George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band bring back the memories and excitement of a legendary performer who thrilled audiences and touched the world with his music and spirit. No need to have had the privilege of seeing the real Elvis because George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band recreates an authentic Elvis concert where they perform the hits that millions loved. You’ll feel like you went back in time as you enjoy the charisma, humor, and passion of this incredible performance.
Joe Peterson
Lead Guitar – Joe Peterson has been a part of the Northern Colorado music scene for many years. He resides in Windsor, CO. with his wife Linda.
Mick Schuch
Bass – Longtime musician with varied experiences in acoustic music, rock bands, and solo projects, Mick has been with the Elvis experience since its conception. With a wide variety of influences including the King himself, Mick is firmly rooted in rock and roll, and enjoys making music with the high caliper musicians of this band. By day Mick works for the University of Northern Colorado, and is King of his own home, along with Queen Brenda and many kids.
“The music is what makes this Experience the best. The songs bring Elvis alive in our hearts, and it is always a special thing to be a part of.”
Mike Usher
Drums – Mike has been playing percussion professionally for 44 years in all types of bands and is also currently playing in the Mattpack- a jazz standards and swing quintet. With a BA and MA from University of N Colorado in mathematics education, Mike also taught math and coached tennis for 12 years before entering the financial advising business for 21 years. Mike is also received a Fullbright to teach in London for a year. Aside from his many musical commitments, Mike’s hobbies are music, traveling, tennis, and going to Rockies games.
Dr Russ Johnson
Keyboards / Vocals – Russ has been a member of the Elvis Experience band since the beginning, originally as a backup singer, then for the last three years on keyboard also. He was recruited to the group out of the worship arts department at Greeley Wesleyan, where he’s still singing and occasionally playing. He’s also sung with the Valentine City Chorus and the Greeley Chamber Choir. He started playing piano at the age of four, and his first ever job was as a church organist at age 14.
His day job is as a psychiatrist. He’s practiced at Pathways since 1993. His other main hobby is his radio show “Shrink Rap” which he hosts along with Dr. Jeff Huff on Newstalk 1310 KFKA every Saturday from 4-6 PM. He’s also a huge sports fan and trained storm spotter. He and his best friend, most honest critic, and wife Jeannette have two great kids, Alyx and Adam.
Charlie Spillman
Bass Trombone / Vocals – Since 2005. Charlie is active in a variety of musical groups in Northern Colorado playing jazz, traditional band music and baroque. His diverse influences include Felix Cavaliere, J.D. Sumner, Dion, J.S. Bach and Giovanni Gabrielli. Charlie works as an ASIC design engineer at Avago Technologies and also operates C&D Precision Sound. In Charlie’s words, “George Gray’s Elvis Experience is the most fun I have had musically in years. It is incredible to be able to bring this music to the fans.”
Brian Sharpe
Trombone – Brian lives and works in Fort Collins Colorado and has been with the band from the beginning.
Jess Ramirez
Vocals – With a polished, elegant voice that easily transitions from gritty rock, soft ballad, smooth soul or spicy Latin, Jess Ramirez has entertained audiences from Greeley’s Union Colony Civic Center, the casinos of Blackhawk, the Grand Ole’ Opry and beyond. Jess performed with Double Shot for 5 years and is also an original and current member of the popular variety/dance band Sh-Bang. A longtime Northern Colorado music veteran, Jess thoroughly enjoys singing with the George Gray Experience because of the high energy, camaraderie, and caliber of professional musicians in the group.
Rachael Miller
Vocals – Backup singer with the Elvis Experience Band since June 2007. Main influences have been Etta James, Michael Buble, Il Divo, Josh Groban, and many others. Rachael grew up in Greeley, Colorado playing the piano since the age of 10 and singing since she was born. She sang in her school choir and advanced ensemble before joining the Elvis Experience Band. Rachael says of the band, “This is the most amazing group of people that share the same love for music as you do!”
Rachael currently works at the Weld County District Attorney’s Office, while pursuing an A.A.S. in Communications Media at Aims Community College. She hopes to graduate next spring!
Kathy Horning
Vocals – Kathy Horning, according to her mom, has been singing since she could talk and was likely to turn anything into a song. Singing in church, at weddings and funerals, and with a variety of groups or bands over the years has provided her with a rich background. A little country with Overcomer, contemporary gospel with One Heart, heartfelt worship music, and popular music and more are part of her repertoire. She has written 20+ songs, some published. Her musical inspirations are Barbra Streisand, Sandi Patti, Celene Dion, Damaris Carbaugh—and, of course, George Gray. Singing as an Elvis back-up girl is a delightful new tune in Kathy’s singing resume.
Kevin Oakes
Piano – Kevin Oakes recently retired from several years in the Valley School District as history teacher, counselor, and administrator. His passion was introducing students to the wider world outside the classroom walls through his Santayana Club that took small groups of students on “Grand Tours” of Europe. He now lives in LaSalle.
Kevin was playing piano before he could read. The primary influences on his styling are the Classical Gospel of Dino Kartsonakis, the Rock and Roll of Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Southern Gospel piano of cousin Jimmy Swaggart. And of course Glen D Hardin, pianist for the TCB Band. Kevin is pianist at Eaton Baptist Church and has also played with other groups and community theater.
Daniel Stoffler
Vocals – Daniel is the “Rookie” member of the Elvis Experience and joined in 2010.
After receiving his degree in Theater and Music from the University of Northern Colorado, Daniel spent the next few years touring the country as an actor and musician with the National Theater for the Deaf.
He has been blessed with opportunities over the years to sing and perform in Old Yugoslavia, Germany, England, Wales, Greece, Italy, and at the Vatican.
Presently a member of St. Peter’s Church choir, Daniel says that, “Being invited to sing with George and the group is an incredible honor, and I only hope I can match their enthusiasm and talent.”
Isaac Swanson
Trumpet – A Colorado Native and currently lives in Greeley, Colorado.
Isaac attended the University of Northern Colorado working on a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Although a lead trumpet player Isaac is versatile in many genres of the trumpet such as Jazz, Salsa, Rock, and Classical Music.
Isaac has played with many groups such as the University of Northern Colorado Lab 1 under the guidance of the renowned Gene Aitken, Dana Landry, and John Davis now at (CU at Boulder). He has also played with many groups in the Colorado area such as the Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, Conjunto Colores, Atomic Brass Project, Kream of the Krop, Fort Jazz Big Band, Colorado Swing, Juliana Munoz, La Candela, Kesumba, and George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band and has recorded with UNC Lab Band 1 in 1998-1999 with Gene Aitken and in 2008-2009 with Dana Landry.
Dave Wertz
Lives in Greeley and plays lead Trumpet in several Northern Colorado bands.
