CalProg 2006  - Line-up Change

**Press Release June 20, 2006**

It is probably a festival planner’s worst nightmare that a band would cancel at the last minute because the ripple effects can be far-reaching. And yet, from time to time it happens. The drummer for Presto Ballet abruptly and without notice quit the band last week. The band scrambled to try to find a replacement drummer that would allow them to still carry out the gig, but with so little time they decided it would be best to withdraw rather than to risk going on unprepared.

But fortunately, CalProg has great friends and supporters! You may have heard that the band “Rocket Scientists” has recently returned to the studio to record a new album. From their press release:  

( Los Angeles , 12 June 2006) Acclaimed American progressive rock legends Rocket Scientists have returned to the studio after an 8-year hiatus and are proud to announce the forthcoming release of their new epic double album, "Revolution Road".  Combining Rocket Scientists' extraordinary blend of melodic and memorable songwriting with adventurous instrumental fireworks, "Revolution Road" takes the band to new heights of artistic achievement. Founding members Mark McCrite (guitar, vocals), Erik Norlander (keyboards) and Don Schiff (NS/Stick) started writing and demoing songs for the album in 2002 and even played some California concert dates. But following the loss of their drummer, Shaun Guerin, the project was put on hold...

Well, CalProg alum Erik Norlander was gracious enough to step up and accept our offer to fill the spot vacated by PB. Rocket Scientists heavy blend of traditional synth oriented progressive rock with NS/stick and lively percussion fits perfectly into the CalProg musical landscape and will be a real treat for festival attendees. If you are unfamiliar with their music, there will be samples posted on the www.calprog.com website for you to listen to. We are extremely grateful to them for rearranging their schedules to help us with such short notice.

We are sorry to make this change at such a late date, but we beg your indulgence and thank you for understanding and for your continuing support. See you in a couple of weeks!

 Jim @ CalProg

PS: Here’s some bio info:

The band members are ...
Mark McCrite - guitar, vocals
Erik Norlander - keyboards
Don Schiff - NS/Stick
David McBee - vocals
ToBe Announced – Drums

Rocket Scientists was formed in the late 1980s by keyboardist Erik Norlander and vocalist / guitarist Mark McCrite. The two released their first CD, "Earthbound", in 1993 joined by then - session bassist Don Schiff. Schiff quickly became a part of the band for their second release in 1995, "Brutal Architecture", and the three toured in the US and Europe in 1997 along with drummer Tommy Amato culminating in the live CD, "Earth Below and Sky Above: Live in Europe and America ". In 1999, Rocket Scientists released "Oblivion Days", raising the bar on already high expectations. At the turn of the century, Norlander, Schiff and McCrite all worked on solo projects in addition to backing symphonic rock vocal icon, Lana Lane on several tours around the world. The fall of 2006 will bring the band's fourth studio album, "Revolution Road", a bold statement from these accomplished artists.

http://www.thetank.com