Bios

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Star owes much of her musical training to her mother Dottie, who performed as a professional singer in New York City as well as filling her church and home with her singing at the piano. Star was an acclaimed violinist as well as being proficient in four other instruments until a traumatic brain injury deprived her of her abilities in those instruments. However, it did not deprive her of her unique and endearing voice, nor her resilient and joyful spirit. Star’s singing is powerful and passionate, a rare gift which enthralls her audiences each and every time she performs. Star co-founded StarAlliance with her husband Jim, with whom she resides in Mesa, AZ.

Jim first picked up a guitar at the age of 14, and in a few short years became a prodigious talent in the Southern California rock ‘n’ roll scene. On a clear path to success, he chose rather to focus his energies on raising his two beautiful daughters in the Pacific Northwest. However, his gift always made room for him to perform in countless church and cover bands. Jim is a highly versatile guitarist, thrilling audiences with note-for-note renditions of some of the most iconic guitar solos ever written, as well as being a talented vocalist. Jim’s gift of visionary leadership is demonstrated as the band’s business owner, manager, leader, agent and marketing guy. Jim resides in Mesa with his lovely bride and co-founder, Star Lynn.

Chris came from a family of musicians having two older brothers to follow in their footsteps learning to play guitar. He started learning to read music to play guitar but after a short time realized he was able to pick up songs faster playing by ear. He ventured off to try other instruments such as the five-string banjo and violin and although he continues to play the banjo today, he could not get past the screeching sounds of a beginner violin player and dropped it quickly. In 1984 he began his search to play professionally while going to college during the day. A local band was looking for both guitar and bass and instead of competing with a friend for the same guitar position, he started his long career that day as a bass player. Chris has recently re-entered the music world after a long leave of absence from the music scene to concentrate on his career as a Software Engineer. He found Southwest Surfers where he ran sound and subbed as bass player and vocalist before joining as the permanent bass player for the band. Chris is now enjoying a new challenge with StarAlliance where he is working the rhythm section on bass and bringing his voice along to enhance the band’s amazing vocal lineup.

Nick started playing the drums in 1971 and spent the early years playing the rock music of the day in Wyoming until he had an opportunity to play in an old-time country band. The experience served him well as he developed his skill in multiple genres. Then came the opportunity to hit the road with an 80’s show band playing the Midwest which formed in him the passion to make people dance. After moving to the Valley of the Sun he played in a couple of successful bands until the band Souled Out was formed with Nick behind the kit. This band enabled Nick used his accumulated experiences to finally realize his dream of providing the groove that gave people no choice but to dance! Years later a stroke dealt Nick a huge setback. Not only a survivor, but an overcomer, Nick refused to quit and continued playing his drums, which played a major role in his recovery.  Now he has come alongside StarAlliance with his tight, expert playing and amazing positive, overcoming attitude to again realize his passion to see people dance to his beat. 

Jeff came to Arizona from the Chicagoland area in September, of 2020.

Growing up in a musically talented family, his brother began teaching him to play guitar at the age of 11, and he still plays to this day. Growing up in the 70's and 80's his main musical influences were from the classic rock era. Now he likes all genres of music from the 1950's to today. Jeff's keen awareness of the most subtle of musical nuances and his meticulous attention to detail make him a naturally gifted sound and lighting engineer.  This guy has many other talents as well, so don't be surprised if he jumps up on stage to sing and play on a song or two as well! A huge asset to the team, Jeff joined StarAlliance in November of 2021.

Jim and Star moved to Arizona from eastern Washington in January of 2020 with ideas of enjoying a semi-retired life in the beautiful sunny weather and serving as volunteers in a local church music ministry. Soon it became clear that their mission was to be forming a cover band that would be a positive and encouraging force in what was becoming a very difficult season in our world. In faith, and against the odds in a market that was quickly locking down, they began to build anyway.  With a clear vision, they never doubted; they were undaunted and worked tirelessly to polish their craft and to find just the right people to join them; those who had the same work ethic as well as the same faith in the success of this effort. Many came alongside for a season and helped build, until finally the magic happened, and the perfect team was formed.  Truly motivated by love, StarAlliance is realizing their dream of bringing joy and laughter to their community through their music and their message of encouragement. Their greatest reward is seeing people sing, laugh and dance to their favorite songs and find a joyful respite from today's challenging world.