Whitby and District Rifle Club
Regular Entertainers at Whitby and District Rifle Club
Ray Randall 
Born in London, Ray started playing guitar in his early teens - inspired and influenced by the music of Buddy Holly. After writing a couple of songs with Paul Nicholas and playing in various bands Ray eventually joined "The Tornados" as bass guitarist from 1963-66, backing such prestigious artists as Billy Fury. He continued his career until 1972 when he retired from the music business but in 1996 he wrote and recorded Ray Randall's Tornados Limited Edition CD - a tribute to the late Joe Meek, 30 years after Joe's death. (Joe was "The Tornados" manager). 
Carl Robinson 
Carl Robinson is well known around Whitby as being one of the best guitarists in the town. 
He started playing guitar as a youngster and one of his stage tricks is to play the instrument behind his head, a-la Jimmi Hendrix. 
People are urged to turn up and marvel at his virtuosity. 
Keith Swales 
Keith’s mum and dad were very popular singers in the 50s and 60s so he grew up singing along to all the popular tunes of that time. He started playing guitar at the age of 15 along with a couple of friends on keyboard and drums practicing regularly in an old shed at his friends house in Lythe, one day in the Whitby gazette was an advertisement for a talent contest at a local hotel as they were looking for a resident band, Keith and his friends went along and after competing against three other bands won and got the job.  
Mik James 
Mik James the singing bar manager established on Whitby’s music scene and taking it by storm, performer music from the 70's, 80's 90's through to current chart music. 
Robson Field 
Genre - Rock N Roll, Instrumental, 50's/60's Pop 
Musical Influences 
The Shadows, Billy Fury, Cliff Richard, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbsion 
Mike Mendelsohn  
Mike the singing quoits player taking the Yorkshire Dales by storm 
Mark Liddell 
Mark is known as Mr WHITBY 
 
Past Band Members 
 So many! But the most important are the genius of Paul Whittaker, Charles O'Conner and the brilliant Chris Parkinson (All three my dream band!!!} Previous members Anth Lavery,Josh Walker,Garry Trillo.Geoff Grady,Norman Atkinson,Andy Lennon, Jimmy Puller, John Ross,Edwin(The George Harrison and John Lennon of Whitby!) Hart, Neil Trillo,Mike Shaw,and the fab Steve Dodsworth thanks for being better than brilliant!! 
Musical Influences 
Mike Trillo (he started it all of for me) John Patey(The most talented and humble person I have ever met R.I.P.)Josh Walker(My oldest friend) Jean Scales(My most loyal and best friend ever! I don't deserve you!) And finally Paul (The best like minded and truly talented musician in the world). 
Vin Garbutt 
Vin Garbutt is one of the best known performers on the music scene today, and one of the most sought-after. It is no surprise. His song-writing is witty and powerful, tracking thought-provoking issues which other prefer to avoid, and he is an accomplished guitarist and fine whistle player. 
Vin has been working non-stop since 1969, touring all over the world as well as playing in virtually every part of this 'sceptred isle'. Despite the years of performing, the songs always remain fresh and vibrant, and the repertoire is always changing. Vin is also genuinely funny, and his quirky observations of life are always very much part of the act, delighting audiences everywhere. 
In 2001, he was nominated as both 'Best Folk Singer' and 'Best Live Act' in the Radio 2 Folk awards, and awarded the latter. He was also recently awarded an honorary Masters Degree at Teeside University for his services to music and the region. 
There is no better or more popular performer around, Folk on Tap said of him recently, 
"the diversity and controversial nature of his powerful, thought-provoking self-penned songs performed with passion, integrity and sincere belief in the subject matter earn him universal respect. Add to this his wealth of traditional sounds, fun songs, fine musicianship, a zany and rare wit, with introductions which could send his audiences 'rolling in the aisles', and you have the ingredients for the perfect recipe for success." 
We couldn't have put it better ourselves. Vin is a superb performer and a real audience pleaser. 
Wett n Wilde 
Wett 'n' Wilde are a variety act who specialise in impressions (they can do Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Dolly Parton and even Pavarotti). 
Have been in the 'biz for 51 years, worked in Las Vegas and Pamela even auditioned for New Faces in 1971 alongside Jim Davidson. They're fascinating people, and adorable to boot ("Are you a couple?" we asked. "No, we're soulmates," they replied).  
Dave Alexander 
Dave plays and sings with real passion and soul. His conviction when performing is very engaging. 
His interpretations of songs are full of respect with accurate reference to the original versions, but also uniquely personal to him. 
Profile 
Guitarist / Vocals With over 25 years of experience as a professional musician, Dave Alexander continues to hone his talent. Constantly looking to evolve musically and technically he builds on strengths that seem so natural, it's as if music is "just what he does." 
Dave has an incredibly flexible and soulful voice which he uses so well to shape the emotional curves in all the songs he sings. He compliments this with polished guitar playing that pays homage to the likes of greats such as Gary Moore, Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton. 
Prior to his solo career Dave played with various bands. He played lead guitar, bass guitar and keyboards in various outfits. His instrumental ability enabled him to produce his own custom backing tracks for his solo show as well as for others. In the early days good backing tracks for guitarists were hard to obtain which meant Dave had to work hard to build his show himself. 
Dave Alexander has always been driven musically. His love of all music has meant he is genuinely versatile and if he performs it - it's gonna be good! He's worked solo mainly for the last twenty years with odd excursions into bands during this period. He doesn't cover everything as a solo artist. He's very intelligent and knows how to ring only a few changes and change the flow of his show to make it enjoyable for many audiences. What he does play, he plays so well that the audience is sold. 
Dave is constantly increasing his repertoire which includes sequenced backing and compact but effective computerised lighting which he programs himself. In addition to this he has a full show of acoustic material for venues that prefer this or those that enjoy a mix of electric and acoustic. There's plenty to look forward to from Dave Alexander in the future! Sequenced backing and compact but effective computerised lighting which he programs himself. In addition to this he has a full show of acoustic material for venues that prefer this or those that enjoy a mix of electric and acoustic. There's plenty to look forward to from Dave Alexander in the future! sequenced backing and compact but effective computerised lighting which he programs himself. In addition to this he has a full show of acoustic material for venues that prefer this or those that enjoy a mix of electric and acoustic. There's plenty to look forward to from Dave Alexander in the future!