"Not Quite Brothers" at annual fireman's dance

By Caroline Rosacker

The Guttenberg Fire Department is comprised of a group of dedicated volunteers who perform fire suppression and other emergency-related services to area residents. They are expected to be on call all the time and be prepared to be summoned to the fire station when their services are needed. They are also expected to participate in other non-emergency duties such as training, equipment maintenance and fund-raising events. 

Annual Firemen’s Dance

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the annual Firemen’s Dance. The event, that has been rescheduled twice, is set to take place on Saturday, March 27, from 7 - 11 p.m. at Lakeside Ballroom in Guttenberg. 

The evening's entertainment will be provided by Northeast Iowa's popular cover band "Not Quite Brothers." Tickets for the event are $5 dollars and can be purchased from any fire department member or at the door that evening. 

"We scheduled the band last March and rescheduled them in October and both got canceled due to COVID-19," said Fire Department Secretary Austin Greve. 

Every ticket purchased is eligible for a door prize drawing. A large selection of prizes will be awarded and are donated by local businesses. The Guttenberg Fire Department depends on the generosity of area residents and is grateful for their continued support.  

"Not Quite Brothers"

"Not Quite Brothers" is a five-piece variety cover band from Cedar Falls. The band is comprised of twin brothers Sam Johnson, lead vocals; Isaac Johnson, lead guitar and backup vocals; Cooper Corcoran, rhythm guitar; Blake "Boyd" Marsh, bass guitar and Ben Schmelzer, drums and backup vocals. 

Cooper Corcoran, band member and marketing representative, told The Press, "Not Quite Brothers specializes in 80's rock, classic 70's, some country and a little bit of 90's and current popular music."  

The band has been performing together since October 2018. Corcoran explained, "I began playing guitar at age 14. Twin brothers Sam and Isaac had already formed a band called "Sad Magic."  We found out about each other's interest in music during a high school algebra class. I joined their band and we met Blake and Ben during a show choir competition in high school. We formed a new band and changed the name to "Not Quite Brothers." 

Three of the band members share a home in Cedar Falls making practice opportunities plentiful. Corcoran commented, "Isaac, Blake and Ben live together so we get together at their place and practice. We typically practice two to three times a week. We practice in the basement during the winter and out in the garage in the summer."

The busy band members have built-up quite a reputable notoriety performing in Northeast Iowa. Corcoran listed a few of their favorite venues. "We play once a month in Petersburg. My dad opened up a place in Manchester. We perform upstairs at that establishment. Everyone loves that place. It's a lot of fun." He went on to say, "We performed at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls. That was a huge honor. We got to play alongside the 'Pork Tornadoes.' It was great that they gave us an opportunity like that. There is nothing like playing to a big crowd."

Ben Schmelzer

Area residents may recognize hometown musician Ben Schmelzer, Ben is the son of Julie and Don Schmelzer of Guttenberg. Corcoran noted, "Ben is a huge asset to our band as a drummer and backup singer. He has been performing with bands since he was 14-years-old. Ben has previously performed on Lakeside's iconic stage four times. Lakeside will be a new venue under the rest of our belts. We are excited to perform in the ballroom, especially one of that caliber." 

Corcoran concluded. "Being up on stage with four of my best friends is the greatest. I love the response from the audience when we perform. The positive response from people that attend our shows has been overwhelming. We are grateful for all our fans." 

Additional information about "Not Quite Brothers" can be found at www.notquitebrothers.com or find them on Facebook.