The band
Bruce Hoover
Bruce Hoover, lead vocalist, keytarist for the Power Pop cover band, North of Normal, has enjoyed a career spanning decades. From starting early at age 6 on trumpet and theater organ, teaching himself piano in high school, to classical pipe organ in college, and ultimately playing a part in many original bands and cover bands, Bruce has performed in many genres. Favorites among his career was singing Sinatra in a 25-piece orchestra and now bringing you fun and energetic pop, rock and country in North of Normal.
Sammy Ray
Sammy Ray is a well-rounded musician in Wisconsin, USA. She has been nominated “Female Vocalist of the Year in 2017, 2018(Singer/Songwriter of the year), 2019, 2020, & 2021 by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry(WAMI). Known to be a prominent member of multiple bands she plays guitar, harmonica, banjo, drums, and sometimes keys. Sammy went to the University of Wisconsin Waukesha for Percussion and transferred to UWMilwaukee for Music Education - Finger-style guitar. When she's not on stage she has her face in a book studying natural hygiene and the terrain model of disease, or outside kayaking and hiking, spending time with family, and creating original spray paint art.
Steve LaFore
Steve LaFore, lead guitarist for North of Normal, has played in a wide variety of groups over the years. In addition to several original alternative bands and rock cover bands, he played with the UW - Madison Jazz Ensemble and even on a cruise ship, where he played in the show band, in the lounge, and by the pool. His most memorable moment was playing at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas as a finalist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's “Battle of the Corporate Bands."
Don Bray
Don has been playing guitar for almost 40 years. During that time, he was a member of numerous original, alternative rock bands throughout the Milwaukee area as well as a solo project for the past two decades. One of his proudest moments as a musician came in 1993 when he was awarded a WAMI for New Group/Artist of the Year. Don enjoys all things guitar and when he's not playing live, he's building, repairing or modding guitars and amplifiers for himself and others. He cites Jeff Beck as his main guitar inspiration and The Beatles, R.E.M. and Gin Blossoms as some of his musical influences. Don is beyond excited to bring his love of music, experience, and abilities to North of Normal.
Dave McCullough
Dave McCullough has been involved in music since childhood, beginning with saxophone, guitar, and eventually bass in high school. Dave loves laying down a solid groove, locking in tight with a drummer, and making those heads bob. His prior bands include funk, jam bands, classic rock, and 80's new wave. Along with his passion for playing, he brings a deep knowledge of technology and is an accomplished audio engineer with over 20 years of experience. Dave has produced both live and studio recordings for artists ranging from hard rock, reggae, bluegrass, hip-hop, college a cappella, string quartets, jazz ensembles, choirs, theater companies, and just about everything in between. Dave is locked and loaded for North of Normal action!
Brian Carter
Brian Carter has been a drummer and percussionist for more than 30 years. He still loves nothing more than making groove come alive, or take an old favorite tune for a whole new spin. Brian has played with multiple cover bands in the Milwaukee area with styles ranging from classic rock, to pop and soul. He also enjoys playing with more traditional musical groups, including orchestras, jazz combos, big bands, small ensembles, and theatrical pit orchestras. He is absolutely psyched to be bringing the heat to the North of Normal crew!