WIXY 1260's

Last Vote: See all votes

Date: 4/17/2011 UserName: keith Vote: Comments:

Band Members:
Rick Hulvalchick founder and leader of the WIXY 1260's, saw the Beatles movie, A Hard Days Night, at a very young age and knew right then that he wanted to be a musician. Some would say he is a self taught bassist but Rick would argue that insinuates that the lesson is over and that he is always learning and evolving into a better musician. Influenced by many sources of music, he learned to appreciate big band and country from his father, Elvis from his mother, 60's and 70's rock from the older kids in the neighborhood, and just about everything else from his grandmother.

Glen Beitzel started learning percussion in 1964 in his 5th grade band. He also played in the school marching band and orchestra. After graduating in 1971 he played played drums and percussion in many rock, blues, and country bands in northeast Ohio. Among them are Iron Horse, High-Watt-er, and Crystal Blue to name a few. Glen joined Akron area jazz legends, the Feathers in 1978. This great band specialized in playing top 40 tunes from 1940's to the current day. After 10 years with them, Glen joined the Burners and played authentic Chicago Blues for seven years. More recently, Glen has played with 45 RPM, and Highway Robbery, both Akron based classic rock bands. Glen is versatile in all styles of music and enjoys listening to and playing a great variety. He is especially excited about the the concept and unique upbeat song list of the WIXY 1260's. Glen also finds time in his busy schedule to remain active in the Wadsworth Community Band.

Rob Johnston fronts the WIXY1260's while playing rhythm guitar, drums and other percussive instruments, not necessarily at the same time. He joined the band in 2010. The band's surge and the addition of Rob are not coincidences. In addition to singing lead, he fills out the band's sound with rhythm and harmonies. Hence, vocals have become a cornerstone of the WIXY 1260's's sound. Rob started playing drums in high school and has been in numerous bands since. In addition to the WIXY 1260's , Rob also drums for Yearbook, a staple on the Cleveland music scene for almost 20 years. When he is not drumming, he works for The Cuyahoga County Public Library System.

Bob Z's mom took him for guitar lessons when he was 8 years old for a couple of years and wanted to learn "My Green Tambourine" and "Spirit In The Sky" but his teacher insisted on learning scales and the proper way to play... So he quit guitar lessons ( against the recommendations of an insightful gas station attendant) until in his teens when he heard KISS, Ted Nugent, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd etc., and said " I can do that". So thanks to learning the proper way to learn guitar and a pretty decent ear ( Thanks Mom and Mr. Turocy for making him go through 2 years of prep. and sister who always had good music playing) Bob taught himself the old fashioned way of dropping the needle on the records and figuring out the songs. He's been entertaining crowds in northeast Ohio for decades in such bands as Uforia, Madrigal, Roll and Rock, Sue Sheppard and Country Pride, Trigger, Reality Tour, Running In Circles to mention only a few. "Entertaining" is the key word here. Bob will be the first to tell you that "It's as fun as it looks!" He simply loves to play and it shows. He'll even sing one or two. The WIXY 1260's welcome its newest member in the upcoming 2011 season. Bob is the consumate professional musician, dedicated husband and dad. He never fails to deliver. Don't miss his six string antics.

Joe Salem, aka "the Silver Fox," first joined the WIXY 1260's in 2010. He plays keyboards for the band, and sings both backup and lead vocals. In addition to his role in the band, he is a pharmacist and the proud father of five children as well as stepfather to four children. is music career began in his childhood and he has been in several successful bands over the course of the last thirty years. Joe has been the leader of local Cleveland area band, Yearbook, for over nineteen years and is the only original member to have survived the transitions that bandhas gone through. He was also one of the founding members of the band Timeless, which was a Cleveland classic rock and original band in the area for a few years in the 1980's. Other area bands included Electric Earth, The Blues Wall, and the Time Machine. His hobbies include cars, music, of course, and riding his bicycle. If you were to ask him why the WIXY 1260's work so well together he would tell you that it has evolved into a family. Not only are these guys members in a rock band, they have become the best of friends.

Pictures:
           
SonicBids Press Kit: N/A