Chrisman natives Shannon Frailey & Toby Krabel lead local band
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Since the early 2000’s, the band ‘Six Miles East’ has performed together for about eight years. In 2015, the band reformed with a new line up.
The band consists of Toby Krabel – lead vocals, Shannon Frailey – lead guitar & vocals, Jason English- drums, Scott Harrison- bass & vocals and Brandon Gage- guitar & keyboards.
Most of the band got involved with music very young and some a little later in life.
“I started with a kids drum set from a Sears catalog or something when I was probably around four or five. I then took piano lessons for many years until I got my first real drum set around fourth grade,” Shannon Frailey said. “When I was in high school, I started teaching myself guitar. Now I play several instruments.”
Band member Brandon Gage also started very young and is now working on his post graduate studies in music. Scott Harrison was also a young musician. Lead singer Toby Krabel and drummer Jason English were both in school bands.
The band name came from friend and former band mate Shane Dunkerly. The spot where the band practiced was about a six mile drive, east of his place. “We had spent a few weeks stewing over a band name this is the one that stuck,” Frailey told us.
Hard Rock & 80’s-90’s hair metal cover songs are the main forte of the band. Covers from bands such as Guns ‘N’ Roses, Van Halen, Motley Crue and Skid Row.
“We do play some newer songs to mix in as well. Bands like Volbeat and Steel Panther.”
Six Miles East has played in some local shows in Chrisman, Paris, Brocton, Newman and Metcalf, but they have been slowly playing shows further away.
“We play at birthday parties, lots of Halloween parties, bars/restaurants, wedding receptions, you name it,” Frailey said.
The members of the band play just for the love of music and don’t take themselves too seriously.
They plan to play as long as they are able and still enjoy it. The rotation of the songs help keep the band fresh, drawing in new crowds.
“We don’t have any large aspirations about making it a career or anything. We just enjoy having a good time and playing music,” Frailey said. “We like seeing new crowds and performing for people.”
If you would like to check out ‘Six Miles East’, they will be playing a show at Joe’s Bar in Mattoon on May 28th. Be sure to check out their Facebook page, just search ‘Six Miles East’ for more information on the band and upcoming shows.
