Columbia based classic rock and Top-40 band formed in 1981. Original members were Gazarra ‘Gazz’ Liles (guitar), Paul Beckwith (bass), David Chiarenza (keyboards), Rob Bain (drums ex-Brittany), and Steve Feldman (lead vocalist from Los Angeles California, once a member of Iron Butterfly), adding Charlie Doyle (guitar).
The first lineup placed third in the 1981 Ellicott City Rec Center Battle of the Bands contest, and their original song “Don’t Turn Around Now” (produced by Bobby Hird and Lee Townsend) was heard on 98 Rock.
Membership changes included Feldman being replaced with Jeanne Wunderer (vocals, piano), who was in turn replaced with Jacki Rose (lead vocals ex-Misty Harbor). David Heymann joined as a second guitarist around 1995. Gazz later left and Heymann continued as main guitarist. Bassist Beckwith was replaced with John Silvestre, who was in turn replaced with Dan Gleason, then finally Jeff Woodworth. Keyboardist Chiarenza was replaced with Steve Grubb, then Jose Rorig. Guitarist Shawn Shanahan joined group in ‘90s.
Chiarenza (center)
Trixter ads April-May 1986
Trixster performed at Chatham Lounge, Poncabird Pub, Maxwell’s, 15 Mile House, Anchor Inn, Sneaker’s, Brass Rail, McDougall’s, Shamrock Pub, University of Baltimore, Howard Community College, Purple Moose (O.C.)… They won Ocean City’s Best Band on the Beach award in 1992.
1992(CS) Hit and Run / Hard Heart to Break
