Welcome fans to the Soul Searchers website! Browse about to find out about the members of the band, where we will be playing, what you might hear at a show, and even check out some videos and pictures of past shows.
Shows
Valentine's Day Dance
St. Gabriel5200 Greenridge Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Members
- Fr. John SkirtichRhythm Guitar
Father John Skirtich, Founder of the Soul Searchers, is Pastor at St Gabriel Of The Sorrowful Virgin in Pittsburgh, PA. He started playing guitar right after he learned to preach. First things first!
His faith in God is an inspiration to many, including the band. Fr. John can play a mean rhythm guitar but is one of the nicest guys around. He is a great man – a 'cool dude' – and a person everyone's happy to have met at each and every gig the band plays.
From area church galas to fundraisers for The Children's Home & Lemieux Family Center to the Irish Partnership and Pittsburgh Irish Festival's Shamrockin' Pittsburgh, Fr. John's grateful that the band is celebrating its tenth anniversary and continues to get people to come out and have fun.
The Soul Searchers attribute much of their success and tremendous following in and around the Pittsburgh area to the wonderful "Spirit" found in Fr. John.
- Joe NavarroVocals
Joe Navarro is the lead singer for the Soul Searchers coming on board summer, 2010. He’s also a Pittsburgh native and has extensive experience in front of crowds, mostly as an actor and singer in over 100 theatrical productions.
He has written, directed, and produced most of those shows and also worked as a director and producer for television news and other programming.
Joe’s has been singing since high school days, but the Soul Searchers is his first "rock band". He brings an exciting new sound to the Soul Searchers and knows how to motivate its audiences.
Joe lives in Wilkins Twp. with his wife and 5 children - and yes, he still rocks that AOL email address. - Harry CarrBass
Harry Carr contributes bass and vocals to the Soul Searchers lineup. Since age 14, he has enjoyed performing with both original and cover bands around Pittsburgh including Earth, Christopher Truth, Barbara Blue, Seventh House, Atomic TV, Driver Six, Evenbetter, and Last Fall.
Several of the bands have also been featured in live radio interviews, on-air performances and concerts including opening spots for national and regional acts Robin Trower, Taylor Dayne, Stan Ridgway (Wall of Voodoo), and The Clarks. While Harry was a member of Christopher Truth, Cy Curnin (The Fixx) produced several songs for the band. With Driver Six, he performed original songs on the 91.3 "WYEP Lunchtime Concert Series", the 92.9 "WESA Morning Show", and the "Friday Coffee House" segment of the 102.5 "WDVE Morning Show”. In addition, several of Harry's original compositions have received local radio airplay.
- Dave ThomasLead Drums
Dave Thomas is the newest member and keeps the beat for the Soul Searchers. He grew up in Irwin, PA and began playing drums at a very early age. He studied for 8 years with the late great Babe Fabrizi in Wilkinsburg, PA.
Dave has played with numerous Pittsburgh-area bands including Earth, Elite, Exit, Top Secret, Chalk Boys, Christopher Truth, Evenbetter and Last Fall just to name a few. He also competed in a number of the Pittsburgh Rock Challenge competitions back in the early 90's. As an interesting side note, Dave has been playing in bands with Soul Searcher's bassist Harry Carr since they were both in 9th grade.
Dave is also an experienced sound engineer and has produced a number of CD's for Pittsburgh bands. He's played on many recordings over the years. He has also been playing drums in his church contemporary worship band for the last 19 years. You just can't get the smile off his face while he's rocking out with the Soul Searchers!
- Gary HillLead Guitar
Gary Hill, hails from New York City, having relocated to Pittsburgh in 2003. He began his study of guitar at the age of 15 on his first of many Fender guitars and has played to audiences throughout the Greater New York and Pittsburgh area ever since.
He studied with Wayne Avers (Touring guitarist, and Nashville session player), Gary's musical experience includes playing in clubs, festivals, and concerts including ,Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Felt Forum, Peterson Musical Arts Center, Heinz Field, PNC Park & Pittsburgh's I.C. Light Amphitheater, Cayuga Race Track in Ontario Canada.
Gary has made television appearances and also played guitar and bass at numerous sessions on various artists’ recordings, including studio work for PBS.
- Ernie DipkoKeyboards
Ernie Dipko, the band’s keyboard player and newest member, with one BIG voice grew up in nearby Johnstown, PA. That’s where he first started playing as a church organist when he was just 12-years old, and like fellow band members, by 16 he was playing the local clubs. Ernie played his keys all around western and central PA and Ohio in several rock bands including Hot Property, Big City, Eclipse, Over the Edge, and Vice. He now lives in the Pittsburgh area with his wife Peggy and sons Ben and Noah.
Audio
Blog
St. Patrick’s Day Dance Cruise
Looking forward to seeing you all again at the Gateway Clipper on March 14th, 2020.
Shamrockin’ Dance Cruise
Gearing up for the Food Truck a Palooza
Join us Saturday afternoon for Food, Friends, and Fun with live music form the Soul Searchers and other.