Tuukis, a new Cape Ann rock band, is having its come-out party Saturday night at the upstairs function hall at the Beverly Vittoro Rocci Post.
The band is comprised of Brian White on bass guitar and vocals, Terri Alexander on lead vocals, John Silveira on lead guitar and vocals, Ron Mansfield on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Rick Mansfield on drums.
But these members are not newcomers to each other, with some having played together in a former Cape Ann band called Persuader. Many may recall that group as the band that dressed up for the Halloween parties at the St. Peter's Club in Gloucester. In one event, the musicians dressed as bees and Alexander dressed as the beekeeper.
White, a founder of Tuukis, has played in local bands for decades and this new band has been rehearsing for close to a year. Alexander was the last one to come on board.
"Fortunately for Tuukis, when we asked her to join the band, she accepted and fit right in — not only with her incredible voice, but with her charming personality as well," White said. "To say she was the missing piece of the Tuukis puzzle would be an understatement. We are blessed to have her."
Alexander, a 1982 graduate of Gloucester High School, said she has always loved singing and has a wide range of tastes. She may be found singing "Who Knew" by Pink or "I Don't Know How to Love Him," from the classic musical "Jesus Christ Superstar."
"My father always said that when I was born, the doctor spanked me and I didn't cry, I sang," Alexander said.
She started singing at a very young age, with her first band Opposite Corners in high school.
"I was still too young to play in local clubs, but we did play at several private functions," she said.
Then, around 1990 she joined Persuader, a long-lived band that played the local club scene and functions. But around 1995, her life's journey took her away from the music scene until she attended a birthday party in Magnolia last spring for Joe Lentini, a keyboard player in Persuader.
"Terri wowed those in attendance with her amazing voice and she got the rock 'n' rolls again," recalled White, who is eager to bring the new band to the local thriving music scene.
Alexander said she is thrilled to be working with these musicians, who have become like family to her. All have been part of local bands for decades with many overlapping memberships in various local bands.
Silveira's resume includes the bands: B.O.N.G. (Best of No Good), Sweetwater, Freestyle, Persuader and Imbalance. He is also plays in the "jam band" Dented School Bus.
Ron Mansfield is described as a prototypical rock 'n' roll stage performer, bringing with him an animated sense of humor, said White. His previous bands include Quintessance, Hellions, The Pedestrians, Freestyle, N.E. 1. and Spank.
White, who said he fancies himself as a musicologist, also loves to sing harmonies. He has played with The Pedestrians, Once Again, Plus One, Persuader, Spank and Elegant Trash.
He and drummer Rick Mansfield have been playing music together for nearly 40 years. Mansfield, known as the jokester of the band, previously has played with the Hellions, Positive ID, Once Again, Plus One, Spank and Elegant Trash.
"As you can see, Tuukis has a wealth of live musical experience with four vocalists," said White. "We are primed and ready to deliver great rock 'n' roll to our audience."
Gail McCarthy can be reached at 979-283-7000 x3451, or gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.
Debut concert
Who and what: Tuukis, a new Cape Ann band, holds its debut concert.
When: Saturday, 9 p.m. to midnight.
Where: The Beverly Vittoro Rocci Post at 143 Brimbal Ave. in the upstairs function hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 or by any band member.
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