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Mary Emelio is originally from Beverly Beach, Maryland. In the 70s, she played in contemporary bands around the Annapolis area, including the Clam Festival, the Annapolis Arts Festivals and the "mature folks" home circuits. She has played many wedding services and was featured on the radio for a local church service. In the early 90s, after moving to Delaware, she played in various bands: Dammit Janet, Blush, Girl Friday, and Missing Erica. Missing Erica was her favorite band to date. They did all-original music and played in NY, NJ, PA, MD, and DE. Sadly, they broke up after their first CD release. Upon moving to PA in 2006, she joined a local girl band Delta Jelly and played in local clubs in the area. Her most recent project Sister Beat, allows her to still play some original work with some very talented women, bringing her music to a whole new level. Her influences come from many sources – guitarists Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Nancy Wilson (Heart), and BB King. Her dream is to leave a musical mark in her lifetime by being part of a successful band, writing songs that touch people’s lives, and by writing the song of year. |
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Becky Mohr lives in Dallastown, PA and plays rhythm guitar for Sister Beat. She is also a member of the “SPIRIT” Praise band at church. Becky began playing guitar when she was ten years old. Her father was a huge influence in her love of guitar and music, and she is forever grateful to both her mother and father for their support. Becky has accompanied soloists for weddings, talent shows, and played backup for church choirs. Her favorite soloist to work with was her father. Becky has a wide range of musical influences and inspirations, such as Chicago, Enigma, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, Crosby Stills and Nash, and Vicki Poole (Sister Beat). After more than 20 years of not playing guitar, Becky’s had two wonderful opportunities for playing music again. She never imagined, at this age, that she would be in a band! She doesn’t have any great expectations, or aspirations with this new adventure, but would be grateful if our music touches just one person the way music has touched her life. |
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Vicki Poole hails originally from Maryland, but migrated to Pennsylvania over 20 years ago, and is Sister Beat's other bassist. Her early influence for music was from her uncle, who encouraged her to play the oboe. Vicki played in the middle and high school bands, along with both Maryland's All-County Band and Orchestra. After 6 years of oboe, Vicki envisioned playing more instruments, so went on to learn percussion, sax, trumpet, and baritone: all self-taught. She currently plays with the Westminster Municipal Band, and can be found either in the Baritone or the Percussion line, and havin' a ball doing either! Her newest adventure is playing (or playing at) the bass guitar. She plays with the S.P.I.R.I.T. band at church, and is now just thrilled to be part of Sister Beat, a new all-girl band with big dreams! Vicki's musical and lyrical influences stem from Ani Difranco, Melissa Etheridge, Joe Jackson, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong. It's been a fun journey along the way, and she hopes to continue with the same energy that she started with - and the sisters in Sister Beat are “on fire!” |
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Although she considers the Harrisburg area her home, Jody hails from Lancaster, PA. She started playing drums in high school, and after winning an audition at Hershey Park at age seventeen, became a member of an all female county-rock band. At age nineteen she played in a band that opened for Loretta Lynn. Shortly afterwards, a popular radio show host began admiring Jody's unique style of playing old country tunes with a rock feel. Jody's style was reminiscent of a Nashville newcomer, who was putting together a band. Unfortunately, Jody turned down an audition with this newcomer, and found out later the guy's name was Garth Brooks...she's been kickin’ herself ever since. Throughout her musical career Jody has played with many local bands, including Girls Club and Delta Jelly. Although she has always enjoyed entertaining people, Jody has had the most fun playing and singing with other female musicians for diverse audiences. |
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Cathy Nelson originally hails from Staten Island, NY. Prior to her arrival in PA she played violin in school and community orchestras, and sang and played guitar in church groups. Soon after moving she joined the Central PA Womyn's Chorus, and remains a singer and board member. She then sang with the all-women band, TLO Stone Soup. Some of her most memorable singing adventures include singing backup for Nell Carter and Judy Collins, as well as singing at Carnegie Hall, under the direction of Tim Seelig. Cathy does solo work around the area, singing in coffeehouses, for church services, wedding and funerals, and for fundraisers. She is very excited to once again be singing in a band, especially with her sisters. |
 | Amy Shestack is Sister Beat's other bassist. She has gravitated to the bass as it echoes the deep thoughts she contemplates. Actually, Amy has been playing music most of her life and has some aptitude with myriad instruments. She is intensely inquisitive about all styles and traditions of music and has quite the eclectic collection of music. This is Amy's first stint in a band and it's a fantasy come true. |