Mary Spayd (Vocals, Piano, Flute, Percussion)
Mary Spayd was Born into a musical family, her uncle the late Gary Spayd was a regionally known “Big Band” leader. Mary’s father “Ed” Spayd was the first Sousaphone performer with the historic “Hobo Band” at the Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky Ohio. Mary’s music experience began through the opportunity of marching band, concert band, jazz band and choir. Mary’s principal instrument is her voice, and she has developed professional skills on the piano and flute. Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, at the Bowling Green State University, after receiving an actor’s scholarship to attend. Mary spent her childhood and early adult years performing in local community theatres. Mary has also worked consistently in a variety of music or music business related activities. This work ranges from backup and lead vocalist in several bands, recording numerous Radio commercial/voiceovers, and children’s storytelling workshop which she authored. When not on stage performing, Mary has also spent many years sub-teaching in various Ohio school districts, where she would be known as the “rock star teacher” or “the singing substitute”. Among Mary’s many talents, she has successfully taught nearly every academic subject.
Glenn Armstrong (Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Keyboards/Synth, Percussion) was also born into a musical family. Both of his grandfathers were active musicians, one a guitar player/singer in church and the other a respected trumpet player in New Orleans and Mississippi. Glenn’s mother is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, and praise dancer.
Glenn's father, the late Gene Armstrong, Sr. recorded sessions at Motown records while in Detroit Michigan. Glenn's father formed a family band and Glenn began performing live music on percussion at the age of 5, along with his 3 older brothers. Glenn continued to perform on drums/percussion all through his school years, including marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. Glenn studied music theory at The Cleveland Music Settlement and was a percussion major at the Ohio State University, having studied with the late professor Dr. James Moore. Glenn has also performed with several orchestras on concert percussion and bass guitar. Glenn has also performed in the orchestra for several musicals and began teaching percussion/drum set at a local music store. The music opportunities continued to grow for Glenn, and in 1992 he got to perform in a drum clinic with the late William F. Ludwig Sr.
In 1995 Glenn established Strongarm Entertainment with a continued focus on live performance. One of the first projects Glenn took on, was an Elvis tribute show. Glenn spent several years producing and performing in the Elvis tribute on Bass Guitar. Glenn met Mary when she began signing backing vocals for the Elvis Tribute. While traveling for the Elvis Shows, Glenn and Mary would listen to music, sing songs, and share ideas about someday having a show of their own. Mary and Glenn’s first performance as the Duo, occurred in the mid 2000’s on-air at a Christmas radio broadcast. Mary and Glenn soon began working together with other tribute and cover bands, before deciding in 2011 to finally form their own band. While performing countless venues throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New York, Mary and Glenn were able to develop a concept for the performances. The Bridge Live! was finally born out of the history of two best friends!
Mary Spayd was Born into a musical family, her uncle the late Gary Spayd was a regionally known “Big Band” leader. Mary’s father “Ed” Spayd was the first Sousaphone performer with the historic “Hobo Band” at the Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky Ohio. Mary’s music experience began through the opportunity of marching band, concert band, jazz band and choir. Mary’s principal instrument is her voice, and she has developed professional skills on the piano and flute. Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, at the Bowling Green State University, after receiving an actor’s scholarship to attend. Mary spent her childhood and early adult years performing in local community theatres. Mary has also worked consistently in a variety of music or music business related activities. This work ranges from backup and lead vocalist in several bands, recording numerous Radio commercial/voiceovers, and children’s storytelling workshop which she authored. When not on stage performing, Mary has also spent many years sub-teaching in various Ohio school districts, where she would be known as the “rock star teacher” or “the singing substitute”. Among Mary’s many talents, she has successfully taught nearly every academic subject.
Glenn Armstrong (Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals, Keyboards/Synth, Percussion) was also born into a musical family. Both of his grandfathers were active musicians, one a guitar player/singer in church and the other a respected trumpet player in New Orleans and Mississippi. Glenn’s mother is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, and praise dancer.
Glenn's father, the late Gene Armstrong, Sr. recorded sessions at Motown records while in Detroit Michigan. Glenn's father formed a family band and Glenn began performing live music on percussion at the age of 5, along with his 3 older brothers. Glenn continued to perform on drums/percussion all through his school years, including marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. Glenn studied music theory at The Cleveland Music Settlement and was a percussion major at the Ohio State University, having studied with the late professor Dr. James Moore. Glenn has also performed with several orchestras on concert percussion and bass guitar. Glenn has also performed in the orchestra for several musicals and began teaching percussion/drum set at a local music store. The music opportunities continued to grow for Glenn, and in 1992 he got to perform in a drum clinic with the late William F. Ludwig Sr.
In 1995 Glenn established Strongarm Entertainment with a continued focus on live performance. One of the first projects Glenn took on, was an Elvis tribute show. Glenn spent several years producing and performing in the Elvis tribute on Bass Guitar. Glenn met Mary when she began signing backing vocals for the Elvis Tribute. While traveling for the Elvis Shows, Glenn and Mary would listen to music, sing songs, and share ideas about someday having a show of their own. Mary and Glenn’s first performance as the Duo, occurred in the mid 2000’s on-air at a Christmas radio broadcast. Mary and Glenn soon began working together with other tribute and cover bands, before deciding in 2011 to finally form their own band. While performing countless venues throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New York, Mary and Glenn were able to develop a concept for the performances. The Bridge Live! was finally born out of the history of two best friends!
Additional Bio for Glenn Armstrong
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