Michelle - Keyboards and Vocals
Michelle started playing the piano at the age of 6. She studied music and completed Grade 8 in 1972. She continued to study and by the age of 16 Michelle was playing 11 instruments. She journaled through writing songs and to date has over 150 original songs. She began her professional career in 1977 with two other female musicians and the harmony of that band named "Tiara" is still remembered as one of the best trios in the Niagara region.
In 2012 Michelle was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. She fought her way to remission and gives credit to not only the Lord and her support team but also to music. She continues now with a group of musicians that she is honoured to play with. At the age of 56 she still loves her 50's and 60's music and says "I have to work really hard to get out of that box and these are the people that know how to delicately bring me out. LOL"
Kim - Lead Vocals & Percussion
Frank - Drums
Lorenzo - Bass and Backing Vocals
AJ - Lead & Rythm Guitar & Vocals
Kim became passionate about music at an early age. Standing around her mother's piano belting out show tunes was a common practice. Kim's professional debut was launched with a trio named "NorthEnd." This band is known for it's stellar three part harmonies, specializing in Crosby, Stills and Nash, and the like. Kim is currently thrilled to be the lead vocalist in the classic rock band "OFF THE GRID." Her wide vocal range is a pleasure to hear as she effortlessly cranks out a Journey tune and then sweetly croons a song like "Hallelujah."
AJ was just a teenager when he began exploring the distorted vibrations of the electric guitar. Ever since his first experience with creating music; AJ was devoted to practicing for hours every day, discovering more about the instrument. Soon learning about all the different types of guitars; their histories and the various ways of playing them.
AJ found himself developing as a contemporary musician and has played and travelled throughout Northern and Southern Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in a variety of rock and country rock bands including Sam Crosby and the Cavalry, Danny Thompson and Gunsmoke, Bourbon Street, Shanty Town, Ain’t Gonna Happen, Deborah Ross and the Motor City Review, and James Doolin and the Mob.
AJ is comfortable in an acoustic setting, full ensemble, or improvisational jam session.
Lorenzo is a Sr. IT Specialist by day and professional musician by evening. Starting off as a drummer earlier on and eventually learning guitar and bass at an early age has helped shape Lorenzo's talents.
Lorenzo has a deep musical passion that runs in the family. He's played in the local band scene for many years and has even joined his brothers on stage hammering the GTA rock scene. Music is a passion for Lorenzo with many of his rock mentors evident in his playing style. Whether it is the Beatles, the Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin or originals - you're sure to enjoy Lorenzo laying down the back beat with some rock & funk bass with the rest of the OTG band.
Frank is proud to call Welland home, the city he was born and raised in. He comes from a family with a variety of musical talent. His late father emigrated from Italy as an established Trumpet player who was a well respected member of the music community in the Niagara area since the 1960s. Growing up with this musical influence in the house played a key role in Frank becoming a musician.
In 1979 at the age of 11 he received his first set of Stewart drums and the musical journey began. Although he’s had many musical inspirations throughout this time, Frank prides his “time-keeping” ability as a self-taught drummer.
Frank has been on and off the music grid since the 1990s backing many local bands, but is now very excited about joining Off The Grid. He hopes to see you out there supporting our local establishments and our great musical community in Niagara!