telephone: 754-307-6369 | email: bookings@SPANKtheband.com | website: www.SPANKtheband.com
Spanking all of South Florida including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches.
Kevin Doolittle - Guitar & Vocals
"Doolittle is a master of his instrument,” said Dale when asked about his band-mate, “a true phenomenon on the guitar. Some nights I just want to jump off the stage, join the audience and watch him in action."
Kevin Doolittle is a native South Floridian who grew up in the keys and later relocated to Miami. Although he was raised the son of a commercial fisherman, his friends and family always said he was born to play the guitar, a true “ace of the axe”.
Kevin has been dazzling the local music scene for decades and has been in bands including Alias, The Garage Band, Doolittle and Fool's Errand. While his soul is driven by rock and roll, his background includes an extensive repertoire of blues, R&B and jazz in addition to the power chords that most frequently emanate from his rack.
Kevin is a retired bailiff from the Miami-Dade family court system. His last name is oddly appropriate as he has adopted many animals over his lifetime and enjoys birdwatching. Dale Reed - Drums, Percussion & Vocals
Dale Reed is originally from Canton, Ohio and claims to have fled the northern cold to attend the University of Miami “because it's too damn cold to play the drums barefoot in Ohio”.
Dale started his musical stylings at the age of five and has shared the stage with performers ranging from Chuck Mangione to Lenny Kravitz.
During the day, he is forced to don shoes and serves as the Chief Executive Officer South Florida real estate development firm Merrimac Ventures. If he isn't drumming or working, you'll likely find him with his family, watching local sports teams, on his Harley Davidson, or whistling for fish in the Everglades.
How a Fool's Errand became SPANK the band.
“We just need to spank the audience with great music!” That was the solution guitar wielding Kevin Doolittle offered drummer Dale Reed when discussing the band's brand. The two muscian's ‘look’ was perhaps a few years and a few donuts past a ‘trendy' but they knew that their arrangements of rock favorites that spanned multiple decades and genres could generate a jaw dropping musical experience for audiences of all tastes. Thus, the witty, tongue in cheek name for the project was chosen and, in 2014, SPANK the band formed. (What did you think spank meant??...Get your mind out of the gutter!)
However, this was not the first time Dale and Kevin first performed together. The barefoot drummer (Dale Reed) auditioned and played for Kevin Doolittle's original project called Doolittle in the 1990's. Soon after, they formed a cover band called Fool's Errand which enabled them to apply their masterful skills and unique style to crowd favorites from almost every genre.
They joined forces again in 2013 when the duo reunited to perform in a South Florida event band. Soon after, Dale and Kevin decided to form SPANK the band in order to return to their Rock & Roll roots. Dale recruited bassist Robert Sherber to complete the collective of musicians who deliver a fun, unique, party-rock experience to South Florida audiences. Deja Elyze, a multifaceted singer-songwriter, rounds out the band with her stunning voice talent and dynamic stage presence. On special occasions, singer Ariel Bartolo-Kira gleefully adds spunk, levity and jaw-dropping vocals to the band.
Meet the band
Ariel Bartolo-Kira - Vocals
Born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Ariel began guest-singing for local bands at the age of 12 and captivated audiences throughout elementary and high-school playing Rizzo in 3 different productions of Grease, Gigi in Miss Saigon, and numerous other musical-theater productions and talent shows.
At 17 Ariel joined her first cover band, and has performed with variety of Florida based groups such as Roses are Red, Soulflower, Serendipitous, Attica, Tone Rivers, and Pranava, an original Kirtan band singing mantra, and tribute bands including Iconic Women of Rock and True Rumors (Fleetwood Mac).
Ariel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Florida Atlantic University and, in addition to her singing, teaches yoga and cycling at local health and fitness venues. “A vision of mine revolves around the integration of my worlds: academia - the intellect, aerobics - the body, and music - the spirit, into a therapeutically healing practice," Ariel says, "in which I offer my whole, unified Self in sacred service.”
Ariel adds levity and a sprightly twist to the seasoned crew of musicians and the entire band agrees that they are lucky to have her jaw-dropping talent. According to Dale, “Ariel brings an incredible energy and chemistry to Spank's shows, and that dynamic is magnified to the audience a thousand fold. It is a blast to share the stage with her!” Kevin ironically describes the nature-enthusiast as “A freak of nature” Adding, “She is incapable of anything less than perfection."
A long-time member of the Spank family, Ariel's superb vocals can be heard with Spank on special occasions.
Deja Elyze - Vocals
Deja Elyze is a multi-faceted singer/songwriter with a stunning voice and an infectiously positive stage presence. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Deja began singing at local coffee shops when she was 5 years old, and branched out to sing in New York and tri-state area venues as her talents and reputation as a gifted singer grew. As a tween, Deja’s family of avid tennis players relocated to Florida seeking warmer weather and enhanced competitive sporting opportunities. Fortunately for Spank the band and music-loving Floridians, Deja chose the microphone over the racket, and has dazzled the South Florida music scene with originals and covers ever since. In addition to countless performances at local venues, some of Deja’s more notable events include Pitbull’s Mega Stage at Calle Ocho, Sunfest, the Okeechobee Music and Arts Festival, the Florida Music Fest and opening for Jake Miller.
“Audiences tell me how amazing she is at every performance, and I can’t agree more!” says Spank's drummer Dale Reed. “Deja’s vocal range is spectacular. She nails songs by Pat Benatar and Janis Joplin that require a remarkably powerful voice, then turns around and sounds angelic with ballads. Plus she is phenomenal to work with.” That sentiment is shared not only by all members of the band, but by the music community as well. As General Manager at the School of Rock in West Broward, Deja helps children and young adults grow their musical skills and more. The band's bass player Robert Sherber says, “I’ve had the the pleasure to work with Deja at both School of Rock and Spank the band. Students, parents, coworkers…EVERYONE adores her as a musician and as a person. Our band is beyond lucky to have her as lead singer!”
Robert Sherber - Bass Guitar
Robert Sherber is known throughout the South Florida music scene and beyond as phenomenal musician. Kevin describes Rob as, "Rock solid! He establishes a perfect pocket and has impressive solo skills on top of that!" Dale agrees, stating, "We are very fortunate to have such an exceptional musician anchoring the band."
Rob is a native Floridian who attended Dillard School of the Arts and played in the school’s prestigious commercial music ensemble alongside blues prodigy Josh Smith. In 2005, Rob became the bassist for legendary TK recording artist Clarence Reid aka Blowfly, contributing to the album "Blowfly’s Punk Rock Party," appearing in the film “The Weird World of Blowfly” and touring with the group until 2010.
After touring, Rob returned to South Florida to earn a Bachelor's of Arts and a Masters degree in music, both from Florida International University. In addition to his role with SPANK the band, Rob can also be seen performing funk-rock originals with Camel Toe, a Miami-based guitar, bass, drum trio and with Joel Da Silva a nationally touring blues band.