'Bully' developing a following in the Springs neighborhood

NEIGHBORHOOD BULLY

Hear them: Noon Sunday, SouthSide Johnny's, 528 S. Tejon St., Rock- a-betes 2004 to benefit the local Diabetes Resource Network.

9 p.m. Dec. 18, Laura Belle's, 734 N. 19th St.

Personnel: Earl "Cuzzin Boneless" Rhodes, lead guitar, vocals; Ken "Special K" Willard, bass guitar, vocals; Fred "Uncle Freddie" McConnell, drums, vocals; Ray Rumbarger, keyboards, vocals; Nancy Willard, sound board and "Den Mother."

Style: Classic rock and blues with an attitude.

Influences: Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tommy Castro, The Doors, to name a few.

Favorite clubs to play: They list Laura Belle's, the Ute Inn, Tequila's, and any other place that will book them.

On the Web: www.neighbor hood-bully.com

What "making it" would look like: People playing Neighborhood Bully music in their cars on the way to work.

Most rock 'n' roll moment:

"The night Earl went running around the bar playing guitar behind his head and a woman licked his guitar head!" Willard recalls.

History: The Bully was formed three years ago by Rhodes, Willard and two others. Its birthplace: Rascal's Bar & Grill. Since then the lineup has changed a bit and now, Willard says, "Neighborhood Bully is not just a band, it's a family. We are all brothers and take care of each other. We feel this has been a major reason for our success."

As for their name, he says, "we did some promo pics one night, and looking at them the next day, Earl commented that they looked more like mug shots. Bullies we were from that day forward."

Day jobs: Rhodes is a truck driver; Willard is in jewelry sales; Rumbarger is a production supervisor; and McConnell is a delivery driver.

Their take on the Colorado Springs music scene: Getting better all the time with the support of the local media and the patrons, they say, but more support is needed.

"I think some people don't realize how much talent there is in this town," Willard says. "Go out and see a band this weekend. We support anyone in this town who loves the music. If you like the band you see, tell the venue owner or bartender about it.

"Also, let the band know you enjoyed it. Besides, maybe someday when they make it big you can say 'Yeah, I met them once.' "

CONTACT THE WRITER: Hey, local bands! If you would like to be considered for a feature in Band Spotlight and you have local gigs booked, call 636-0374 or e-mail Lnavarro@gazette.com.

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