The band was founded last year by Brent Hastings , a professional musician who played in blues bands for many years . Described by other band members as an “ awesome ” harmonica player , Brent also leads and coaches band members , hosts rehearsals at his home and provides the group ’ s professional sound equipment . Brent ’ s wife Maureen , a professional singer , is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Iowa where she sang for some 48 years with the wellknown band Milk & Honey . According to Brent , Maureen “ cracks the whip ” to make sure all of the band ’ s harmonies work .
With a name inspired by Jimmy Buffett ’ s Coral Reefer Band and its rehearsal location on Coral Reef Way , the Coral Reef Corner Band is unusual as garage bands go . Seven of the band ’ s 12 members are long-time professional musicians and five are guys who just love to play music . Together , they ’ ve been drawing fans from all over town to watch rehearsals and gigs .
Other members include Tom Gromball ( The Piano Man ), piano player and music director ; Coleman Easterly , keytar , piano and vocals ; Keith Russell lead guitar and vocals ; Rich Morris , acoustic guitar and vocals ; Gordy Hardwick , steel drums and vocals ; Rick Cevallos , drums ; Gene Schmidt , acoustic guitar and vocals ; Bruce Blick , bass and drums ; Doug Mayes , acoustic guitar and vocals , and Jeff Moss , bass player and music coach .