The Berry Brothers Band: About the Band

About the Band

The Berry Brothers Band (formerly known as The Starters) got together on an impromptu basis on May 2, 2005 to play a benefit for Calvin Russell's former guitarist, Gary Craft, at Poodie's, an Austin-area club on Highway 71. Since then, they haven't looked back! These boys perform their Classic Country tunes with remarkable energy and an ear towards capturing the real musical flavor of each song and the time it came from. Collectively, The Berry Brothers Band has many years of practical musical experience, and they still love to play.

Members

Pictured from left to right: Gary, John, Steve and Ray

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Gary Berry
- Lead guitar and Lead Vocals
- Gary Don Berry was born in the small South Texas town of Refugio. He became interested in music after listening to his Dad and uncles playing guitars and fiddles. But, it was not until his brother Ray started playing in a band that Gary became inspired to play the electric guitar. After starting his own band, “The Mourning Sun” in his teens, Gary and his brother later formed the “Berry Brothers Band” and played clubs across Texas from Laredo to Lufkin. As a member of the band, “Showdown” from Beeville, he opened up for acts such as Reba McIntyre, Johnny Rodriquez, and others. After moving to Austin to start a family, he remained active playing music in local bands such as “Shirley Graff and Roadrunner”, “Texas Special”, “Native Sons”, and “The Lawmen”. A founding member of “The Starters”, he continues playing the Classic Rock that he loves.
Ray Berry
- Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals
- Ray Clinton Berry was born January 16, 1950 in Refugio Texas. Ray began playing guitar when he was 13 years old. He played the acoustic/electric guitar for 15 years and then switched to playing the electric bass guitar. He played guitar and sang in a rock and roll band named “The Portly Dragon” while in high school. After graduating high school Ray and his brother Gary teamed up with other musicians to form several other bands throughout the years. In the 80’s they played and sang with a band named “Showdown” that played a wide range of music from rock and roll, Blues, and Country Western. “Showdown” was the opening act for George Strait, Reba McIntyre, Johnny Rodriguez, Lee Greenwood and Charlie McClain. In 2005 Ray and Gary along with other musicians formed the band, “The Starters.” Ray continues to play with passion great hit songs of Classic Rock, The Blues and some occasional Country tunes to this day.
Steve Surels
- Drums
- Steve Surels has been a drummer for 37 years. Hailing from Beverly, MA he has played in local bands such as “Open Road”, in a second generation of the “Open Road” band playing mostly oldies before moving on. He landed a gig with “Direct Effect” out of Haverhill, MA a cover band playing primarily music from the Grunge era. Shortly before relocating to the surrounding Austin, Texas area Steve was in “The Acetylene Suns” playing B-side rock. Since he's been in the Austin area, Steve has played in “The Baby Boomer's”, re-named “Hit-n-Run” before moving on with “The Starter's” in 2008.
John Milburn
- Keyboards and Backup Vocals
- John Mark Milburn was born September 8, 1950 in St. Petersburg Florida. At 10 years old he took piano lessons for 3 years. In Jr. High School he learned to play the trombone and was in the marching band. After realizing that girls really liked guys who played in a rock band he taught himself how to play guitar and formed a band called “The Marauders”. He played in and out of bands all through High School and College. After getting married and raising a family he took a hiatus from playing music and focused on his family and engineering career. After his children were grown he began playing the keyboards again in 1995 in a variety of bands from country western, blues and rock. He’s been with “The Starters” band since 2006 and continues to enjoy playing Classic Rock music with great friends who share the same musical enthusiasm.

About the Band

Members

Gary Berry

Lead guitar and Lead Vocals

Ray Berry

Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals

Steve Surels

Drums

John Milburn

Keyboards and Backup Vocals