Local businessmen turned musicians – Doing what they love
Classic rock band Bad Maxey doing what they love — performing on the outdoor patio at Takoda Tavern in Parker for Father’s Day. Pictured left to right: Ray Stein (bass guitar & vocals), Jerry Parker (drums) and Paul Crisen (guitar).
By Patte Smith with photo by Terri Wiebold
HOA1 is not a teenager going through his “garage band” phase, but rather 62-year old Jerry Parker from Castle Pines North (CPN).
Parker recently joined forces with former CPN banker Ray Stein and artist Paul Crisen to form the classic rock band, Bad Maxey. The band members didn’t know each other until a mutual friend, Chuck Maxey, got them all together.
“He [Maxey] kept telling me he knew a guy who played guitar and that we should form a band,” said Parker. “Who doesn’t know someone who plays guitar?” he laughed. “After about four years of bugging, I decided to give it a shot.” The guys all got together and hit it off, so we decided to name our band after Chuck and came up with Bad Maxey.”
It has worked out well for the group who explain that they are lucky to be able to pursue their dream. “We all were in the business world for many years and now we have the time and opportunity to get back into something we love — music,” stated Parker.
The guys have become friends and hope to perform at more venues. While they are excited to play at bars and taverns, they are also interested in playing at corporate events, picnics, weddings, and family events. “Our repertoire appeals to a lot of people and it is family-friendly. We play a mix of classic rock and appeal most to those who fondly remember the sixties,” said Parker.
“When you get to be our age, you have got to do what you love!”
– Ray Stein
The band practiced for about four months before booking its first gig at Takoda Tavern in Parker (translated means “a friend to everyone.”) Owners of the tavern, Bob and Nancy Nobles, host local bands on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons on the patio during the summer months.
Bob noted that when Bad Maxey first played at Takoda on bike night in May, the crowd really enjoyed them and it was literally standing room only! “We were happy to have them back for our Father’s Day celebration.”
“It’s fun to be creative, express yourself and have the satisfaction of making music. It is really a passion for the three of us,” said Parker. Bass guitarist Stein sums it up: “When you get to be our age, you have got to do what you love!”
To book Bad Maxey for an upcoming event, contact by e-mail. To learn more about Takoda Tavern and its summer line up of events, go to www.takodatavern.com.
