Cover Photo By: Meredith Kaminek

A Living, Breathing Juke Box

By: Rachel Rocks

   That’s What She Said is a high-energy party rock band. The band started back in 2009 and they’ve been rockin’ central PA’s local music scene ever since. These guys are not new to the scene, they’ve all played in their fair share of bands, so they know what they are doing, and they are having lots of fun doing it. They are 75% state employed, so they understand the need to get out there on the weekends, de-stress, and have a good time.

   Doug Wolfberg is the center, front man, playing guitar and doing most of the lead vocals. He started playing guitar back in his preteen years to try to impress girls, and it’s still working! He can sing all of your favorites ranging from The Beatles and Journey, all the way to the Foo Fighters, plus a lot of artists in between. Doug has a great stage presence and he knows how to get the crowd started and keep them going all night long.

   Steve Matthes also plays guitar, and helps out singing great hits from Kiss, Metallica, and many of your grittier favorites. He also sings a lot of harmonies, adding to the richness of their songs. Steve grew up in the sticks and him and his twin brother didn’t have anything better to do, so together, they figured out how to play guitar. When they figured out that they could impress girls, that was just an added bonus. Steve still continues to play for fun. He loves his day job, but it’s always nice to let loose on the stage and play guitar, and see people having a good time.

   Mike Haverstick is holding up the back line on drums. He also started playing in those teenage years. He was lucky and was able to get some lessons from some great drummers along the way, Steve Young, Greg Kline, and Don Frey. All of his instructors really showed him the ropes and helped him become the drummer he is today. Don’t let Mike fool you, he has plenty of energy back there and you can frequently catch him jumping off his stool to help add some ‘emphasis’ to the song and to keep the crowd pumped up.

   Last but not least is their newest member, Ian Gordon. Ian has a great mentor, his Dad, Jim Gordon, who is still also a bass player in a local band. That’s What She Said first went to Jim to play, but since he is currently playing, he suggested Ian. When Ian auditioned he immediately fit right in. Ian has been a positive influence on the band and has brought back some high energy and great ideas! He also brought a slight punk touch to the band, adding in his vocal abilities with Weezer, the Ramones, and some other great songs. He fills in the middle range, also adding in to the harmonies, making the sound even sweeter!

   That’s What She Said (TWSS) is constantly changing their set list. They like to compare themselves to a living, breathing jukebox. They currently have about 150 songs that they can play, but they are always learning new songs. They try their hardest to fulfill crowd requests and suggestions. They also change their set list based on their crowds ques. Their set lists have a tendency to get louder as the night goes on and the crowd gets rowdier. Once the crowd gets going, there is no stopping them. I saw them start their night at Tubby’s, the dance floor was only lonely for their first song, and after that things got pretty crazy! I also saw their first show at Chick’s in Hummelstown, and I was quickly sucked in to the dancing shenanigans. TWSS’s shows are definitely a great way to let loose and have a good time!

   The guys can’t do everything on their own, they have a great support group. They are sponsored by Yuengling and are always on the lookout for new sponsors.  Doug’s girlfriend, Andrea Hoak, does all of their bookings and helps them promote themselves any way possible, including putting their ad in the PA Musician Magazine. She also makes bracelets and other creative jewelry out of their used guitar strings. They also have Marketing Megan that helps them with all of their social media, videos and pictures. You can check out their Facebook page to check out all of her hard work. She does a great job. Ian also has Becky to help out as a roadie, and support him in any way possible. Steve’s wife, Paige and kids are very tolerant, and are glad that Steve is out doing what he loves. Doug must be doing something right, because two out of three of his kids are already musicians! His one son, Josh, has even played at a gig with them before. It’s awesome to see the next generation get an early start with music.

   That’s What She Said generally plays throughout Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster. They can play just about anywhere from big clubs to the smallest watering hole. They are also available for private parties and corporate events. Currently their next gig is at Arooga’s on 39 on May 10^th. You can check out their full schedule in this issue or on Facebook, at facebook.com/thatswhatshesaidrocks. Give them a call at 717-805-5619 and get them booked at your venue today!