the lead vocalist and began singing very early in life when he was encouraged by his music teacher. The passion for singing led him to begin singing professionally in 1996. Ben also plays the bass, however, he will be handling only the vocals for the G-Gap Band. He has a melodic voice with a vast vocal range. Ben's musical influences include his late, great friend, Ted Walter, as well as Billy Joel, Elton John, Tom Cochrane, and Jay Black of Jay and the Americans.
BOB MILLER
Bass guitar
Bob handles the bass duties for the band. He is a true professional and talented musician with years of experience playing in a variety of bands, which included touring for several years. Bob has been involved in many recording/album projects and has played all types of music from Rock, Blues, Motown, to Jazz, performing at a variety of nightclubs, festivals and major outdoor venues. Influenced by the early 60's bands like the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Doors, Bob knew music was in his blood. He started playing bass guitar in a junior high band and never looked back throughout his extensive music career. Bob loves performing live shows and is known to his fellow musicians as "Dr. Tone" delivering a smooth, driving, bass foundation that will make you want to move your feet and boogie on the dance floor!
LARRY PRUITT
Lead guitar
Larry is a superb lead guitarist with a wealth of experience. He has been performing for fifty plus years, everything from Jazz, Blues and Rock to Classical and musical theater. Larry has performed in various ensemble and solo venues, and even scored and conducted small orchestras for various local Christmas programs.
His playing leans heavily towards blues, with influences such as B.B. King, Jonny Lang, and Gary Moore, while at the same time admiring Gino Vanelli and Tommy Emmanuel, as well as Tom Petty and ELO, to name a few.
Most recently, Larry has worked with bands Curious Notion, 4 Ever in Time, and Antique Road Show, covering a large variety of musical styles.
JOHN ZAB
Percussion, back-up vocals
John has been playing music for over 50 years starting in grade school in Buffalo, N.Y. He attended Berklee College of Music in the 70's and moved to Columbus in the 80's where he has been actively playing drums and keyboards for local blues, oldies, classic rock and R & B bands including Zen Blues Band, Flytown Soul Review, Black Light Poster and Franklin Xpress. He energetically provides authentic sounds and beats of the original songs to help create memories from all the good times you remember.
MARTY SKIDMORE
Rhythm guitar, keyboard, back-up vocals
The lone, remaining founding member of the G-Gap Band is Marty Skidmore. He plays rhythm guitar, keyboard and is a backup vocalist. He enjoys interacting with his audience and has even been known to go out and mingle/dance with them during the song! He and his bandmate, Don Mead, were classmates growing up in Geneva, Ohio. Marty began playing the guitar at a very young age and recalls playing ballads with his father, who was also a guitarist. His musical influences include many of the great Motown groups, the Beach Boys and the Beatles
ERIKA PATRONE
Rhythm guitar, vocals
Erika brings a strong vocal presence, along with high energy, to The G-Gap Band. She immediately fell in love with The Beatles in 1977 when her father took her to see the Broadway show, 'BEATLEMANIA'. After that, she dove deeply into 60's and 70's rock. Today she finds herself turning to classic and soft rock stations where she enjoys singing along enthusiastically! Erika began singing at a very young age, ultimately performing center stage at several events. She also began playing the guitar in her teens and will add that talent as a rhythm guitarist. Now a teacher of 36 years with grown children, Erika has the ability to allocate more time for doing the things she loves. Being in a band definitely brings her joy.
GET IN TOUCH
Want to learn more about The G-Gap Band, their music and their tour dates?
Columbus, OH, USA
513-519-4419
