Local Band in the Spotlight: Those Guys

Those Guys is a high-energy band that have introduced a breadth of sounds to the local music scene.  Not stuck in any one genre, and bringing more contemporary tunes to the stage, Those Guys can frequently be heard at Harpoon's in Fishermen's Village, Jack's and Dean's South of the Border among other venues.   Included in their repetoire are Rock, Rap, Pop, Punk, Country, and Classic tunes and more.  The band are foremost entertainers who develop  a unique intimacy with their audience through lead singer Bobby Ricci's roaming about the performance venue guitar in hand and Cherri Carr dancing on the floor when not belting out her soulful sound as one of the lead vocalists of the group.  Recently we asked lead singer Ricci to share some thoughts about the Band:

What got you started?  Why?  When?  How?

I (Bobby Ricci) have been involved in the entertainment industry for most of my life.  I've been writing humorous original and parody songs since I was in my early teens.  In late 2005, one of my songs exploded on the internet and I was able to do what I love full-time.  To date, I have three studio albums available on iTunes and on CD and I'm currently working on my 4th.  I started the band Those Guys with a few friends of mine in a guitar/lead vocal position mostly to improve my guitar chops and keep my vocals in shape working toward my new album.  I didn't expect things to take off as quickly as they have nor did I expect to do so well with it.

What do you like about playing in Punta Gorda area?   

I love the quaint nature of performing in Punta Gorda.  I prefer smaller intimate venues over large smoky bars or arenas.  I always have.  I've shared the stage with some major label artists and played as far west as Chicago in giant concert halls.  Even with Those Guys, we've ventured out to other areas like Sarasota and Ft. Myers, but coming home and performing here has has always felt preferable to me.  I think the other guys feel similarly and we all share the mindset that it's much more important to love what you do than anything.  And if we can do that right here at home in Punta Gorda, then that's just a perk!

How would you best describe your act/performance?

It's definitely a fresh type of performance for the area.  When I started the band, I took note of the over-abundance of classic-rock and folk style music in the area, and I saw an opportunity to bring a top 40 dance/party band for a lot of the people who prefer that sort of thing to enjoy.  It's a high-energy and modern performance and I think it brings more of today's music to Punta Gorda than most other bands around.

Are you all local?  Where from?

Cheri Carr and Craig Holder are born and raised here in Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda.  Bobby Richmond is originally from New York, and I (Bobby Ricci) am originally from Rhode Island.  But we're all settled in the Punta Gorda area now.

Can you describe individual members of band?   What makes you different?

Bobby Ricci - Bobby brings his background of satire and humor to Those Guys in the form of dry sarcastic humor on stage in between his rocking guitar and flexible vocal styling.  Being a satirist, Bobby can emulate many styles of music with a natural feel.  In the midst of the songs he sings leads on, he visits Rock, Rap, Pop, Punk, Country, and Classic.  He also does the sound for Those Guys, which has been the envy of many other bands in the area.  His experience in the entertainment industry has equipped him with the tools necessary to bring a very balanced, clean and powerful sound to the area utilizing high-tech equipment that most other bands are not on par with or even capable of.

Bobby Richmond - AKA "Cupcake".  Bobby delivers a rock-solid drum-beat and along with Craig, makes up the "bread and butter" rhythm section of the band.  The two Bobbys are the longest standing members of "Those Guys" and have been playing together for over 3 years now.  Bobby brings a unique sense of humor and style behind the kit with his crazy wardrobe and pajama pants which earned him the "Cupcake" nickname.

Craig Holder - Craig Holder has bounced from band to band in the Punta Gorda area as a bassist until finally landing in the band Those Guys, which according to him, has been his most rewarding endeavor.  Craig joined the band about a year and a half ago with Walter Behrmann (who is no longer with Those Guys.  Walter left in pursuit of doing more original music).  Craig brings a high-energy element to the band and is always dying his hair different colors for each show.  He deeply loves the music and it really shows on stage.

Cheri Carr - Cheri is the newest member of Those Guys only being with the band for about 4 months now.  Formerly of No Clout (a No Doubt cover band), Cheri brings that "Gwen" persona to those guys, but also adds a lot of originality as she has started to explore and expand her vocal talent over a broad range of other artists and styles.  Cheri is also one of the lead singers of Those Guys, and when she's not on lead vocals, you can always find her grooving out or dancing along, adding a fun and energetic element to the band.

What do you most like about performing?  Least Like?

Performing for all of us is something that none of us could live without.  We all share a passion for coming together and playing as a unit, and when we get the chance to share that with others it doesn't matter if twenty or two-thousand people are watching, you can see the love for what we do spilled out in our performance.  There's really no feeling better than that instant gratification you get back from a live audience appreciating your passion, and we're all extremely grateful for every opportunity we get to experience that.  As far as what we least like, well it's probably when the show's over and we have to tear down our equipment.  If it were up to us, we'd play into the early hours of the morning.  Although it's nice to hit the sack after a long night of rocking out, it's a little bittersweet because we'd all rather never stop playing.

          What groups/singers have influenced your sound?

Jimmi Hendrix, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Eagles, Avenged Sevenfold, Shinedown, Three Doors Down, New Kids on the Block, Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, Sonny & Cher, Three Days Grace, Lady GaGa, Britney Spears, Peter Paul & Mary, Taylor Swift, Black-Eyed Peas, Sting, Train, Sublime, Ozzy Osbourne, Vanilla Ice and Black Sabbath. But those are just our heavier influences.

          Anything to add?

As far as anything to add, just to look for Those Guys at a venue near you soon, and we appreciate everybody's support!

Those Guys will be performing at Harpoon Harry's this weekend.