Vyagra Falls: The Story
Vyagra Falls first got together with 7 weeks of practice to compete at a Battle of the Bands. The fundraiser that night at Legends Night Club on the Notre Dame Campus was sold out, with all proceeds going to St Joseph Medical Center's Pediatric Clinics. They won. It was meant to be just a one-gig band for fun, so they never thought of the name Vyagra Falls sticking (otherwise, they might have thought of something else). But after that show, offers started pouring in for the Docs of Rock to play at other venues.
The band is made up of 4 physicians: a neurosurgeon, cardiologist, allergist, and family doctor. They had all played before in working rock bands, but still needed a pro, so Rocky Geans, formerly of the Rivieras joined them. He had toured for almost 20 years with the Rivieras playing their number one hit "Califonia Sun", which Vyagra Falls plays. Recently, they've added a female vocalist Chris Screes, and a female violinist Kim Herbert, who are also experienced performers.
Their music ranges over 4 decades, from the surfer rock of the 60's to current hits of today, with a lot of classic rock in between. They do mostly covers, including Guns 'n Roses, Aerosmith, Clapton, John Mellencamp, Bon Jovi, Jimmy Buffet,Kiss, Smashmouth, James Blunt, No Doubt, Santana, and much more. All of them sing. Their setlist consistently has one purpose: to make you dance, or to sing along.
Vyagra Falls' whole reason for staying together, and continuing to play, is to have fun. And if you've ever been to one of their shows, you'll see why. More often than not, their shows are standing room only. Many people who go to see them haven't usually gone out to see bands, and are pleasantly surprised to see a lot of people that they know there. The fan base is of all ages, and includes lots of health care professionals as well as patients of the doctors. Often, they play for free in support of good causes such as Rooftop for AIDS, the Humane Society, the Red Cross, and lots of others. The total amount of money raised at such events so far since they've started is approaching a million dollars.