ABOUT CROSSFIRE
Core classic rock band members Bill Colvin and Jim Scala have been performing as Alibi since the 1990's and simultaneously as The Extremists since 2009. The creation of The Extremists began when guitarist Alvin Anderson joined the band. With two accomplished lead guitarists on board, the focus of the band shifted to emphasize passages of dual guitar, harmony guitar and simultaneous leads in many of their songs. As the intensity of the music moved up several notches from the more traditional Alibi presentation, the bands new name “The Extremists” was born to reflect the new format. With the unexpected passing of the bands dear friend and fellow guitarist Alvin Anderson a decision was made to retire the Alibi and Extremist names in Alvin's honor. The band line-up now welcomes accomplished guitarist Pat Nervina to the CrossFire stage, continuing this bands core mission to bring exhilarating dual guitar work out to local stages. Previously, the band worked extensively with Pat in the 1990's. As old friends and colleagues, Pat's new membership (not to mention his intense guitar work) is a great fit for CrossFire. Rounding out the line up is rock solid drummer Joe Sarofeen, who joined Alibi / The Extremists in 2015. The group has an extensive song list and appropriately adjusts the intensity of each set list to suit the club, or event for each show. Where the crowd or establishment desire more traditional classic rock, the band delivers danceable favorites. In venues with a taste for more intricate guitar work, the band cut's loose with greater intensity.
Joe Sarofeen– Percussion: The engine that thrusts the entire train forward. Joe's rhythms are steady and strong as he turns in a physically demanding performance on the stage every night. With a constant drive for improvement, Joe continuously delivers a solid rhythmic foundation laced with artistically concise syncopation to accent all of the other instruments on stage.
Bill Colvin – Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals: One of the two founding members in the group, Bill provides much of the lead vocals and 110% of the bass guitar every night. Bill’s bass style is perfectly suited to laying down a solid foundation, particularly through the many passages in which both lead guitars have simultaneously gone completely off the reservation. A veteran of many Auburn and Syracuse area bands, Bill also performed the vocally demanding roll of Simon in the annual Syracuse Salt City Playhouse production of Jesus Christ Superstar for four consecutive seasons.
Pat Nervina – Lead Guitar, Lead Vocal: Recently playing with local bands Chopping Block and Replay, Pat has re-joined forces with Jim & Bill to tear up the stages with searing guitar work. When he’s not busy filling the room with his half of the lead guitar parts, he’s teaming-up out front with Jim Scala for the many dual-lead guitar passages throughout the show. Pat is also currently the lead guitarist for Konstant Kaos, playing regularly in CNY bars and clubs.
Jim Scala – Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Keyboards & Harmonica: The other founding member of the group, Jim turns in much of the lead vocals and the other 1/2 of the lead guitar parts in any given show. Jim also punctuates the set list with keyboard and harmonica parts. These additional instruments add layers of contrast and dimension, expanding the bands musical presentation to a level rarely achieved by a four piece group. Jim’s acoustic duo “WoodStone” performs regularly New York State and has more recently launched a solo acoustic project. Click on the menu tabs at the top or bottom of this page to see more about those projects.
