WHO WE ARE
Passionate musicians delivering unforgettable live performances
and the soundtrack of generations.
LORI AYALA
- Lead Vocals / Percussion
Lori grew up inspired by her father’s love of music, especially artists like Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chaka Khan. She began singing and taking piano lessons as a child and continued developing her musical passion while building a career in education, eventually becoming a principal. Along the way she sang in choirs, studied piano and voice, and even started a variety band in Texas. Now back in Albuquerque with her family, Lori continues singing and is thrilled to perform with STRATUS.
BEN HARRISON
- Keys
My musical philosophy is simple; have fun but don't sacrifice excellence. Give the people a good show. Cater to the audience, but leave enough "meat" in the set to satisfy ourselves. Do that and it's a recipe for success.
The rest will fall into place.
Casey Cook
- Bass/Lead & Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Casey began playing guitar in junior high and performed in acoustic duos and trios through his early years. After stepping away from music to focus on family and career, his passion was rekindled when he started playing and recording songs with his daughters. Encouraged by them, he picked up the bass guitar and dedicated himself to mastering the instrument. After initially filling in as a substitute bassist for STRATUS, Casey has now stepped into the role full-time and also contributes vocals.
DEAN CLARK
- Guitar/Vocals
Dean began playing guitar after hearing The Beatles’ “Please Please Me” as a kid in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from Sandia High School, he played in several Albuquerque bands including Moonrise and Likely Storey. Following a break from music in the 1980s, he returned in 1999 and has since performed with local bands such as Back Pages, Rapid Fire, Smoke & Honey, The Line, and now STRATUS. Influenced by guitar greats from Neil Young and David Gilmour to Jimi Hendrix and John Mayer, Dean also enjoys recording music with family and friends on the Left on Mainstream album project.
LEONARD CASTILLO
Mr. Steel
Percussionist Leonard Castillo (AKA Mr. Steel) has toured with performing musical road shows throughout Canada and the US. He has studied with percussionist Les DeMerle out of Hollywood, participated with the Stan Kenton Clinics at the University of Redlands and played for session work at "The Village" studios in Santa Monica. Leonard also performed regularly at Steamers Jazz Club in Fullterton California with other top improvisational jazz artists such as "The Vern Nelson Project". Leonard toured California with 'Brain Salad', an Emerson Lake and Palmer Tribute band.