SP511 is classic rock fan’s dream

By Rhonda Simmons

Published: September 4, 2008

By Rhonda Simmons
Staff Writer
This Harrisonburg-based group plays songs made popular by Heart, Pink, Linkin Park, AC/DC, Audio Slave, Alice in Chains, The Eagles, and Joe Walsh.
Tonight, the five-member ensemble will perform those familiar tunes at the Hazel River Pub starting at 9:30.
“We’re a cover band so we do a little bit of everything,” said drummer Scott Harlow Monday.
SP511 formed a little more than two years ago in the Shenandoah Valley playing clubs nearly every weekend.
By day, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Eddie Tobey, bassist/vocalist Michael Polinko, lead vocalist Cheryl Sule, drummer Scott Harlow and lead guitarist Josh Bailey, have full-time jobs.
Tobey, 45, Harlow, 44, and Bailey, 22, install carpet, while Sule, 30, works as a landscaper.
However, Polinko’s side job is a bit more public.
You may have seen him on one of those late night Bowflex infomercials.
The 51-year-old is the spokesman for the popular fitness equipment.
How did the band come up with the name SP511?
“We get asked that all the time,” Harlow said.
As the guys were jotting down names at a warehouse a few years ago, they happened to look down at a piece of SP511 carpet.
And the rest is, ahem, history.
As for the band’s sound, Harlow says the vocals are great.
“Cheryl has an unbelievable vocal range,” he said. “She’s really good and there’s nothing we can’t do with her vocal range.”
“We are lucky to have three lead singers,” Harlow added.
Harlow said SP511 is looking forward to playing in Culpeper.

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .

Want to go?
What: SP511, a classic rock cover band
Where: Hazel River Pub
When: Tonight at 9:30
Cost: $5 cover

Meet SP511
Eddie Tobey, 45, rhythm guitar and vocals
Michael Polinko, 51, bass and vocals
Cheryl Sule, 30, lead vocals
Scott Harlow, 44, drummer
Josh Bailey, 22, lead guitar