CHRISTY BALLANCE
Lead and Backing vocals 

Christy has been singing most of her life and professionally since her teen years. As a child, she already had a sophisticated ear for harmonies and used that talent when singing gospel music in her father’s church and with various gospel groups.

A beautiful and talented stage performer, Christy sang lead and backing vocals for six years with a variety show, “American Music Jubilee”, in Selma NC. A gifted songwriter as well as singer, Christy has also performed and recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.



JEFF HOWETT
Lead and Backing Vocals, Percussion

Jeff discovered a love for music and began singing in the fifth grade. As his singing talent grew, his passion to perform led him to become a vocalist in “The Fabulous Four.” This group won the “NC Discovery Talent Search” in 1988 and headed for the Nationals in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They won “Best Vocal Group” and placed third out of the 50,000 acts that had competed across the nation. The following year, the group received runner-up honors.

Jeff sang with “The Fabulous Four” for 10 years, performing on stage as the opening act for artists that included Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, The Embers, The Platters, Super Grit, North Tower, The Association and many more. Jeff’s high-energy on-stage personality, along with his percussion and vocal talents are integral components to the complete Avalanche package. 




Emil LaCivita
Keyboards / Vocals

Emil's been playing keyboards since age 7. Growing up in Maryland, right outside of Washington DC, he found his way to some great cover bands. The first was "Homebrew", with school friends, then it started getting more serious when he joined a hard rock band called "M Street", named after the bar-hopping territory in Georgetown.

During later years, Emil earned his way through school by regularly gigging in a band called "Nation Time" a top funk and R&B band with a sizzling female singer. "Nation Time" was pure late 70's funk – a la Earth Wind and Fire, Commodores, and Kool and the Gang. Later, Emil joined a highly popular and successful band, "Skyline" that put on an awesome show. "Skyline" played rock, top 40, and dance tunes and was one of DC's top cover bands. All 6 band members were students together at the University of Maryland, and they had a blast playing out for more than four years.

Since then, Emil moved to Raleigh, NC and invested his time in his career and family. He’s continued his passion for music and performing, appearing with “Famous On Friday” and now “Avalanche”.



RAY HOLMES
Lead Guitar

Ray has been a musician for several years. He has performed professionally with numerous bands including “Area 51,” and “Blue Steel,” Ray has opened shows for " Molly Hatchett," " Britny Fox," and " The Little River Band."

Ray has performed for many charitable causes, including the CF Foundation, Desert Storm Concert, Crime Stoppers, and Relay for Life. His talent on lead guitar takes many songs to a new level for the band and audience, alike.

His musical influences are ( Jimmy and Stevie Ray Vaughn, Billy Gibbons, Steve Vai, Dean DeLeo, David Gilmore, ) Ray uses Gibson and Fender guitars. Marshall and Fender amplifiers. Roland keyboards.



RODGER GIASSON
Bass Guitar/ Lead and Backing Vocals

Rodger has performed professionally for more than 25 years, playing both Country and Rock music. He has played in groups that opened for major recording artists including Ronnie McDowell, Delbert McClinton, Confederate Railroad, Billy Joe Royal, Johnny Paycheck and David Allen Coe.

Rodger’s talent, combined with his cool style and vibrant personality, add life and energy to the Avalanche experience.

Charitable causes that Roger has donated his time and talent to support over the years include Relay for Life. Rodger uses Alvarez and Rickenbackor bass guitars. Ampeg amplifiers. 



NICK  NUNKOVICH
Drums

Nick has played professionaly for years with bands such as God Forbid and South of Nowhere, recording two albums with both bands

Nick has opened for major recording artist such as Criss.
Nick uses DW drums and Zildjian cymbls.