CV&SSB originates from the mountains of Central Pennsylvania in the forgotten railroad city of Altoona. The band was formed in late 2007 by songwriter Chris Vipond. Chris was born in 1975 and has been writing songs since he was 14. When life fills Chris with disillusionment, he writes songs. Whether it be the hospitalization for a mysterious mass in his brain in 2001, the passing of his mother in 2005, or the closing of his family’s third generation appliance shop in late 2007 and his subsequent arrest on falsified felony charges in 2008, Chris takes what life dishes out and somehow contains the raw emotion and power of absolute honesty and delivers it in this condensed format…music.
The Stanley Street Band provides the musical backdrop to the songs. The Stanley Street Band’s namesake, Mike Stanley has been laying down his groovy bass in various groups with Chris for over 15 years. Phil Wagner rounds out the musical trinity of CV&SSB with the relevant lead guitar parts and vocal harmonies that both range from searing and edgy, to sweet and melodious. Phil has been playing, performing and writing music since before he was born as he is a 2nd generation guitarist. Jacob Smith has called various cities around the U.S. home, and he currently resides behind the drum kit for Chris Vipond and the Stanley Street Band. He’s been playing drums for over 15 years, he’s toured the country three times and it shows in his impeccable timing and ability.
This band is all about the songs. Songs that make you think, laugh, cry, and get angry. The music is always injected with a sense of empathy and positivity. From the protest rock anthems and subtle folk rock gems to the in-your-face edgy-funk jams, CV&SSB deliver a perfectly honest spectrum of sound.
We also have a diverse group of people sit in with us from time to time. This is known as the Stanley Street Band. We can perform acoustically with a traditional cajon in lieu of a drum kit, full production with sound and lights, and anywhere in between.
Chris Vipond- Vocals, Guitar, Ukulele, Keyboards, and Harmonica
Mike Stanley- Bass, Vocals, and Cajon
Phil Wagner - lead guitar, vocals
Jacob Smith - drum kit, percussion
