ABOUT THE BAND

Side Effects is a five-piece arrangement featuring acoustic rhythm guitar, electric lead and bass guitars, and conga percussion (additional vocal and percussion available for large shows). The band originated about seven years ago as a full electric band, but followed a classic rock genre to a lighter direction.

Side Effects now offers a mix of light and classic rock cover tunes by artists such as Eric Clapton, Free, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Young, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Allman Brothers, Rod Stewart, Doobie Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to name a few.

Collectively, players in the band have over fifty years experience in live performances. The band’s vast musical influences include genres of rhythm & blues, classical rock, country and jazz. Side Effects' acoustic rhythm and conga percussion produce a clean and vibrant sound, but not too overpowering for smaller bars and taverns.

Laura Baboulis (Lead Vocals): Laura is a native of Delmar, NY. Her music influences include the classic rock genre of the band's repertoire, and she has become a fan-favorite, performing covers such Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and "Somebody to Love" by Jefferson Airplane. In the summer of 2004, Laura received second place in Capital Region Idol, hosted by American Idol's own Kimberly Locke. Since November 2006, Laura has been collaborating with Ron Haney and Bart Schoudel from the Churchills. Together, they have written/produced three songs, the most popular being “Can’t Stop Me.” In February 2007, the reality show programming department at MTV picked up the single. A 20-second clip was heard on an episode of MTV's "Two-a-Days" back in March. Just recently, Laura did an interview with Indie Wired’s Trisha Connell, of 88.3 The Saint, to promote “Can’t Stop Me.” At the present time, “Can’t Stop Me” is being played for test audiences in Milwaukee and her demo is complete. Give it a listen.

Tad Holtz (Vocals and Acoustic Rhythm Guitar): Tad is a native of the Rochester area. His musical background is extensive and includes professional experience playing the Hammond B-3 organ as well as the 6-string acoustic guitar. In addition to playing for Side Effects, Tad has been seen with Doc Orloff and (Rochester-based) Night Stalkers, both blues-based bands. Tad has played with local artists such as the Night Kings, Out of Control Blues Band, Charlie Smith, and Alan Payette.

Willy Welch (Electric Bass Guitar): Willy moved to the Capital District from the Finger Lakes in 1991. He has played 6-string guitar for over 30 years, and made the transition to bass guitar about five years ago. He has played in local bands in both Rochester and Albany markets. His musical influences include the Beatles, Kinks, Stones, The Who, and David Bowie to name a few.

Mike Ardman (Electric Lead Guitar): Mike is a native of the Albany area. He has played guitar on and off for over 20 years. His musical influences include a diverse mix of guitar-heavy bands such as Allman Brothers, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clapton, as well as, more “melodious” bands such as Steely Dan, the Eagles, CSNY, and the like.

George Plopper (Percussion): Born and raised in Northern California, George moved to the Capital District in 2001. Formally trained as a jazz-rock bassist, he has been playing music for nearly 30 years. As a bassist, he played with Hypnotic Clambake, The Jazz Pigs, Lee Tyler Post, and Michelle Shocked. At the age of four, he fell in love with Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” and Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” then settled in for a long exposure to (classic) rock music, culminating with 40+ Grateful Dead concerts, from Chula Vista, California to Oxford, Maine. His current influences include West African and Cuban music, and despite the Dead shows he can still recite Jim Stafford’s “Wildwood Weed” from memory.

Pat Conover (Vocals, Percussion and Harmonica): Originally from Hot Springs Arkansas, Pat moved to Albany about 1981. Over the past twenty plus years, he has played in several area bands such as the Knight Kings, Mare’s Nest, Hotten Tots, and The Mob to name a few. His numerous musical influences include “all the classical blues artists” as well as being “steeped in R & B, country and gospel.” In addition to playing part-time with Side Effects, you can see Pat with another Albany-based band called Rumdummies.