Plainfield Area Musicians Form Supergroup "Alter Ego"

Twyla Sokolewicz from Plainfield, who is a dynamic, powerful and versatile singer with the unique ability to deliver a variety of songs with sparkling showmanship, charm and personality that keeps audiences engaged and entertained. Her professional career started in the 1980’s and took her to Nashville where she recorded the Billboard Top 40 record, “Cheatin Side of Life”, a collaboration with Dave Kirschner, her musical partner at that time. The record was followed by a national tour, and the accolades of fans and peers, resulting in her winning awards from Country Music Showcase for “female vocalist of the year”, “entertainer of the year”, and “vocal duo of the year” for the hit song.  In the 90’s Twyla became an in-demand singer on the Chicago music scene, taking the microphone for 12-years as lead vocalist for SideKix, one of Chicagoland’s most successful corporate/wedding bands. With Sidekix, she performed at nearly every major venue in the region, including a long run as house band at the renowned Radisson Star Plaza in Merrillville, considered a must-perform venue for nearly every major national entertainer. 

Bob Zak, from Plainfield, has been entertaining audiences in the Chicago area for more than 30 years.  He has played drums in some of the most successful Chicago area classic rock and oldies bands including The 45rpm Band, and The Silhouettes, among others. And he has also been behind the radio microphone as a disc jockey on numerous classic rock and oldies stations and can currently be heard on 95.9fm The River. He has been the voice of hundreds of radio commercials.  In addition to the drums, Bob also will play the keyboards and guitar on occasion, and sing a song or two, a rare feat for a drummer.  His drumming style is heavily influenced by Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts.

Mike Griffin, from Plainfield, is one of the group's two guitar players. Originally a piano player, Mike converted to guitar at the age of 12 and never looked back, playing in his first band in high school at local dances and block parties. After college he joined the lineup of the very popular band, Climbing Vines, performing original music at some of Chicago’s hottest clubs including Park West, Cabaret Metro, and Cubby Bar, among others, where they would share the bill with such nationally known bands as Pearl Jam, Soul Asylum and Urge Overkill. More recently Mike was a member of the popular group, Higher Octane, for 7-years, playing clubs and festivals in northern Illinois. Mike continues to be an in-demand player on the Chicago music scene with the unique ability to play lead, rhythm, or bass guitar, with a style that is heavily influenced by early American blues players and British blues musicians who took it one step further.

Deb Sweet, from Plainfield, the groups bass player, is not only a musician, but also has credits as an actress and international model. Long before she was recognized as an accomplished bass player, Debra mastered the flute at an early age and was offered scholarships at both the Juliard School of Music and a Musical Conservatory in France. Debra's natural charm and comfort in front of an audience and the camera landed her two major modeling/acting contracts with Elite and Ford Models. She appeared in numerous magazines and as well as acting roles in film, television, and commercials. However, with a lifelong dream of being a musician, getting back to her rock & roll roots has been a top priority for her. Debra has performed with the top Chicago area rock bands, Tremble & Shake, and Cougar. She also records and performs for Mickey Oliver an original Hotmix 5 DJ and 2012 Grammy semifinalist with Universal/Del Oro Records. 

Beth Walker, from Elmhurst, is the groups keyboard player, a classically trained pianist who started playing at the age of 9. While learning everything from Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, to Liszt; Beth always made sure her instructor threw pop/rock music into the mix. At the age of 14, Beth was playing professionally from Broadway scores for local musical productions. But her heart has always been with rock and now she’s here to stay. Beth’s classical training has given her the foundation to play the most advanced rock keyboard songs and solos. Before joining Alter Ego, Beth was a member of rock cover band “On The Rocks”, and a Christian rock band at her church. Some of Beth’s influences include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Elton John.

Matt Szejda, a Wheaton resident, is the groups other lead guitarist. Originally from the Motor City area, Matt’s early musical influences were his 45’s, AM radio and his Mom’s Burt Bacharach records. At age 12 he flipped an acoustic to lefty, and quickly found he could figure out songs by ear. His first 3-piece, The Strikers, was followed by bands through College and ‘the circuit’ in Chicago. Solo efforts and collaborative work ensure that he rarely sets his guitar down long. Matt most recently held down the lead guitar spot for Chicago’s the Abbey’s / Everly Hillbillies, (featuring Edan Donald Everly). Sonically Matt is a purist, reveling in Rock Guitar’s legacy. “I have come to a realization that the more I learn about making music, the more there is to know. What a gift the music is to all of us!”
 
The group Alter Ego was formed in 2012 and can be heard at venues throughout Chicagoland and will be headlining at Harrah's Casino as well as many area festivals in 2014.

To learn more about Alter Ego you can visit the bands website to hear the band, see photos, and view their performance schedule.  www.AlterEgo-Rocks.com