Formed in January of 2002, leader Bernie LaBarge wanted to assemble a unit to play the unstoppable groove music of New Orleans Funk. What he got was much more. 

The band gelled quickly and became an Orbit Room favourite. While teaming up with Brent Barkman, LaBarge found a gifted songwriting partner and their infectious compositions are found throughout their recordings. With long time friend Gene Falbo on bass and blues veteran Jim Casson on drums, The Stickmen developed a killer rhythm section.  Orbit Room owner Tim Notter describes them as "the best band that’s ever played The Orbit". 

Recorded in the summer of 2002 at Toronto’s Tattoo Music, their debut CD, “Side One” also features Cassandra Vasik on background vocals, and a duet with LaBarge on ‘Til The Sunrise. The Stickmen’s “Side One” is a collection of hum-able, sing-able, dance-able songs performed in the way that only a seasoned line up can deliver.

Their sophomore release, “Side Two” is not just a sequel to “Side One”, but it also presents a second side to the band showing the inevitable maturation that another year of constant performance brings.

“Side Two” still features the unforgettable song writing of LaBarge and Barkman, and also some unusual remakes.  Original songs “Hey There She Goes”, “2.3 Eugene”, and “When She Cries” vary from rocker to funk to smooth Philadelphia style soul.  Another original, “Hey Bop A-Rebop”, (co-written with Spin Doctor, Eric Schenkman), features rock legend Alex Lifeson from Rush on guitar.  The band puts there on spin on the quirky 60’s, Horst Jankowski hit “A Walk In The Black Forest”, and Bernie LaBarge shows why he’s one of the top studio guitarists in Canada with his rendition of the Santo and Johnny classic “Sleepwalk”.

“Side Two” starts where “Side One” left off and then goes to an even higher level.