Jen Urbach
Lead and Backing vocals
I grew up in Mayville, North Dakota and have always loved to sing. I attribute my love of music to my parents, who introduced me to a wide variety of genres and encouraged me to participate in piano, orchestra, marching band, jazz band, and choir all through my school years. I became the friends and family wedding singer and joined my first band, Flight Risk, in 2009. The exposure from Flight Risk introduced me to a whole world of musicians and musical opportunities which ultimately landed me in Girls Night Out. When I'm not working as a respiratory therapy manager or living out my wildest dreams making music with my amazing band mates, I like hanging out with family and friends and, of course, the dog.
I was born with a cleft palate and my parents were told I may never speak correctly, let alone sing. Every day I'm able to perform for you is a gift, and I'm truly grateful for every minute of it.
Erica Hanson
Lead and Backing vocals
I've loved music ever since I can remember. Growing up, my mom was definitely a huge musical influence on me. She sang and played guitar in an acoustic trio, and was also was our church accompanist for over 30 years.
I started taking piano lessons when I was 6. I got the singing bug at around age 14, when we had a portable recording studio in the form of a giant Jukebox that we would take to malls, the state fair and other youth and corporate events.
I was always singing whenever I had a chance. Karaoke, weddings, special events etc. Then in 2006, I auditioned for the lead singer in an up and coming country rock band. To my surprise, I was offered the spot as I was driving home from the audition. I learned a lot about performing during that time and really started to grow as a musician. Some highlights during that time were opening for LoCash at The Pioneer Place in WI, and also for BlackHawk at the Medina Ballroom. Today I'm writing my own music, learned to play a little guitar, and I have had a couple of songs played on local country radio. I am such a country girl at heart and am so honored to be able to sing with all of these amazing friends of mine in Girls Night Out!
Stephanie Swearingen
Fiddle, Backing vocals
Stephanie Swearingen is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist born and raised in the Twin Cities. She began singing at her church at age 3, before starting piano at age 6 and violin at age 9. After earning a music degree from St. Olaf College, Stephanie served as the Principal Second Violin for the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, and currently holds the positions of Principal Second Violin and orchestral librarian for the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. A versatile musician able to perform across genres, she has performed around the midwest with Girls Night Out, Collective Unconscious, the Killer Vees, Walter’s Wheelhouse, Grant Haake and the Fifth Avenue Revue, Hillbilly Inc, Folk Remedy, and the Knockmedowns, and has recorded with Andrew Walesch and the late Bobby Vee. Stephanie resides in Crystal, MN with her husband and adorable dog, where she crochets, grows heirloom tomatoes, and teaches violin and piano lessons from her home studio.
Donnie Doyle
Drums-Musical Director-Arranger
Performing credits:
Willy Murphy-Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame
Thunder Road Band-Drums/Arranger House Band at Gatlin Bros.Music City Grille,Mall of America,opening act for over 70 National acts
Shannon Brown-John Rich produced Country artist
Dakota Valley Symphony Orchestra
Cornell Dupree-Texas great R&B/Blues from Aretha Franklin's band
Bat Out of Hell-17 piece Meatloaf Tribute Band