Where did The IMPACT Band (known earlier as the Full Impact Band) come from?

Here’s your answer:

In 1992, two brothers decided to put together a band. Greg Wolfgang had just returned from military duty in the Middle East in operation Desert Storm. Bob Wolfgang was working for an engineering firm. They shared a common goal: to put together a dance / party band and start playing clubs in the Harrisburg area. Both Greg and Bob were vocalists, so they started calling musicians and networking to find band members. Shortly thereafter, the Full Effect Band was born. The band went on to become the most popular dance band in central PA., playing the biggest clubs in the area and drawing the biggest crowds. They started playing bigger clubs out of the area: Philadelphia, Baltimore, shore points, etc. Greg left that band in the spring of 1999 and Bob left later that same year.

In January 2000, Greg and Bob decided to put together another band. Greg called Glenn Kuhns, a saxophone player they had worked with before and one of the best in the area. Glenn recommended drummer Jeff Cox and keyboardist Greg Touloumes - having worked with them in the Jimmy D Band. Then Jeff called Chuck Seay, considered to be the premier R&B bass player in Harrisburg. Jeff and Chuck had worked together in the Daine Paul Russell Band. Greg then called Antonio Fountain, the guitarist who had just left their previous band. “There isn’t a better rhythm guitarist in town than Tone B !” says drummer Jeff Cox. Trumpet player Steve Walthius had worked with Full Effect before and more recently with Blitz Dynette. While a great trumpet player, Steve's background is symphonic and classical - but you've got to hear him do his Louis Armstrong solo. Steve then got in touch with Bill Gingrich, Harrisburg's premier trombonist (and the only trombonist who wears a beeper) also formerly with Blitz Dynette, and he joined the band. Bill Gingrich then contacted lifelong friend, partner in numerous musical crimes, and the Godfather of horn players in central PA.- Bill Perbetsky. Bill is head of the music department at Susquehanna High School and is regarded as the best on trumpet and flugelhorn in town!

Jeff Falcone, a vocalist well known to central Pennsylvania audiences, joined the band after leaving as lead vocalist for Full Effect. Jeff brings unparalleled energy on and off the stage. Keep your eyes open at our gigs, because Jeff is gonna' be climbing something!

Bob Wolfgang retired from the band in 2001 but his influences remain. With Bob’s background in soul music, he was a driving force in building the band and it’s organization, as well as the band’s direction, and he’s always welcome back on stage.
Greg Wolfgang left the band in August 2009 and we wish him the best.

Change being the one constant with any larger band, we started working with a new horn section in 2007.

Mike Yinger on trombone and vocals brings a wealth of musical knowledge, an unparalleled ability on the trombone, and great vocals to our stage. Mike teaches trombone, guitar, and bass, and he also writes the horn charts for our band. In addition to The IMPACT Band, Mike Yinger plays with another band, Soulgrass Freedom Junction, and plays guitar in the pit orchestra at the Allenberry Theater.
Mike's brother Dave Yinger played saxophone with the band in 2007 and continues to sub when needed.
Matt Bowman, a Berklee grad and former member of Big Tubba Mista, is one of the area's finest trumpet players.
Mike Evans rounds out the horn section with his incredible talent on saxophone. Mike also played with Big Tubba Mista which is where he and Matt got to know each other.
The youngest member of the band, female vocalist Deyna Spizzirri, started working with the band in January 2010.
The newest vocalist in the band, Sam Eisenhuth, came on board in May 2010.
In June 2010, the band was fortunate to be joined by Forrest Brown on guitar. Forrest, who founded Blitz Dynette, worked with Full Effect, and still works with a band out of Baltimore called Radiant, brings a wealth of experience along with his unparalleled guitar skills.

So there’s the short story on The IMPACT Band. Ten musicians - throwin’ the funk at cha’ - just playin’ that groove that makes you move ! The band covers music from the 1970’s through 2010: Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Tower of Power, the Ohio Players, and KC & the Sunshine Band - all the way up through Justin Timberlake, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and the Black Eyed Peas. Their version of “Smooth” brings down the house. Once you’ve heard them do their “Play That Funky Music” medley, you’ll know what we mean when we call them the “groove merchants” !!

You can send them an e-mail to: TheImpactBand@aol.com - and they will add your address to their e-mail list.