Nick Samora: Guitar and lead vocals Gear: -1984 Stratocaster Deluxe Plus -1965 Fender Twin reissue combo amp -pedals and effects: Boss TU-2, Boss CS-3, Boss SD-1, MXR Phase 90, Rocktron Hush, Vox Wah, DOD volume pedal

Nicholas Samora has been a solid bandleader for over 20 years which is quite a feat since he is only 36. A Colorado native, Nick learned music where ever he could. In public school, Nick excelled at string bass and was involved in several musical groups as diverse as classical chamber music to big band jazz to Dixieland. He taught himself how to sing and play the guitar and started a rock band in high school called 26 & High with lifelong friend Buddy Watson. They won 1^st place at the Colorado high school battle of the bands in 1991. Nick received a musical scholarship to the University of Colorado where he performed on string bass with the Boulder Philharmonic and led several local college bands such as The Remnants and Striking Children. Nick reunited with Watson in 2000 and started Trick Bag, (a classic rock cover band) which after several lineup changes became Kick’d in 2004. In 2009 Kick’d merged with another great Colorado band Blue in the Face and are now performing under the name “The New Classics”. This new group caters to corporate/private events and weddings. Nick’s vocals are strong and soulful and he sounds a lot like the artist he is covering. His guitar work is tasteful and not too complex for the ear. Nick incorporates rhythm and lead playing into one solid guitar part while singing a melody above it all. It is something to be seen and heard.