Rodeo Clowns 2.0
This is an update of the band profile. Previous entries can be found in the General Info section of this website.
The band is currently a four piece consisting of guitar, bass, drums and a female vocalist that shares lead singing and provides a voice for the three-part harmonies. Our current line-up has been playing together since August 2006.
This page was last updated on: May 26, 2007
John Lawton is the guitarist/vocalist, whose plays an acoustic guitar with stylistic elements of Jack Johnson.
The rhythm section is made up of Scot Larsen and Jesse Hiller. (http://jessehiller.com) We started playing together just before the previous line-up had broken up and I really liked the way we worked together. Scot is a true bass player, his playing is smooth and precise and leaves a lot of space for the music to breath. Jesse is a versatile drummer who has varied musical interests and excels at creating rich percussive beats that compliment the rhythms that I bang out on my acoustic guitar.
The newest addition is Erica Lee. We crossed paths two years ago when she was looking for someone to accompany her singing. We put together a handful of songs and performed them at Open Mic's held at B Street Billiards in San Mateo.
Erica is the youngest member of the band. She has a beautiful voice, a kindred spirit and is extremely versatile musically. For example, one of the crowd favorites is when Erica sings Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit", a song written more than 10 years before she was born. She had never even heard the song before I gave a recording of it to her. By day, Erica is among the top sales people at Putnam Cadillac, Chevrolet and Hummer in Burlingame. As you can see, she excels at everything she does.
A few additional friends/musicians who sit in with us from time to time:
Donnie Bilinski - I met Donnie when I was 18 and we played together for a year and a half back then. He was part of the original line up and has sat in with us recently to give us a trio with two guitars. He is a strong all-around musician and we have always had good chemistry together. He sings, plays guitar, keyboard and bass. He's a pro... Makes for a an entertaining show when he plays with us.
Steve Pefley - A professional drummer that has sat in with us on several gigs. He has a very tight and polished sound and can play anything.
Chris Butterworth - A Linda Mar, Pacifica resident and neighbor of John has sat in with us on drums on several occasions. He is a solid drummer and also a strong singer that adds to our harmonies. Chris' plays with several bands including local favorites 24/7.