Meet The Band
Motor City Shakedown started with a group of musicians who share a love for music and wanted to pay tribute to one of their favorite rock legends. With years of collective experience, we have honed our craft and perfected our sound. Our dedication to our music and our audience is what sets us apart and makes us the ultimate choice for live performances, and private events.
Scott Van Teeffelen
Scott is a lifelong musician, songwriter, and performer from Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay). He excelled in music performance from a young age, often achieving top honors at music festivals. Scott began songwriting in his mid-teens, aspiring for a recording career. Although he never pursued it full-time, he continued to write, record, and perform. In 2003, he connected with producer Randall Cousins, leading to the recording project "North," which gained global airplay and charted in southern Europe and has since and has released two studio albums and several singles. He has shared the stage with country legends like Don Williams, Marty Stewart, Gil Grand, Tracy Lawrence, Beverly Mahood, George Canyon and Trace Adkins.
In the immortal words of Bob himself, “You can come back, baby, rock and roll never forgets.” So, after a fulfilling country music career, Scott is going back to his rock and roll roots to pay tribute to one of the music industry’s great songwriters and live entertainers whose music has stood the test of time.
Sean Gormely
Sean is an accomplished pianist and entertainer who has performed for millions across dozens of countries, captivating audiences at both intimate events and world-class stages. His global journey includes performances for royalty and world leaders, including the Queen of Holland and the Prime Ministers of Canada and the Bahamas.
A graduate of Humber College’s renowned jazz piano program, Sean brings both technical mastery and heartfelt expression to every performance. His versatility makes him a sought-after artist for weddings, corporate events, duelling piano shows, and more.
Sean has entertained guests throughout the Caribbean, South America, and Alaska, and has opened for icons like K.D. Lang, Cyndi Lauper, Pam Tillis, Randy Bachman, and Glass Tiger. He’s also played alongside Alfie Zappacosta, performed with Rosie O’Donnell on a cruise, and appeared with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Roy Coran Big Band.
His work in tribute shows includes Elvis: The Legend Lives, Almost Abba, Fresh Horses, and Hellbourne (Ozzy Osbourne). Wherever he performs, Sean brings passion, energy, and unforgettable music.
Brant Kiessig
Brant is a veteran of the Thunder Bay music scene, having played in numerous cover and tribute bands at various shows throughout NW Ontario and the northern United States. In 2018, he toured with Juno & CCMA award-winning Canadian country music star Aaron Pritchett and his son Jordan Pritchett (Juno-nominated Faber Drive, Cross Parallel) on their NW Ontario Kitchen Party Tour in support of the NHL Legends show. In 2019, Brant was lead guitar for the sold-out show “Rhapsody,” a musical theatre tribute to the legendary band “Queen.”
John Romito
John discovered his passion for music early, starting with the trumpet at age 10 (with the goal of mastering the theme from the movie Rocky!) before transitioning to bass guitar, his primary instrument. He loves how the bass drives the music, describing it as the heartbeat of a song. His skills were honed through high school music classes and various garage bands, leading to live performances internationally and locally. Highlights include playing with Boomtown at the Canadian Women’s Curling Championships and performing at Live on the Waterfront with Tin Pan Alley. He has also participated in musical theatre featuring Queen's music and tribute shows for Metallica, Kiss, and Lady Gaga. John is excited to perform the bass lines of Chris Campbell from the Silver Bullet Band, fulfilling a dream of honoring Bob Seger's musical legacy.
George Murphy
A veteran of the Ontario music scene, George began his musical journey in the early 1990s with the band Stiff Pickerals, later finding his stride with the alternative rock band Peterfuzz. Touring extensively across the province, he cut his teeth on stages big and small—learning the ropes of rock stardom while sharing bills with icons like The Smalls, The Headstones, Treble Charger, The Killjoys, Fishbone, and Nashville Pussy.
Branching out from the bar and club circuit, he brought his talent to the theatrical stage, performing in the band for Grease and The Rocky Horror Show as part of the Northern Nights Feast, blending his rock background with the energy and storytelling of musical theatre.
For over a decade, he became known as a versatile and reliable "sticks for hire," lending his rhythm to a wide range of projects and genres. These days, you’ll find him holding down the drum throne for Thunder Bay’s own Tin Pan Alley, a powerhouse cover and tribute act known for keeping the classics alive and the crowds moving.
Whether behind a kit on a club stage or in the pit of a theater, George continues to bring passion, experience, and unmistakable groove to every performance.
Kevin MacLeod
Kevin is a dedicated music teacher at St. Ignatius High School and an active contributor to Thunder Bay’s vibrant music scene. He studied flute under Penny Clarke at Lakehead University, honing his skills with a deep commitment to musical excellence.
Beyond the classroom, Kevin performs regularly with the Roy Coran Big Band and the Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus, showcasing his passion for both instrumental and vocal ensemble work. His musicianship and versatility make him a valued member of every group he joins.
When he's not teaching or performing, Kevin enjoys spending time at the pool table as an avid and competitive player.
Amanda Mihalus
With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Amanda is a dynamic force in Northwestern Ontario’s music and event scene. As the founder of City Wide Sound, she has built a reputation for delivering top-tier DJ and karaoke experiences, dominating Thunder Bay’s karaoke bar scene and providing unforgettable entertainment for weddings, shags, special events, and singing competitions throughout the region.
Amanda’s powerful voice has always been her golden ticket. She is a sought-after host and MC for high-profile events, lends her voice to radio commercials for businesses and organizations, and has performed with several local bands—including a standout appearance with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra at the Shipyard Showcase.
Over a decade ago, Amanda found her musical home as the lead vocalist of Tin Pan Alley, a band known for its vibrant tribute shows celebrating Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and David Bowie, as well as high-energy covers that keep audiences on their feet.
Amanda brings passion, professionalism, and a deep love for live performance to every stage and every show.
Kim Parlow
Kim’s musical journey began in 2009 with her first band experience, sparking a deep love for live performance and musical expression. Since then, she has been part of several musical projects, ultimately finding her home with JC & The White Elephants. A standout moment in her career was sharing the big stage at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium alongside the talented Tommy Horricks—a performance she holds close to her heart.
By day (and often night), Kim also keeps her performance chops sharp as a karaoke DJ with City Wide Sound, where she stays fresh with today’s hits and hones her skills in engaging diverse crowds. Her wide-ranging musical tastes span across genres, and no matter the style, her goal is the same: to connect with the audience and create unforgettable moments.
For Kim, performing live music is more than just a passion—it’s where she feels most free and truly herself. Whether belting out classics or diving into new sounds, she brings heart, soul, and fun to every stage she steps on.
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