Monsters of Rock PDX Player Profile: Jeff LaBansky

Jeff LaBansky

After a ten-plus-year hiatus, Jeff LaBansky is back, harder and louder than ever. LaBansky is well-known throughout the Northwest; his heavy sound is distinct and his performances draw record crowds ready to rock.

LaBansky’s musical resume includes a “who’s who” of rock ‘n roll. He has recorded with and played in bands with members of Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Quiet Riot, UFO, Angel, Jeff Beck Group and L.A Guns, to name just a few. He toured as a member of Portland’s original Black ‘N Blue during their 1988 final tour and was managed by Gene Simmons during that period.

LaBansky has also headlined the main stage at the Mayor’s Ball.

In addition to this extensive background, LaBansky has scored music for film and television.

His shows in Portland are legendary. This 2012 performance at Monsters of Rock PDX features Mike Collins on drums (see Collins' profile), LaBansky’s nephew, Zach Kacalek on bass and it marks the reemergence of LaBansky.

Monsters of Rock PDX is taking place at Dante’s in downtown Portland on Sat., Jan. 28 starting at 8:30pm. Tickets available in advance through all Ticketswest outlets (purchase online here), or at the door where the cost is $5. Doors open at 8pm 


NOTE: TICKETS ONLY ON SALE IN ADVANCE TILL THIS FRIDAY, AFTER WHICH THEY CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR.

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Monsters of Rock PDX is highlighting some of the players set to play over the course of the events. Check back often for other bios.

What is Monsters of Rock PDX all about? See here for details

Monsters of Rock PDX Player Profile: Chris Duran

Chris Duran

In the ‘80s and early ‘90’s, if you were part of the metal scene in Portland, you knew who Chris Duran was. Even if you didn’t know his name, he was a force that was simply unavoidable. Be it with Outrage, or later Partners in Crime (see Duran perform for former Outrage members Aaron White and Troy Miller, and former Partners in Crime members Miller, Ted Berry, and Maury Brown at Monsters of Rock PDX), Duran was out front at what is now the Roseland, or places like Eli’s, and beyond spending years on the road touring. His scorching, gritty, powerful vocals always has turned heads.

Duran has moved back to his hometown of Sacramento and came off the road in1992 joining Dead in Spain which lasted about six years after that joined Kattywompus, who still plays in Sacramento, but Portland has always been on his mind.

Over the years Chris has shared the stage with members of Motley Crue, Dio, Loudness, AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Dokken, and Pat Travers, just to name a few.

The “Duranimal” is back for the Monsters of Rock PDX event and is sure to be a crowd favorite. You won’t want to miss.

Monsters of Rock PDX is taking place at Dante’s in downtown Portland on Sat., Jan. 28 starting at 8:30pm. Tickets available in advance through all Ticketswest outlets (purchase online here), or at the door where the cost is $5.

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Monsters of Rock PDX is highlighting some of the players set to play over the course of the events. Check back often for other bios.

What is Monsters of Rock PDX all about? See here for details

Monsters of Rock PDX Player Profile: Kevin Hahn

40 songs performed by 50 of the best musicians in the Pacific Northwest, Monsters of Rock PDX will have it all. And while every player set to perform is a consummate pro, some players bring such unique talents that they stand out in the crowd.

If you’ve been one of the thousands that recently have seen the Journey tribute band, Stone In Love, then you know singer/guitarist Kevin Hahn can belt out Steve Perry as good as, well… Steve Perry. Honing his chops by spending the last 16 years in the music industry as a touring musician, producer and audio engineer of Opal recording studio in Portland, Hahn not only is a high-energy performer, he’s also one of the area’s best producer/engineers where his recent studio projects include the Scorpions and the industry work for Portland Trail Blazers.

As a musician, past bands include Castella and Tri-Polar alongside bassist Craig Montoya (Everclear). In the last two years, Kevin has toured Europe and Japan playing lead guitar for the original rock band Kleveland and can currently be found fronting Stone in Love.

Monsters of Rock PDX is taking place at Dante’s in downtown Portland on Sat., Jan. 28 starting at 8:30pm. Tickets available in advance through all Ticketswest outlets (purchase online here), or at the door where the cost is $5.

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Monsters of Rock PDX is highlighting some of the players set to play over the course of the events. Check back often for other bios.

What is Monsters of Rock PDX all about? See here for details

Monsters of Rock PDX Player Profile: Geoff Metts

Monsters of Rock PDX sees an incredible mix of shredders, in the pocket rhythm, and enough thump to make you jump all night. But, the one thing that makes or breaks any band is the pipes – the singers that count the most.

As the singer and guitar player of Western Aerial and Ants in the Kitchen, Geoff Metts brings an incredible mix of grit, soul, and power to Monsters of Rock PDX. Whether ripping slide, or working the crowd, Metts has played hundreds of shows including the Vans Warped Tour, multiple appearances at KUFO’s Rockfest and was honored with an invitation to play "The Star Spangled Banner" for a sold out crowd of 25,000 at the Rose Garden Arena (see the kick butt photo above).

And, his music isn’t confined to just Portland. His material has been heard internationally on radio, film and television.  Along the way Geoff has shared the stage with Alice in Chains, Buckcherry, Seether, Incubus, Everclear and The Supersuckers.  He has also played alongside Portland legends Jennifer Batten, Terry Robb, Eddie Martinez and Robbie Laws as part of the PG3 concerts.

Monsters of Rock PDX is taking place at Dante’s in downtown Portland on Sat., Jan. 28 starting at 8:30pm. Tickets available in advance at Ticketswest outlets, or at the door where the cost is $5.

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Monsters of Rock PDX is highlighting some of the players set to play over the course of the events. Check back often for other bios.

What is Monsters of Rock PDX all about? See here for details