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.
Lisa Peplinski
Lisa Peplinski, latest vocals addition to North of Normal, has been immersed in music of all kinds since childhood and has a repertoire that spans from Italian arias to dive bar karaoke. Some of her earliest memories are of waking up each morning to LAZER 103 playing ACDC and Metallica on every speaker in the house, dancing and lip syncing to Eurythmics and Paula Abdul in the living room with her sister, and watching the movie Grease on repeat. Lisa spent many years singing in front of church congregations and loves performing in local musical theater productions and cabaret shows. She is excited to contribute vocal depth, layered harmonies and some feminine flair to the North of Normal stage.
Jordan Schmidt
Jordan Schmidt, originally from Kewaunee, Wisconsin, joins the line-up for North of Normal with an extensive 20-years of guitar experience. His most recent band tenure was 10+ years. From an early age, Jordan was inspired to pick up the guitar by the likes of Phil Collen of Def Leppard, and Eddie Van Halen of (you guessed it!) Van Halen. Jordan's music preferences shifted towards the heavy side after hearing bands like Pantera, Metallica, and Slayer and began to emulate the guitar licks in their songs. Expect screaming solos, chunky riffs, and lots of energy in his role with North of Normal.
Tom Sanders
Tom has been playing guitar longer than he’s willing to admit—and probably longer than you’d guess. From beer-soaked bar floors to the bright lights of Las Vegas, his guitar has seen it all. He’s gathered more musical stories than he can count (and a few best left untold). Of the many stages he’s played, he’s especially proud of a 14-year run at Milwaukee’s own Summerfest. With North of Normal, Tom adds seasoned chops and versatile guitar work—rhythm, lead, and a touch of road-tested wisdom to keep things interesting.
Steve Carver
Hailing originally from the Lone Star State, Steve's music career has spanned from growing up as a roadie for his dad's bands in biker bars in Austin Texas, playing in local tribute bands, to touring across America in Drum Corps International (DCI) performing in venues like Camp Randall Stadium and the Rose Bowl with Revolution and the Santa Clara Vanguard. Stoked to be playing bass in North of Normal, Steve keeps the mood laid back with a few bad jokes thrown in the mix. Musical influences include groups like Rush, AC/DC and Foo Fighters, and when not jamming in NoN, he's (truly) thankful to play praise and worship music with so many other talented musicians from across Milwaukee.
Josh Hoover
From a young age you could find Josh plunking out Stand By Me on the family upright or sampling burps into a Casio SK-1; in school, he followed after his dad and played sax in band, before eventually falling stupid in love with the drums. Since the early aughts, Josh has been privileged to perform with many amazing musicians in a wide variety of projects. From indie to Americana, pop, punk, funk, and rock; in the studio, on the stage; playing to crowds of none or headlining in front of thousands, he just loves to play. Now excited to be keeping the rhythm tight for North of Normal.