Variety and oldies band formed in 1993. Originating in Rosedale the group was first called Jack & the Beanstalks but soon changed name due another similarly named band.
The original group included Rich Schwarz (guitar, vocals ex-Joey & Jammers), Jim Gilbert (guitar), Jack Bennett (bass ex-Big Cam & Lifters), Mike Cumberland (keyboards), Rich Kelly (drums, vocals), Jim Ulich aka ‘Powers’ (vocals), and Robin Sypnieski (vocals). Cumberland was replaced early on with Charlie Ferguson (ex-Big Cam & Lifters). Powers left in 1994.
The Roadrunners added a horn section in 1995 consisting of Richard Winkler (sax), Mark Grier (trumpet), and Harry Cocoras (trombone). Trombonist Lou Silvia came in the following year and led the horn section whose members over the years included Stan Rouse (sax), George Stalmach (sax), Ray Marzhak (sax), Kerry Martin (trumpet), John DeMartino (sax), Jim Eichert (trumpet), Bob Roberts (trumpet), John Miconi (trumpet), Ron Vierra (trumpet)…
In 1996 Bennett left and at that point Gilbert began playing bass guitar. This lineup remained intact through the early-mid ‘00s except for some vocalist changes. Sypnieski left the group in 1997 and was replaced with Tanya Chaney and Ray Drewry.
Courtesy of Rich Schwarz
The new vocal duo performed with the group only for a year or so before being replaced with Marie Horney and Ed Horney. In addition to vocals Ed also played keyboards. The Horney’s were once members of local groups Final Analysis, and Full Circle… Also joining briefly was Rusty Hinshaw (keyboards ex-Best Friends, Full Circle).
Major changes took place in 2003. Gilbert, Kelly, and Ferguson left. Jim Bullock became the new drummer, and Larry Thompson (ex-Alamo Band, Ghostriders) came on board as the new bassist only briefly, as he was replaced with Joe Arizaga (ex-The Czar, Huge, Less Than Zero…).
The group folded briefly in early 2005 but re-formed by summer of that year with Schwarz, Arizaga, Gilbert, Kelly, and Ferguson, along with new lead vocalist Heather Kelly.
Throughout the years the Roadrunners have performed countless shows including appearances at the Baltimore Arena, Camden Yards, Oregon Ridge, Preakness Festival, Towsontown Spring Festivals… They opened for major artists such as Asleep at The Wheel, Three Dog Night, B.J. Thomas. Provided backing music for Ronnie Dove, the Crystals, Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry… Local venues where they performed include Bahama Mama’s, Good Times Inn, Perry’s Restaurant, Merritt House, Dizzy’s Pleasure Club, Ouo Vadis Democratic Club, Bobby B’s Palace, Sailing Emporium, Dennie’s Maple Inn, Dutch Mill, Brass Horse, Sheraton (O.C.), many Yacht clubs, bull roasts, Legion halls, etc…
Photos courtesy of Rich Schwarz.
