Guelph Little Theatre's "Live In the Lobby" Series presents Rock and Blues Originals with The Speed River Band Featuring Gayle Ackroyd

On Friday November 21 at 7pm, join The Speed River Band for a catchy blend of rock originals flavoured with blues and country in Guelph Little Theatre’s “Live In the Lobby” concert series. Fronted by award-winning Guelph songwriter and performer Gayle Ackroyd, the show features an eclective variety of songs all penned by Ackroyd. She is joined by the fine musicianship of veteran rock players Richie Sarlo (guitar), Ed Miller (drums), and Daev Mulholland (bass) – bio’s below. The audience will also be treated to the interesting stories behind the writing of the songs. The Speed River Band is a highly entertaining ensemble, brimming with energy. Their music feels nostalgic yet new, sharing a memorable evening of live music enjoyable for rock and blues fans alike.

“Guitar slinger and blues singer Gayle Ackroyd, a whole lot of tender and a little bit tough” as Lenny Stoute of the Toronto Star once described her, “belts out the blue eyed soul with intense energy, grit and class all at the same time. Gayle’s passion for songwriting and playing guitar are evident in the 8 albums of original music she has recorded and released. Originally from Brampton and a graduate of Sheridan College’s Musical Theatre Program, she has been in hundreds of films as both an extra and actress. Gayle sang on the Bolero Cruise ship for Regent Holidays. Over the years she has  shared the stage as a guest singer with Jeff Healy, Jack DeKeyser, James Gordon, Jimmy Rankin, Robbie Lane and many more well-loved Canadians. Her current focus is learning classic covers by her favourite female singers, as well as fronting and writing the rock and blues music of the Speed River Band; Her considerable accolades include the Toronto Arts Council Songwriting Grant to live in Nashville, the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, Honorable Mention for the Ontario Arts Council Songwriting Award, and being a Q107 Songwriting Competition Top 10 Finalist for Outstanding Concert Performance.  Much more about Gayle at: https://www.singingteacherguelph.com/about.php

ED MILLER – Drums / Vocals: Ed played with “Major Hoople’s Boarding House” who had hit records with “I’m Running After You” and “You Girl”. Prior to that he worked with Kelly Jay of Crowbar fame in Calgary. He also played with Bobby Curtola touring Canada and played in Las Vegas at “The Sands Hotel”. He spent some time playing with “Jack London and The Sparrows” in the Yorkville Village days.

RICHIE SARLO – Guitar: This extraordinary guitar player has been at it since he was 9 years old. His passion for playing, and recording caught the notice of Bo Diddly, Phil Sussan of Ozzy Osbourne band, Roger Kapps {Pat Benetar’s bassist / co-writer), John-Luc Ponty (also violinist for Frank Zappa); all of with whom he played on albums in LA and toured the USA. He has also worked with numerous prominent Canadians including Moe Berg pre-Pursuit of Happiness, country artist Paul Weber.

DAEV MAHOLLAND – Bass: is a Guelph-based musician who has played and toured with bands including The Monster Show, Joe and the Four Tops, Ten Cent Town, and, K.C. Lee and His Checkered Past

Listen to the band on theiir website: https://www.speedriverband.com/