Dennis Kolarik

Paul Dennis Kolarik, Jr. (born April 8, 1965), better known as Dennis Kolarik, is an American singer and songwriter. He was born in Gary, Indiana at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital, the same hospital where singer Michael Jackson was born. Dennis is the oldest of three sons born to Betty and Paul Dennis Kolarik, Sr. His brothers are Ret. Major David Kolarik, U.S. Army (born May 13, 1966) and Drake Kolarik (born August 19, 1967). When Dennis was 10, the Kolarik family moved to Republic, Missouri. Dennis graduated from Republic High School in 1983 and attended Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. He then served in the US Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65), based in Alameda, California.
Career

1989-1993 -- Heist (IRS/Muscle Records) ... By 1989, Dennis had made San Francisco, California his home. That year, he replaced Paul Holdgate as the lead singer/frontman of the metal band Heist (IRS/Muscle Records) which included band members Kurt Fry - guitar, Darryl Hill - drums, Craig Truman - bass and Steve Robello - guitar/keyboard/vocals. In 1991, Heist recorded the album "Raised in a Jungle" (IRS/Muscle Records) with critical acclaim given to Dennis' strong vocals. He remained with Heist, touring the U.S. and opening for many bands including Bon Jovi, Dio, Van Halen, Little Caesar, Great White and Hurricane until the band split in 1993. Heist's 1989 debut album, "High Heel Heaven", was re-released in 2010 by Retrospect Records.
1994-1999 -- Kolarik ... In 1994 Dennis created rock band Kolarik. In 1996, Kolarik recorded the EP "I'm Alive" at Renown Sound, Redwood City, California and quickly became well-known in the San Francisco and Los Angeles scenes where Dennis counted fellow musicians Linda Perry, Storm Large and Chris Isaak among his many friends. Band members included Charlie Theobald - guitar, Jeff Jenkins - guitar, Michael David Harper - guitar, and Bill Pozden - bass. Drummer Andrew Bacon was replaced by Kris Gustofson in 1998. While Kolarik established itself as a mainstay on the regional club circuit, Dennis and drummer Kris Gustofson were unsatisfied with the direction of the band, and dismantled Kolarik in 1999.
1999-2006 -- Mechanizm (EMJ Records) ... Energized with new songs and a bold new sound, Mechanizm took California by storm. Dennis' commanding lead vocals combined with powerful new songs quickly made Mechanizm a San Francisco and Los Angeles club favorite. Dennis was joined by prior bandmates Kurt Fry - guitar, Kris Gustofson - drums and Charlie Theobald - guitar and welcomed Keith Stater - bass. Mechanizm released three albums - "Your Creation" (EMJ Records - 1999), "Meat for the Machine" (EMJ Records - 2001) and "Turn Away From the Sun" (2006). The record "Your Creation" was recorded live at the band's 3rd Street rehearsal studio with the band at the controls. "Meat for the Machine" was recorded at The Plant Studios with producer Bill Cutler (Spike 1000), and was engineered by Justin Phelps and mastered by Jon Cunniberti. The full length EP "Turn Away From the Sun" was recorded in Novato, California and was mastered by Jeffrey Norman at now-defunct Grateful Dead Recording Studios, Bel Marin Keys, California. "Meat for the Machine" was the band's most successful album, producing the singles "Rain" and "Fell Down" which were in regular rotation on San Francisco's 107.7 The BONE, KNAC and other regional radio and internet radio stations.
2010-2011 -- Open Fire ... In 2007, Dennis moved to Springfield, Missouri to help care for his critically ill mother. In 2009, he was introduced to the leader of Open Fire, a well known Springfield 1980's cover band that had recently disbanded. Dennis then made a career choice he had never before considered - fronting a cover band. Intrigued, he insisted that this new Open Fire wouldn't be an '80s band but a more progressive and hip rock cover band. In July 2010, the new Open Fire band premiered and the response was instantly positive. Not only were Dennis' vocals credited for the new band's success, but the more modern, contemporary set lists were a hit, distinguishing Open Fire from other bands in the area. While he enjoyed the success of the band, internal issues within the band prompted Dennis' early 2011 departure.
2011 -- DyerMaker ... Dennis' experience in Springfield led him to consider a new venture with good friend and former bandmate/drummer Kris Gustofson. Convinced that opportunities existed for a good cover band in the Lake Tahoe area, Dennis and Kris recruited friends Jeff Jones - guitar and Kier Staeheli - bass. DyerMaker debuted in October, 2011 at Cabo Wabo Cantina, Harvey's Casino, Lake Tahoe, Nevada, delivering tunes by Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Daughtry, and Smile Empty Soul, along with favorites by Nirvana, Metallica and Led Zeppelin to name a few. The band has been booked for successive gigs up to Summer 2012.
Discography
*' (1991)
*' (1996)
*' (1999)
*' (2001)

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