About CUB

Meet the Band and Band Members of Coming Up Brass


Coming Up Brass (CUB) is a high-energy 10-piece dance, variety, and party band that performs hits from the 1960s to the present. The band’s powerful horn section, exceptional vocals, and tight rhythm create a captivating sound that engages audiences of all ages. CUB’s versatility allows them to adapt their performance style to suit various genres, including Motown, R&B, funk, classic rock, rock, country, and pop. CUB is committed to delivering an entertaining and memorable experience.

Since the early 1990s, CUB has consistently provided exceptional musical entertainment for corporate and private events. Our musicians are professional, courteous, and exceptionally determined to meet unique requirements of each and every event, ensuring that your guests have an unforgettable musical experience.


Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Lead Vocal Stacy Danner

Stacy Danner: Lead Vocal

Stu Leppo: Lead Vocal

In 1993, I embarked upon a professional singing career. Joining a band in Central Pennsylvania, The Roadsters, I was taken under the wing of owner Gene Rodrick, a former member of The Comets, where I began to hone what was until then, just some natural ability. In the coming years, I learned Doo Wop harmony, and vocal range, incorporating the ability to imitate/impersonate voices. The group morphed into a traveling show band, featuring a Blues Brothers Tribute Revue that went up and down the East Coast from Vernont to Virginia and out west as far as Michigan. Great times, great tunes, great brothers and sisters!

In 2003, I moved on to other ventures, singing and entertaining with John E. Fantastic’s Rock & Roll Time Machine, a duo called Tuff E. Nuff, a Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons tribute band called The 60’s Boys, in 2018, I started playing with the Whiskey River Band until June of 2020. That’s where my northern journey ends.

In June of 2020, my family moved to the Charlotte region, and a year later I started my search to play again, as the urge to get out and have some fun again. This brings me to now playing with Coming Up Brass.

Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Lead Vocal: Stu Leppo
Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Lead Guitar: Leslie Davis

Leslie Davis: Lead Guitar & Vocals

Mark Reese: Bass Guitar

Mark, a professional musician since age 14, began his career as a high school and middle school band director in North and South Carolina after earning a degree in Music Education from Mars Hill University. As a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, he mentored future band directors and performed in various ensembles.

In college, Mark performed with Kings Productions, including the Spinners at Carowinds. He played trombone with local artists like Coast to Coast and Chairmen of the Board. Notably, he first joined Coming Up Brass on trombone in 1994 and again later on bass guitar in 2007. Mark also performed with swing, horn, rock, musical theater, brass, trios, orchestras, and symphonic bands on tuba. He continues to sing weekly with his church choir.

Mark resides in Belmont with his wife of 44 years and their two musically inclined daughters.

Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Bass Guitar:  Mark Reese
Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Keyboards: Rob Elmore

Rob Elmore: Keyboards & Vocals

Rob, a multi-instrumentalist, commenced his professional career at the age of fourteen, playing trumpet for a local swing big band. Over the course of more than four decades, he has performed and recorded with various genres of bands, utilizing keys, guitars, drums, and brass instruments. In 2018, Rob joined CUB on a full-time basis, although he had previously served as a substitute for several years. Rob resides in Cherryville, North Carolina, with his fiancée, Misty Drum, and has a grown son who resides in Asheville, North Carolina.

Luther Blair: Drums & Vocals

Luther is been playing drums for over 60 years with various bands in and around the Gastonia area. He is a retired insurance agent and has been with CUB since 2016.

Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Drums: Luther Blair
Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Trumpet: Steve Barnes

Steve Barnes: Trumpet & Flugelhorn

Since 2007, Steve has been a member of Coming Up Brass. A graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Music Education, Steve retired after a distinguished career spanning both Information Technology and Education. Throughout his tenure, Steve has actively participated in various musical ensembles, including a local swing band and a community band. He has also performed in numerous church and wedding ceremonies.

Steve and his wife, Dianne, reside in Stanley, North Carolina. They are blessed with two sons and their families.

Greg Dunn: Alto & Bari Saxes

Greg pursued a degree in music at East Carolina University. Over the past decade, he has held the position of section leader with the Gaston Symphonic Band and has served as lead alto saxophonist for the Stardusters Big Band for over twenty years. In 2020, Greg joined Coming Up Brass (CUB), where he has the opportunity to revisit his musical roots in rock, dance, and beach music.

Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Alto & Baritone Saxes: Gregg Dunn
Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Tenor Sax: Phil Lyew

Phil Lyew: Tenor Saxophone

In third grade, Phil developed an interest in playing the saxophone. His school principal, a saxophonist, performed at an assembly, captivating Phil and leading him to pursue the instrument ever since. Over the years, Phil has honed his skills by playing in the central Piedmont big band for two years under the guidance of Bill Hanna. He has also received private lessons from Ziad RABIE and Tony Hayes. Phil has actively performed as an Artist on Call in the community, gaining valuable experience by collaborating with local jazz musicians at Bill Hanna’s jazz jam for over 15 years. In 2021, Phil joined CUB, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside the talented musicians and esteemed friends of Coming Up Brass, an honor he deeply appreciates.

Guy Evans: Trombone

Guy was born in Chapel Hill but grew up in Southern California, where he became a “California Tar Heel.” From the ’60s through the ’80s, Guy developed a passion for Rock, Funk, and Jazz Fusion, playing in a variety of bands—including a rock group, two college jazz/fusion bands, a Broadway musical, a polka band, and even a symphony!

After a 20-year break to raise three sons in North Carolina, Guy auditioned for Coming Up Brass in 1996 and has been a member ever since.

Coming Up Brass Wedding and Event Band Trombone: Guy Evans


Band Members through the years

Original Members in Bold

  • Wayne Sherrill (1991-1991) – Drums
  • Tim Barnett (1991-1997) – Saxes
  • Coley Cagle (1991-1994) – Guitar
  • Roger Myers (1991-1998) – Trumpet
  • Frank Shelby (1991-1991) – Vocals
  • Tony Cape (1991-1993) – Vocals
  • Randy Lineberger (1992-1994) – Trumpet
  • Buddy Broome (1991-1991) – Drums
  • George Hamilton (199?-199?) – Keys
  • Eddie Bailey (1991-1991) – Drums
  • Phil Davis (1992-2006) – Drums/Vocals
  • Gaylord Brawley (1992-2005) – Vocals
  • Roger Smith (1993-1999) – Vocals 
  • Bryant Bolin (1994-2018) – Keys
  • Jim Monroe (1994-2021) – Trumpet
  • Mark Reese (1994-1995) – Trombone
  • Eddie Houser (1995-1996) – Trombone
  • Guy Evans (1996 ……) – Trombone
  • Joey Dunlevy (1997-2017, 2018-2020) – Saxes
  • Ron Ledbetter (1999-2009) – Vocals
  • Steve Howell (2005-2015) – Drums
  • Peter Gray (2006-2007) – Guitar
  • Mark Reese (2007 ……) – Bass Guitar
  • Judy Miles (2007-2010) – Vocals
  • Steve Barnes (2007 ……) – Trumpet
  • Art Bell (2007-2010) – Guitar
  • Don Conrad (2009-2017) – Vocals
  • Leslie Thompson Richardson (2010-2012) – Vocals
  • Jeff Reid (2010-2011) – Guitar
  • Les Davis (2011……) – Guitar
  • Heather Elkin (2012-2017) – Vocals
  • Luther Blair (2016 ……) – Drums
  • Jacob Drum (2017-2018) – Sax
  • Kyle Murphy (2017-2021) – Vocals
  • Meaggan Cochran (2017-2021) – Vocals
  • Justin Bumgarner (2018-2018) – Keys
  • Rob Elmore (2018 ……) – Keys
  • Greg Dunn (2020 ……) – Alto & Bari Saxes
  • Phil Lyew (2021 ……) – Tenor Sax
  • Stu Leppo (2021 ……) – Vocals
  • Stacy Danner (2021 ……) – Vocals