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Biographies of the Chronicle Band Members
Gary Antelept, Band Leader; plays guitar, harmonica and is a Songwriter for the band, “Chronicle”. Gary has formed bands, which have performed in Chicago, Illinois and Bloomington/Indianapolis, Indiana.
In Chicago, Gary and “Chronicle” played at the 95th Restaurant on top of the John Hancock building. “Chronicle” appeared on Chicago’s cable television show “Fascinating People”, with host, Bobby Robinson. Gary played two of his original songs for a special performance of the National Federation of Music, “Parade of American Composers.”
“Chronicle’s” Indiana performances have included a Reception/Artist Showcase at the Indianapolis Arts Garden in October 2004 for Indiana Art Works. “Chronicle” supported two Spirit and Place sponsored programs. In November 2004, “Chronicle” provided musical support for the Campaign for a Living Wage, “$15.48.” In November 2003, “Chronicle” provided musical support for Planned Parenthood/Voice of the Faithful sponsored program, “Reclaiming Stolen Lives, Healing Survivors of Sexual Abuse”. “Chronicle” played for the Peace Learning Center 2006 Christmas Ball (located in Eagle Creek Park). In between these community settings, “Chronicle” has played at private parties, restaurants and taverns.
Wayne L. Strautman is Guitar/keyboards/vocals and a Songwriter for “Chronicle”.
Wayne recently came to “Chronicle” with a wide range of experience in the performing arts field. Wayne began to study music very early in his life and continued on into college appearing on stage with many choral groups and ensembles. He then traveled to New York City where he began performing and working back stage in a variety of musicals and theatrical productions at the Manhattan Center for the Performing Arts. He also studied conducting and composition at the prestigious Juilliard School for the Performing Arts.
Returning to the Midwest, He began doing business in Lafayette, Indiana, as a Piano Tuner/Technician; a trade he learned while in New York. Wayne continued writing songs while living in Lafayette and appeared with the “Bach Chorale Singers” for 8 seasons, performing numerous classical works, Oratorios, and Christmas Festivals.
Wayne has affection for perfect pitch and the sound of true harmony.
Wayne noted, “I write songs right out of the deepest and most amazing experiences of my life”. “I search for melodies and words that will stay inside your mind and heart for a while.” “They are meant to be moving to the soul”.
Some of His songs are now a part of the “Chronicle” repertoire. Songs like: “I Feel Your Heart, Baby”, “Everlasting Bond of Love” and “Warrior”.
Jim Ramsey is “Chronicle’s” Lead Guitarist and Lead/harmony Vocals.
Jim has been playing in bands since he was 17, in Victoria, Texas. He moved to Southern California and played all up & down the West Coast with some excellent bar bands including “Streetwise”, “Western Electric” and “Back Street”. He also worked with a great originals group, “The Hand”. While in California Jim studied music at Pierce College and studied at Dick Grove Music Workshop (which is now Guitar Institute of Technology).
In '91, Jim moved to Indiana and has gigged with some really good blues bands, “Catfish”, “No Regrets”, “Gov. Davis and the Blues Ambassadors” and most recently “Loco Mojo”.
At present, Jim is playing lead guitar with “Chronicle”. Jim notes, “Chronicle’ is a really cool group and, by the way, we rock!” When Jim is not playing, he likes building his own amps and cabinets. Jim relates, “there's nothing like those old tweed Fenders.” Jim says, “Anyway, that's me, hang loose and be cool!”
Amy Lain is the Female Vocalist for “Chronicle”.
Amy has always enjoyed singing. At 6 years old she sang “Go Tell It on the Mountain” as her first church solo. Amy began to study music at age 7, playing piano for 10 years. Amy played violin for 5 years and at age 16, she purchased her first guitar. Amy sang in a duet with her friend Martin during high school and college. They sang original material they co-wrote and music written by singer/songwriters such as John Denver, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. During college, Amy took advantage of many opportunities for performance both as a singer and actress. She was involved in 3 musical productions, singing the song “Day by Day” in the popular musical “Godspell.” Amy also sang with the “Earlham College Concert Choir”.
As a member of “Chronicle”, Amy loves finding new harmonies. Her favorite song is “All City Sounds” written by Gary Antelept.
Tomas Howie is the Drummer for “Chronicle”.
Tomas started drumming
at age 7, when he turned his TinkerToy set into a high-tech rhythm machine.
Forty years later, his love of rhythm continues unabated.
Dave and Doug Johnston, brothers, have been playing music since they were children. Their father, William Johnston was a trumpet player who formed a 16-member band called Columbia during the Great Swing Jazz Era. Mr. Johnston supported his sons in all their musical endeavors through the years. Dave and Doug’s mother went to all their performances, even nightclubs and smoke-filled bars.
Dave Johnston is Bass player/vocals for “Chronicle”.
Dave started playing trumpet at age 9 years old. He got his first guitar at age 13. At age 19, Dave switched to playing bass to compliment his brother’s (Doug Johnston) percussion. Dave was also dedicated to music and strategically thought it would be easier to join a band as the rhythm section. Also at age 19, Dave exhibited a sense of musical seriousness by taking voice lessons at Butler University and joining the “IUPUI Chorus Ensemble”.
Dave has since performed with all sorts of bands including gospel, country and rock. He sang with the “Ripple Tones” (a barbershop group) for 4 years. He then took up with the barbershop quartet, the “Pride of Indy”. Most recently he sang with the “Scottish Rite Choir”. Dave sees himself as a harmony singer. His favorite song is “Unchained Melody”. His favorite performers: Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Jacko Pistorious, Stanley Clark
Doug Johnston is Percussionist for “Chronicle”.
Doug first studied music/percussion with Dick Paul. Doug played with the Marching Band at Arlington High School playing snare drum. He was one of just a few freshmen to make the squad and he played with the Marching Band until his graduation. He also played percussion with the Arlington High School Orchestra. Doug attended Indiana University and found a spot playing cymbals with the IU Marching Band. After college, Doug studied percussion privately with Jack Gilfoy. Jack Gilfoy was Henry Mancini’s drummer. Gilfoy is a native of Indianapolis, a music teacher at IU. Doug considers Gilfoy to be a mentor, studying with him on and off most of Doug’s adult years.
Doug has played drums in several different bands, usually stage bands. He played often at Holiday Inn, Moose Lodge. Another local influence has been Indianapolis pianist, Dave Hepler.
Doug says he enjoys playing with “Chronicle”. He considers music his life-long profession. |