Ron Tew (Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar) Originally from North Carolina, Ron formed Sequel in 1985 and still performs with and manages the band today! After traveling across the country from its inception until late 1991 as a high-energy, as many as 8-member dance band in some of the finest venues in the country, Sequel found a home in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Beginning as the house band for “Jack’s Place” in The Adam’s Mark Hotel & Resort on Clearwater Beach, Sequel’s reputation and venues grew year after year. After the closing of “Jack’s Place” at the close of 1999, Sequel played local nightclubs all over the area before moving down Clearwater Beach to Shephard’s Beach Resort, where they were the house band for over 5 years. Besides clubs, Ron and Sequel have performed at numerous private functions, festivals, corporate conventions, weddings, and more and have become one of the most well-known and requested bands all across the state of Florida. Ron has also lent his guitar and vocal talent to many other bands in the area such as Comfort Zone, New Horizons, Christi Vale and others. Ron currently performs as a duo, a trio or a full band and has recently joined forces with Laurie Marks! Sequel also has one specialty project available; “That’s So 80s,” an all-80s costumed variety act!
Laurie Marks (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar) Originally from Wisconsin, Laurie formally studied music at an early age, but it was her trademark, electrifying stage performances that soon earned her a nomination for “best new talent” at the 1985 Wisconsin Area Music Awards (Wammys); a category shared with the Violent Femmes that year! A year later, she formed China Blue, a slick, high-tech top-40 dance band, and became a staple around the Milwaukee/Chicago nightclub circuit; sharing the stage with some of the best, including acts such as Judy Tenuta, Tommy Blaze, Rare Earth and the Romantics. In 1991, Laurie went on to join the well-known Midwest show band, “Bobby Way and the Fabulous Wayouts”, where she performed full-time for the next 5 years. The lure of tropical breezes finally brought Laurie south, where she came across “Flashback Tours,” an established 7-piece legends act, initially in need of a Patsy Cline and Cher tribute! Since that time, her versatility, experience, and stage performances have helped expand Flashback into one of the most popular, classic 50s/60s/variety dance bands in the Tampa Bay area! In addition, Laurie has lent her talent over the years to several commercials, demos and specialty projects and has currently partnered with Ron Tew of the Sequel Band, performing as a duo, trio or full band and the “That’s so 80s” project!
