I'm sure you've probably at least heard of turtle soup, but how about Toad Soup? No, you won't find it on the menu at some fancy restaurant, but you might see them playing at the local club. Toad Soup is a band, not a food. The group is a Rockford act who have been around since 1999 and are still hard at work bringing tasty entertainment to the area.

The band is made up of Marty Campbell (lead guitar and vocals), Tony Mok (lead vocals and percussion), Steve Lindstrom (lead vocals and percussion), Vito Mulae (keys, rhythm guitar and vocals), Glenn Craig (bass), Dave Sanchez (drums and vocals) and Rob Kessler (sound technician, guitar and vocals). If you are wondering about the tasty, but unusual name, the band has no qualms about revealing the origins of the moniker.  The official word, "The band's unusual name comes from a combination of Marty Campbell's last name (Campbell's Soup) and the nickname of one of the band's original members, (Toad)."

Over the years the band has won numerous RAMI awards in the "oldies" category for their performance that serves to keep the sounds of the sixties alive. At one of their shows one can expect to hear such familiars as "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison, "Mony Mony" from Tommy James and the Shondells (wonder which lyrics they use), "Some Kind of Wonderful" from Grand Funk Railroad (OK, this is the '70's), "Vehicle" from Ides of March, "Venus" by Shocking Blue and a whole lot more music from artists like The Beatles, The Blues Brothers and many others.    

The band is frequently playing the area, but the next chance to see them is at Big Al's on January 27th. To keep updated on their schedule - or for any news - check out their brand new website at www.toadsoupband.com. This is one musical meal that will leave you with happy feet and won't break your New Year's resolution.