Popular classic rock band that played a wide variety of music from the 60’s through the 90’s. The group morphed out the defunct Justin Taylor Band with original members David Sellman (vocals, keyboards), Fred Smith (guitar), Clarke Utermohle (bass), and Barry Kurlander (drums), with Mike Panopoulos (guitar ex-Spectrum, Rocket Science). A three-piece horn section was added in 2004 which included Jordan Feldman (trumpet, wind synthesizer, also in Downstairs Jazz, Ten Directions Jazz Band, Pan American Rhythm Project and the Federal Hill Brass Quartet), Joel Galway (trombone, trumpet), and Mike Schlothauer (sax -also in Joyride, and Reisterstown Jazz ensemble). In 2005 Denny Twigg (ex-Fragile, Crowded Stage) joined the band as an additional vocalist.
Checkered Past played regularly at the Purple Moose in Ocean City, and the Towson Festival throughout the 00’s, as well as the Fells Point, Waterfront and Dundalk festivals. Also performed at Red Eye Dock Bar, Bamboo Bernie’s, The Golden Sports Bar, The Barn, High Tops, Nottingham’s, Padonia Station, and Sonoma’s. Opened for members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, and Blackfoot at Bohager’s during the “Southern Rock Woodstock,” played the Hippodrome, the Toy Run, and the huge B-104 Meetball at LaFontaine Bleu. The group also did recordings at Secret Sounds Studio.
