Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Drake attributes the success of the band to talent and the cohesion between its members. “We all get along well and respect each other’s creativity — when we get onstage we love to unleash to the audience; the performance and the fans are what drive us. There is no other feeling like it. I think we all share that perspective.” All band members are in their early to mid twenties and are native Pennsylvanians. Drake, bass guitarist Mike “Brawny” Herrold and vocalist and lead guitarist Bo Rudy attended the same high school. Drake and Herrold actually go as far back as elementary school.

Prior to Stealing Pennies, Drake and Herrold jammed together in the band PanelFace, so the two were already familiar with each other’s musical style. Drummer John DeSantis came on board after replying to an ad in “Pennsylvania Musician” magazine for a band in search of a drummer. The match fit and Stealing Pennies has since found its niche in central Pennsylvania’s club scene.

Stealing Pennies is unique in the sense that it has two vocalists — Drake is the lead vocalist and is as captivated by the audience as they are with his energy and stage presence. “I could do this every night — my energy intensifies with their reaction.” Rudy lends his voice as well performing solos that mesmerize. Both vocalists compliment each other in harmonies and create and end result that leaves fans yearning for more. When asked where their name originated, Drake answers with a half-hearted laugh, “Well, there really isn’t a hidden meaning, but one day one of the guys mentioned there used to be an old saying that went ‘you’re so crooked you’d steal pennies off a dead man’s eyes’ … and trust me there’s no meaning to that … we’re not crooked and we don’t deal in dead people, but we kinda liked the name, and it stuck.”

All band members are employed full time but hope to make performing their full time occupation. “It’s every musician’s dream to make it big and perform for millions of fans on a national and international basis. I’d love the band to get some exposure in Philadelphia or Baltimore. But it doesn’t matter if we stay here in Pennsylvania either, as long as we perform — we love the fans here. They’re the reason we are where we are — as long as they want to hear us, well be onstage.”

Rogue Stork Entertainment has acted as the band’s booking agent since March of ’98, placing them on the Pennsylvania club scene to enthusiastic crowd response. “Teresa Ciccocioppi at Rogue has been great. She had insight where to place us and things have been happening ever since.” Let Stealing Pennies rob a few hours from you — the payback you get in entertainment is worth every penny.