Biography

THE GRAMS ARE NOMINATED IN 2 CATEGORIES THIS YEAR IN THE 2008 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS!!
- BEST AMERICANA PERFORMER
- BEST AMERICANA RECORDING (for our new CD "LOVE FACTORY")
WINNERS! 2007 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS!!!
WINNERS! 2006 SAN DIEGO MUSIC AWARDS!!!
4 YEARS, 5 NOMINATIONS, 2 WINS!!!
THE GRAMS are a group of musicians featuring three locally acclaimed vituosos. There's singer/songwriter Chuck Schiele - of whom reviewers are frequently prompted to write that, when he sings about soul, you know he has one." And, Craig Yerkes, one of the hottest, most revered lead guitar players in southern California - delivering one gorgeously fierce solo after another. At the age of 14 Guitar Player Magazine was quoted as saying that Craig was playing like a "seasoned pro in jazz, rock, funk and country styles" with no excuses. In San Diego he is undisputably the guitar player's player. Sweet Elise is the exotic beauty who reinvents classical violin by way of experimentation and signal processing. Bart Mendoza of the San Diego Reader and SD Music Matters publications said that she was the defining element in the Grams' sound. The Grams are supported by a stellar rhythm section giving this very edgy acoustic act a rock solid groove.

Together, The Grams begin with a pop, rock, Americana and world music approach to songwriting. Equal parts orchestration/ improvisation. With the overt use of only 2 acoustic guitars - in a variety of virtuosic styles and situations - along with the effects-driven "space" violin, they create a heady blend unique unto themselves. This style is not only melodic, but very, very rhythmic. "Hitting the guitar is part of the fun in The Grams. Whether they are covering tunes out of context, or writing instrumentals based on ancient Persian themes, or just rockin' out - it all comes together in a way that is unique, interesting and fun.

The Grams have been wowing audiences all over Southern California, playing everywhere. Clubs, festival, coffeehouses, Television, FM Radio, Internet radio, you name it, they're busy. The Grams also recently were featured at a special Halloween show in New York City at the world-famous Kenny's Castaways during the Annual Halloween Parade Festival, which takes place in the heart of Greenwich Village.

The Grams were honored to receive a nomination for a San Diego Music Award last year (2005) in the Best Americana Group category even though they'd yet to release their debut CD. Band leader Chuck Schiele had been nominated in 2004 for Best Acoustic Artist. Third time is a charm as this year saw The Grams take home their 2nd SDMA award in a row - in the Best Americana Group category! The artists are nominated by the Awards commitee and foundation members and the voting is open to the public along with the Awards committee so it is an accurate representation of the people's choice as well.

Other information....

Both Chuck Schiele & Craig Yerkes contribute as music writers in the San Diego Music Scene.

Chuck Schiele owns and operates Beach Music Mafia - a music booking and promotions service, with his wife Joanna. Beach Music Mafia specializes in exciting unique music events that not only foster a better local culture, a better music environment - but also gives back to it's community. We help to raise LOTS of money and goods that are donated to great causes such as assisting women and children of abuse and helping challenged families, Toys for Tots, etc. http://myspace.com/beachmusicmafia

Chuck Schiele owns and operates StudiOB, a full-service recording studio, in Ocean Beach, California. http://myspace.com/studiob92107cs

Feel free to contact us for bookings, press and more information!

Chuck Schiele:
mysteriouschuck@cox.net
858 663 9612

Joanna Schiele:
seemack_run@hotmail.com
646.295.4777