Twist The Shaft

Twist the Shaft arrived at Crackers March 7th, bringing with it, a sold out show. We’ve had bands play in our bar a few times, but never did it sell out completely. Surrounded by their friends, family and fans, Twist the Shaft let loose their arsenal of classic rock! Fronted by lead singer Sam Ullrich, the band played such hits as Harlequin’s “Sweet Things in Life”, Bruce Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac” and everything else in between. Some old Streetheart tunes, that I haven’t heard forever, took me back to the rocking good times I had as a teenager.

Sam Ullrich is a perfectionist in every sense of the word. She makes sure that every word matches the original. Every sound, every syllable is the way it was done by the originating artist. Musically, the band is led by bassist, Shawn Gelsinger. He also contributes with some lead vocals as well as some harmony. He’s joined in the rhythm section by drummer Dean Ohlheiser. The two of them supply the foundation for Twist the Shaft’s sound. Gelsinger is joined by his two sons Clay and Vince. The two boys alternate between lead and rhythm. Vince is the more showy of the two while Clay seems to like to just hang back and do his thing.

Whether it’s Joan Jett or Alice Cooper that’s being played, Twist the Shaft will do their best to make it sound as close to the original as possible. You’ll find yourself singing along to all the songs and the dance floor will be filled!! Make sure you get out and see them if you have the opportunity.

Cam Zoller
Entertainment Manager
Crackers Restaurant - Cam Zoller Entertainment Manager Crackers Bar

Last night, Saturday June 6th, Twist the Shaft rolled into Crackers and assaulted our senses with some ear ripping, brain numbing classic rock and roll. Working for the Weekend by Loverboy set the tone early and after that, it was one classic hit after another. Since their first gig a few months back, singer Sam Ullrich has gained in vocal strength as well as strength of character and stage presence. Sam was clearly "into it" last night. Gone were the nerves that were present in her voice and on her face back in March. What everyone saw last night was a new, confident, self assured and animated lead singer. Sam sang and danced through every song last night. Material like, Bad Case of Loving You, In The Mood, Could've Been a Lady, Sweet Emotion kept the folks who like the harder edge of songs, in their seats. Then, there were the cheesy tunes like Roxy Roller, Money Honey and Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers that had most of the ladies in the crowd singing along. Bassist Shawn Gelsinger, is the anchor of the rhythm section as well as a casual vocalist with some harmonic duties. Flanked by his two sons, Vince and Clay on guitars the Gelsinger clan are a talented bunch. The pulse of the band is supplied by drummer Dean Olheiser, who seems to have a perpetual smile happening on his face. With a ticket price of only $10, it was a great way to have an inexpensive night with some great music and a few drinks. The one thing that I thought needed a little work was the sound mix. Being in a band myself, I know the difficulties of trying to mix sound from the stage, especially while you're expected to play as well! Olheiser's kick drum was pretty much lost in the mix as was Shawn's bass, but only for the first set. Things seemed to straighten out after that. All in all, a very good night down at Crackers full of good friends, good times and good music! Thanks Twist the Shaft! For more information on this new Saskatoon band, you can check out their website at www.twisttheshaft.com or you may check them out on myspace as well.

Cam Zoller
Entertainment Manager
Crackers Restaurant

- Cam Zoller Entertainment Manager Crackers Bar

This band did a birthday party for my family and rocked it out. Great party band, will be hiring them again. All tunes we grew up with. They had us singing along and dancing all night long. Good job you guys! - David B. lenton@sasktel.net