Fred Vencill - Founder
Fred has immersed himself in the world of music since his earliest memories. He taught himself to play by plunking out melodies on the family's "baby grand" piano at the age of 5. His musical journey continued with the violin in 4th grade, drums from 5th grade through high school, and picking up the guitar in middle school. Despite being a club and college swimmer, music remained a cherished hobby, though it took a back seat to athletics.
After marrying in 1981, Fred extended his musical contributions by playing both guitar and bass for numerous local churches, assuming the role of a worship leader. In the late 1980s, he delved into band experiences that have endured to this day. Fred's dedication to his craft culminated in the production of an 11-song CD in 2008, featuring original "blues rock" material, followed by a second 4-song CD in 2018. Currently, Fred is working on four more songs slated for production.
As the driving force behind TREB, Fred feels blessed to collaborate with a group of talented musicians and good-hearted individuals.
Wayne Lipka
Guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, lap steel, bass guitar
Wayne saw the Beatles on the Ed Sulivan show in 1964 and that changed his life. Music soon became his passion. While learning guitar, he also took up the trombone in the 7th grade up to a senior in high school, culminating with him being chosen to the California All State Honor Band. But the guitar eventually became his priority, so Wayne took formal music theory training, as well as classical and jazz lessons to sharpen his skills. While not being tied down to one genre, Wayne has played in a variety of bands including Top 40, originals, Christian, even Hawaiian. While classic rock is his foundation, Wayne enjoys playing Indie, Folk, Fusion, Christian, Country, World music and mixtures thereof. Expanding his musical horizon, Wayne also learned bass guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and lap steel guitar to add value and flavor to whatever the song requires. Wayne has enjoyed song writing throughout the decades that inspires creativity and recently has started collaborating with Fred on some new tunes.
Elliot Powell
Elliott's musical influences are as diverse as his upbringing. A "Military Brat" his musical tastes include Classical, Gospel, Rock and Roll, Motown/R&B, Jazz, Prog Rock, Reggae, Country, the Blues, Bluegrass, and everything in between! He started his musical journey as a trumpet player in elementary school and took up the bass in high school. While he can still make a respectful sound on the horn, the bass is where he earns his keep!
Elliott is a retired Naval Officer whose assignments included command of four warships, negotiating peace treaties, and serving as the Director of The White House Situation Room from 1999-2001. After a 26 year career of having "more fun than adults are ever allowed to have", Elliott currently has the second best job in the world teaching U.S. and World History at San Marcos Middle School!
Elliott is blessed with an amazing wife, two wonderful daughters, and three loveable grandchildren! He considers himself extremely fortunate to be a part of the Ripple Effect Band!
Michele Earnest
Michele, a military “Brat”, first picked up the ukulele at six in Hawaii. Her first guitar songbook was the Monkees, believing they would outlive the Beatles. She plays classical guitar, uses travis picking, sings jazz and sings with the Praise Band at Grace Presbyterian Church in Vista,
Her love for theatre, especially musical theatre began in middle school. She studied Drama, German, Spanish at UCI where she earned her bilingual teaching credential. She had a blast integrating theater and music into the classroom especially at Vista Academy of Performing Arts in Vista, where she retired as the theatre teacher. She has been represented by the Shamon Freitas Talent Agency in San Diego with roles for industrial videos and commercials.
Michele started singing and playing percussion with TREB in 2022. She enjoys the blues rock genre but especially the originals they write. It is a fun and supportive group of talented musicians, and she greatly appreciates the opportunity to make music with these friends. She is especially grateful for the support of her husband, John, 3 adult kids and daughters in law and two granddaughters
Mia Gaskin
Mia was introduced to her Grandma’s record collection at the age of 5, and would hide out in the spare room playing the likes of Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Elvis Presley, and so many others while singing into her hairbrush in front of the mirror. She began formal classical training at the age of 14, and from there began a nearly 30 year career in the musical theater world, earning her degree from UCSD. Over the years she has sung lead and backup for many bands, as well as performed with acapella groups singing soprano/alto. She loves to sing most genres, but currently her favorites are jazz and hard rock. Mia is also a voiceover actor and voice teacher by day- you can check out some of her work as well as inquire about voice lessons through her site, www.miagaskin.com. IG: @miachiapet
TREB Goals
TREB looks forward to providing you and your event the music it seeks!
