Playing Mantis is a high energy classic rock band comprised of five Rhode Island musicians who bring many years of musical experience to the local music scene. Each member brings their own style and personality with an emphasis on strong vocals, three part harmonies and outstanding musicianship. The bands repertoire consists of many different genres including Classic Rock and R & B Classics. Playing Mantis is all about getting people out of their seats and up on the dance floor. We guarantee everybody a great time!
Band Members:
Liz Quinn - Lead, backing vocals and percussion
Liz brings her spectacular vocals and ability to create magical harmonies on the spot to Playing Mantis. Her most recent work prior to joining the band was with Tickle Tickle.
John Baldaia - Guitar, lead and backing vocals
John was a founding member of the Wild Turkey Band, Mushroom Soup Band and has been on the local music scene since the mid 70’s. John is also a member of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. He leads Playing Mantis with his outstanding guitar prowess and his fine vocals. John is also a music teacher and choral director.
Bruce Zarembka - Keyboards, lead and backing vocals
Bruce has been on the local music scene since the late 70’s, providing keyboards, along with lead and backing vocals with Blue Horizon, Rory and the Blues Hounds and other local acts.
Paul Furtado - Drums and Percussion
Paul traveled the greater New England area with the eight piece horn band, No Exit, before moving on to the classic rock band, The Beagles, who played throughout the northeast during the mid to late 70’s. His thorough preparation and discipline creates the heartbeat of the band.
Rick Sparfven – Bass
Rick began his musical endeavors in South Florida, but in later years played in New York as well as Tennessee. As a songwriter, Rick has diverse taste, ranging from Country to Jazz. As a leader Rick has taken the reins of such bands as Loose Change, The Farnum Mayweather band and The Rick Sparfven Project. Presently, Rick holds down the bottom end for Playing Mantis.
Covered artists/bands include:
The Pretenders, Steely Dan, The Beatles, Jackson Browne, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Van Morrison, Santana, Stevie Wonder, The Kinks, Amy Winehouse, Paul McCartney,The Eagles, Lake Street Dive, Johnny Lang, The Band, Allman Brothers, Talking Heads, Grateful Dead, Little Feat, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Amy Helm, Joss Stone, Asst R & B Artists and Many More!
