Stockwood – A Genuine Tribute to The Beatles - has been surprising audiences for over 6 years. It is no wonder that audiences are amazed by the talent exhibited by these seasoned tribute artists. The youngest member was only 6½ years old when he began portraying Ringo in live performance!
Stockwood brings together a musical proficiency far surpassing their years and are able to entertain audiences of varying ages with the music that transcends time. People often ask, "Do the boys lip sync?" or "Do they play a CD in the background to help them out?" The answer to both questions is a resounding NO! All four boys sing and play their musical instruments without accompaniment from anyone or anything. Stockwood understands that music is to be shared and they are happiest when sharing theirs with you. But now, it is time to meet…
"I began playing guitar at the age of 7,” says Collin, “playing in a church band. It was a lot of fun and not long after that I wrote my first song.”
At about age 8 or 9 Collin was exposed to The Beatles through his parents. “I really liked their music. It stuck with me like glue.”
All of Collin’s guitar teachers have influenced him (Paul at Dr. Woods Guitar Emporium and Mike Musick) but two fellow Beatles Tribute artists – Kevin Mantegna and Marty Scott of Liverpool Legends really helped perfect his Beatles look and sound.
When asked why he sticks with performing in a Beatles tribute like Stockwood, the answer is quick. “Because I love The Beatles and I love performing their music. Everyone knows the music. And I especially love all of Stockwood's fans. Thanks guys for the support. Also thanks to our parents. Otherwise, we couldn't do what we love.”
As for favorite gigs, Collin prefers the BIG theatres like the Rosemont and the Genesee but he also loves the huge outside venues like Abbey Road on the River.
You might wonder if Beatles music is all he listens to. Like his fellow band mates, it is not…Collin listens to AC/DC, Guns n' Roses, Van Halen, Wilco, The Redwalls and all the other classic rock bands.
When not performing with Stockwood, Collin is very active in the performing arts programs at Woodstock High School, participating in the Varsity Choir, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo and SRO (an all-male a Capella chorus). He also is a prolific songwriter – both on his own and in partnership with his band mate John Morefield. Hmmmm, Collin “John Lennon” Berg and John “Paul McCartney” Morefield collaborating on writing songs. Could musical history be repeating itself?
John Morefield started playing piano at age 4 and, in 2004, taught himself to play guitar in order to portray George Harrison in Stockwood. After all, if Stockwood was going to succeed, they would have to focus on the authenticity necessary to pay proper tribute to The Beatles. John’s love for music and especially guitar is influenced by, of course, The Beatles, as well as other classic rock and metal groups such as Van Halen, AC/DC, Def Leppard, and Metallica. His guitar idols are Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Angus Young and Tom Morello. John also appreciates classical music, “Big Band” music of the 1930’s and 1940’s, and more modern groups such as Rage Against The Machine and Vampire Weekend.
Recently, John developed a greater appreciation for Paul McCartney and his left-handed bass playing, as well as his vocal range, when he made the decision to shift from portraying George Harrison to Sir McCartney. In less than 6 months John not only taught himself to play “lefty” bass, but also to master a good portion of the entire McCartney catalog.
School finds John favoring classes in German and Science as well as participating in Jazz Band and Men’s Choir. John is also a member of the Woodstock High School Madrigal Singers and baseball team and, when not performing in Stockwood, plays nearly year-round on a travel baseball team.
John enjoys Stockwood because allows him to share the music of The Beatles with others and helps keep decades of music as influential to the new and future generations as it was to past generations. When asked where he likes to perform, John favors large venues with a greater number of attendees and charity fundraisers.
It is not surprising that John’s love for playing music, along with his understanding of music theory, leads him to writing his own songs. His songwriting is influenced greatly by his favorite bands and guitarists’ playing styles. When done with practicing songs of The Beatles he along with his band mates continue to refine their original songs.
John is the oldest member of Stockwood in terms of chronological age but he is the newest member, having joined Stockwood in late 2009 in the role of George Harrison.
John fits in well with the other three founding members of Stockwood. He began playing drums when he was only two years old and played his first “paying gig” at age ten. At age six, John decided to take up the guitar.
When asked about his musical influences, John tells you, “There are too many to name. I love all musical genre including rock, blues, jazz, swing and ska to name a few.” John is the drummer in his father’s band, The Lennys, and has also had the pleasure of performing with his grandfather’s Big Band. His taste in venues is as eclectic as his taste in music – he is just happy to play anywhere. Music also plays a big role in John’s education at Larkin High School in Elgin, IL. He is in the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and is Captain of the Drum Line.
Stockwood is a new adventure for John and he looks forward to adding the entire Beatles classic catalog as well as their “B Side” music. He also is looking forward to his two challenges in joining Stockwood - learning that famous Liverpudlian accent and having to “perform while standing next to John Morefield who set the ‘George Harrison’ bar pretty high over the last five years before he made the switch to portraying Paul McCartney!”
Ringo’s name always came last when speaking of The Beatles but it’s hard to keep Stockwood’s Ringo at the end of any list. As the youngest member of Stockwood, Evan probably evokes the most comment at a performance. He has perfected Ringo’s uncommon drumming style and personifies the legend he portrays.
Like the other members of Stockwood, Evan’s musical influences are numerous – ranging from The Beatles (of course, especially Ringo) but also The Who (Keith Moon), and some 80s music like Van Halen, AC/DC and Guns n' Roses.
Evan loves playing festivals because he loves playing to large crowds of both old friends and new fans.
Evan has a great passion for music. His continuous love for the Beatles and music is what keeps him in Stockwood but he also enjoys the friendship shared by the members – even with his older brother Collin! Now with a new lineup in Stockwood, he is looking forward to raising his musical bar even higher.
Along with the rest of Stockwood, Evan also writes his own music which is influenced by today’s rock music like Green Day as well as some older 70s and 80s influences.
At school, he plays trumpet in band, drums in jazz band and also sings in the school choir. Outside of school Evan plays travel baseball; the positions he plays include short-stop, pitcher, third base and outfield and recently started playing basketball! Evan’s theatrical side recently emerged when he performed at the Woodstock Opera House in “High School Musical” and more recently started learning the “back-stage” side of the theater when he worked on “Beauty and the Beast" and "Willy Wonka”. Evan plans to continue performing, writing and living his music as long as he can!
