The members of Cope are: Chris - Drums, Roger - Guitars, Dennis - Guitars, Vocals, Kenny - Bass, Vocals. Cope is a jamband from Lakeland, FL. They project a feel similar to Widespread Panic, Phish, Blues Traveler, Buffalo Strange, Rich Whiteley Band, Grateful Dead, etc.. Cope is live music oriented, and thrive on the opportunity to play for people. Given the nature of their music, they cater to people who love not only eclectic covers, but also original music. They have an extensive catalog of well known covers, and about twenty-five originals to their credit. As history would have it, Cope has been involved with music for nearly 15 years.

Dennis, Kenny, and Roger played their first gig together in 1989. Their band was originally called Verbal Irony. Verbal Irony was a hard rock band, reflecting their musical interest at the time. They played the biggest clubs in the area for several years and enjoyed great local success with that band. They grew up in the Cleveland , OH area, and found their way to FL in 1994. While still in OH, Dennis began giving guitar lessons at the age of 15. Once relocated to FL, Dennis taught guitar lessons at Six String Music in Lakeland for five years, and continues to do so from his home. Several of his students are now involved with local bands in Central Florida

Kenny, on a break from Verbal Irony, joined up with a band in the area called Winter’s Bane. He enjoyed big success with them, and landed a Jackson Guitars endorsement. The lead singer for Winter’s Bane, Tim Owens, later became the lead singer for Judas Priest, on the exit of Rob Halford. Both Dennis and Kenny, enjoy the grassroots of acoustic music and bluegrass, as well as their love for electric jam music. Roger, cousin to the brothers Stadelman, has a beautiful command of the guitar, and has also given guitar lessons. Chris is realative new to the band, and assumed drummer duties at his first gig with us on 7/25/04. He has been involved in the Tampa music scene for some time, and can also be seen playing percussion with the Rich Whiteley Band.

Cope is one of the best up and coming jam bands around. They have been playing several places in Lakeland, FL, such as: Lillians Music Store, River Rock, Martini Lounge, and have opened for James Peterson at the Music Ranch and Rocco’s in Winter Haven. We have branched into Tampa by playing gigs at Masquerade in Ybor City, Yeoman’s Pub in Davis Island, New World Brewery, and Gaspar Grotto. Also, St. Petersburg at Limey’s Pub, Blueberry Patch, and the historic State Theatre. The last place added was the Martini Club, in Dunedin. Cope is continually prospecting for new areas to play in an effort to strengthen their fan base. They have been involved with many benefits to raise money for several charities.