Growing up in the Lake Geneva, WI area, Spencer is driven to follow his passion and love for music. Since the curious age of 8, he has worked to develop a keen ability to play by ear and read chart.
From conception, Spencer was surrounded by a shared family love of classic rock, blues, funk, pop, classical and jazz music forms.
Once upon a time, chores were an essential part of life in The Spiewak house; least favorite of these – doing dishes. Tired of the relentless daily complaining and lack of desire to practice piano early-on, his parents created a special form of musical escape within the family called ‘Dish or Jam’. The premise was simple: Mom cooks an amazing dinner (usually incorporating a sizable amount of dishes), eat all of your food, ‘The Brothers’ then do all the dishes and wash the table -OR- elect to go downstairs and jam (practice) together as a band. Needless to say, there was a bunch of jamming going on in the Spiewak house at this blossoming age of discovery. Great care was taken to provide a full PA system and professional instruments to learn on. Once all the arguing about the drums, the bass or the piano being too loud subsided, ‘The Brothers’ played (practiced) together until Mom and Dad finished doing the dishes themselves (which may or may not have taken a bit longer than a reasonable time to complete). Special brotherly bonds and musical understanding came to be; remains evident when they perform on-stage together today.
At the age of 14, Spencer was asked to join a conceptual school-sanctioned music project called The Orange Crush Band; served as their founding keyboardist for 5 years; a broad-reaching rock/funk based band representing top selected student talent that was featured on the PBS show Wisconsin Life. With a robust horn section, bands like Chicago, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Tower of Power and Bruno Mars were in full play. This privilege afforded Spencer and his brothers (Chandler - Bass, Connor - Drums) the volunteer opportunity to perform before thousands spanning many different venue types including: Pre-game at Milwaukee Buck’s basketball games, large festivals, fairs, Varsity HS basketball games and many other highly attended public charitable events.
Continuing to explore his curious musical nature, Spencer has also picked up harmonica, acoustic guitar and percussion to broaden his musical voice. The days of ‘Dish or Jam’ may have sadly passed, but the brotherly love for music flourishes.
College studies at UW-Parkside continue to include Business Management with an Entrepreneurial emphasis. With an ever-growing performance portfolio, Spencer’s journey has exploded down new paths of discovery to further embrace the writing of original material. Forming his own band, Gravity of Youth, he is able to better incorporate his primary musical influences of Rick Wakeman (YES), Jonathan Cain (Journey), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and Herbie Hancock. Spencer is currently recording the band’s 1st original album at The Breeze Music Studio (Lake Geneva, WI area) and hopes to have it completed by year-end 2020.
Connor Spiewak - Drums/Percussion, Vocals
Spencer’s youngest brother Connor also grew up in the Lake Geneva area. At age 3, with delayed speech challenges to overcome, it was the discovery of music therapy that lit a path of hope for his parents. Around this same time, he rather unexpectedly demonstrated instrumental performance ability on the piano. After observing Spencer play at a formal Christmas piano recital, when the recital was complete and everyone was enjoying refreshments, Spencer’s recital piece began to ring out. Much to everyone’s surprise (especially Spencer’s), it was young Connor on the piano re-playing the piece Spencer had closed the recital with (except it was being played without music). Not long after this, Connor’s rather playfully bombastic personality was introduced to drums - an absolute match made in Heaven. It was here he began to further demonstrate profound ability to hear and play by ear (later discovered on most any instrument with formal testing and confirmation of perfect pitch). With a growing curiosity and passion to develop and discover his God-given talents, he broadened his skill-set by developing the fluid ability to read music as well. Growing up in an extremely music-oriented family, Connor was surrounded by the engaging sounds of Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz and Pop by way of his parents Lorie & Brant.
At the age of 9, Connor was invited to join his two older brothers performing in major performance venues across Wisconsin with Burlington’s Orange Crush Band as percussionist/drummer - remained a mainstay for the balance of the band’s existence before its disbanding in 2017. By the end of his 8th grade year, he was able to achieve the highest level of state performance recognition earning WSMA State High Honors for both Parade Drum and Concert Marimba. He followed that up his freshman year of High School with another High State Honors performance in full drum kit while playing 3 varsity sports and maintaining a 4.0 GPA; invited to play in State Honors Band hosted by WSMA as well. His performance experiences have expanded to include singing, playing harmonica, piano and melodica as well as xylophone, vibraphone, hand percussion along with most anything else he musically puts his attention to.
His passion for music continues to grow and is fueled by a true love for the history and theory behind the music. 2019 saw his first solo musical composition performed live before 1500+ students and faculty at Badger High School’s 2019 Homecoming Pep Assembly; rewarded with a much appreciated standing ovation.
Scholarship percussion master-class studies completed include: Berklee College of Music (Boston), Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Michigan), Fantasy Drum Camp (Chicago) and Master Percussion Workshop @ University of North Texas. With a planned career trajectory set for the music industry, his positive spirit is infectiously genuine and grounded; mentors include: Parents (Lorie & Brant), Mrs. Amanda Krause (Lake Geneva Middle School Band Director), Mr. Greg Bunge (Badger High School Band Director & Touring Professional) and Mr. Curt Heitl (drum teacher). Influences and supplemental mentors include: Buddy Rich, John Bonham and Neil Peart. He also was the brief understudy of Robert “Sput” Searight, Todd Sucherman and Matt Garstka.
Sarah Teale - Vocals
Born and raised in Walworth County, Sarah has spent most of her life in the Lake Geneva area. Early on, as the second of four children (parents Michelle & Jeff), Sarah was convinced she wanted to be a dentist. That was until she entered the fifth grade and met up with a very inspiring music teacher by the name of Tina Johnson. With a wealth of newfound encouragement and blossoming musical curiosity, Sarah changed from playing clarinet to trumpet when her music teacher heard her sing (a-ha moment). Sarah proceeded to earn leading parts in many middle school plays; with performance passion discovered, the journey had begun.
Sarah has been in some form of band and choir since the fifth grade. At 13, by invitation, she traveled to NYC where she competed among thousands in an acting, modeling and singing competition; placed in 3 of 6 events; one of twelve singing finalists with callback opportunities formally extended from a number of professional agencies. In high school, Sarah has won Outstanding Soloist in multiple Jazz competitions. As a senior in high school, Sarah performed trumpet in two bands, while also sharing lead vocalist responsibilities in The Badger Honors Jazz Ensemble (Greg Bunge, Director); also sang in the Honors Vocal Ensemble.
Now on the path to professional music discovery, Sarah has also come to appreciate supplemental forms of instrumental expressions including: guitar, piano, and ukulele. With an ever-growing love for all forms of music, respectable influences span: Etta James, Janis Joplin, Norah Jones, Lady Gaga, The Beatles and Queen. Her commanding style delicately navigates a silky smooth foundational elegance; not to be fooled, at a moment’s call, her soul fuels the ability to soar to the edge of vocal possibility and emotional rage; an energetic blend of timeless Rock, Jazz, and Blues then roars to life..
Outside of school, Sarah studied with Rock Central (lead vocalist) where she opened for such acts as KANSAS and THE GUESS WHO. Now beginning to realize her own professional dream, Sarah is very excited to continue her musical discovery as the lead singer for Gravity of Youth - the best has yet to come!
Emily Wendlandt - Vocals
Growing up and residing just outside of the Rockford, Illinois area, Emily began her love for music when she was three years old after being introduced to artists like Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin and ELO by her parents and grand-parents. Since then, she has built a tremendous passion for music and performing. Starting in grade school, Emily participated in every school choir, but always tried to remain away from the spotlight. Her senior year of high school, after years of pressure from her friends, family and teachers, Emily built up the courage to let her passion be heard and tried out for the school musical where she was given the honor of performing the musical’s anthem as a solo. After the musical, Emily’s confidence grew and she started to audition for more solos in her high school and sang with friend groups at gigs in the Rockford area. Emily was able to sing her own rendition of Valerie at one of her last choir concerts and was awarded best soloist of that school year.
After high school, Emily began her freshman year of college in an effort to receive an Associate of Arts degree and later major in Creative Writing. Music has always held a close spot in Emily’s heart. Throughout her first semester though, as each day passed, she seemed to think more and more about making singing a career consideration. Now going into her second semester of college, after countless signs to take a leap of faith, Emily has decided to devote more of her time to music and the passion it represents for her.
Emily has minor experience on the ukulele and has begun learning how to play the guitar in efforts to further her musical education. With her family being a huge influence on her music taste, Emily’s style is a blend of Rock, Indie and Jazz.
July 18th, 2018, Spencer’s 21st birthday. His parents had arranged to take him out to a microbrewery on the nearby shores of Lake Michigan in Racine; a very special day indeed for family and friends. That afternoon, as his father was returning home from a business trip, having just landed late at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, the phone rang with a very special request from Spencer.
“Remember that cool Supper Club on Lake Como with the big grand piano when you walk in? I’d really like to go there and play a song for my birthday Dad...”
Being careful to manage any potentially unrealistic expectation, his father replied, “That’s a pretty big deal Spence. I’m guessing they already have live entertainment booked for the evening - very popular place during the summer months you know. Tough to just walk in, say I’m Spencer Spiewak and expect to play for a packed restaurant - they don’t know you from Adam.”
The call ended in agreement that the birthday entourage would at least go eat dinner there. Amazed that Spencer had even remembered what Mars Resort was (it had been years since the family had visited there), once off the phone, unbeknownst to Spencer, his father immediately reached out to the bustling club with hopes of introducing himself to a manager or someone in charge; somehow begin to try to explain this unique situation and request.
“Know this is going to sound a bit crazy: it’s my son’s 21st birthday and rather than go anywhere else, he has requested coming to your restaurant to celebrate with the family; more importantly, play a song for the entire restaurant on your grand piano.”
“Funny you mention that...” responded a cautiously curious voice, “Our entertainment for the evening has canceled. Can he really play though?”
“He’s been playing for over 10 years with his brothers - he can play.”
Caught a bit off-guard by the uniqueness of the request but intrigued by its serendipitous timeliness (in a bit of a bind with no live entertainment scheduled for the busy evening ahead), the manager Scott simply replied, “Look...you bring him in here and I’ll take care of the rest.” With a smile from ear to ear, Brant responded, “You have no idea how excited he’ll be...One little thing, really don’t want him to know we spoke.”
“Not a problem.”
Arriving home, a large contingency of family and friends had collected. By now, having had to navigate I-94 traffic in rush hour, everyone was a bit hangry (hungry and angry) as the unsuspecting group began to make its way. Upon arrival, the restaurant was absolutely packed (2 ½+ hour wait). Surprisingly, every seat around the grand piano was open. Pulling the hostess aside, a discrete effort was made to explain who the group was. In short time it became evident that she had been briefed about our special situation and immediately sat the group at the piano. Quickly, performance lighting began to turn on, stacked menus and remnant drink glasses removed; Spence began to sink a bit in his chair.
“Looks like they’re getting ready for someone to play Dad.”
“Hey, I told you, you can’t just show-up to a place like this and expect play. Look…it’s your birthday - we’re going to have fun no matter what. Let’s just enjoy the fact we’re all together here and now. We’ll have a great time either way!”
It was about that time Scott walked up, “I understand we have a 21st birthday here?” Puzzled by this sudden introduction, Spence lifted his spirit high enough to respond, “Yes, it’s my birthday.”
“Well, you’ll have to let me buy you your 1st shot…”
Once complete, Scott stepped up to the microphone to speak to the entire restaurant. “If I could have everyone's attention please, we have a special event here tonight. I understand it is Spencer’s 21st birthday, was hoping everyone would join me in singing happy birthday…” The entire restaurant sang with cheer then clapped. Spence was all smiles. Scott then came up and again said happy birthday; eased into casual conversation with a now glowing young fan.
After a bit, Spence summoned up the courage to finally ask who was going to be playing on the piano tonight. Scott looked at Spence, slipped a quick glance over his shoulder where Spencer’s father hid in the moment, smirked and quietly responded, “Some new guy by the name of Spencer Spiewak - do you know him?”
In an instant, Spencer’s spirit had run the gamut from the brink of pure disappointment, to now euphoric jubilation; soaring beyond the stratosphere; responded, “Are you serious?”
“Are you sure you’re up for this - there’s a ton of people here tonight you know!” Spencer instinctively responded, “Absolutely!”
“You wouldn't happen to know any Billy Joel would you?”
Unbeknownst to anyone, Spence secretly pocketed several key items before leaving home; proceeded to pull out a neck harness from one pocket and a harmonica from the other responding, “I know Piano Man!”
Scott simply began to laugh in disbelief as he re-approached the microphone.
“If I can have everyone's attention just one more time: Spencer’s birthday wish was to come here this evening and play just one song for everyone - would that be ok?”
The restaurant collectively cheered as Spencer took a deep breath and slowly made his way to the pianos command - a very big life-moment quickly approached.
From there, his shiny chrome harmonica burst to life – ‘The Piano Man’ was truly in his moment as those oh-so familiar notes rang out. Tears began to fill the eyes of his parents as everyone sang in unison much to Spencer’s delight; now miles high in his dream.
As his performance came to a grand conclusion, the restaurant exploded with approval as many stood now cheering for more. Some 2 hours later, with numerous guest singers joining in and a tip jar full of love, a humble birthday wish was realized. This most unsuspecting venue, nestled on the cozy shores of Lake Como, magically transformed into a gateway for the unbelievable; a grand stage for a courageous young man’s leap of faith - much to the delight of all those who were there to bear witness.
Sometime before departing, Scott re-approached Spencer. Mutual thanks were exchanged through heart-felt embrace. A permanent opportunity was offered to share his musical gift as part of the Mars in-house music experience - Spencer gladly accepted. What initially started as The SMC trio (featuring brother Connor on drums and the soaring lead vocals of Micah Gebel) evolved and grew into the band, as it performs today, with the power and passion of Sarah Teale on lead vocals along with a very talented Emily Wendlandt selectively providing backup lead vocal support.
And so the journey of this story-book beginning moves on; a real example of what can happen with hard work, determination, dedication and the courage to reach for the seemingly unrealistic. Dreams do still come true - just ask Spencer next time you come to experience: The Gravity of Youth!
