Randy Berka visits Listening Lyrics on Feb.19, 2016 at 4:00PM

Randy Berka works as a scientific manager at a local biotech company in Davis by day, but pursues his passionate hobby of music after hours.  He has played guitar, bass and harmonica with a number of rock bands since the late 60s.  Randy grew up in the Midwest (a small town in Iowa) where he performed with bands such as The Lazy River Band and Shadrack. The Lazy River Band's most recent CD entitled "Now & Then" and a single called "Man of Steel" were released just a few years ago (both are available online). The Lazy River Band still meets every year or two for gigs wherever and whenever they can arrange it.  Randy co-wrote the Shadrack single "It Was Me/I Wonder Why" on the Sonic label in 1972 and played on the LP "Shadrack Chameleon" in 1973. The album was re-released on the Gear Fab label nearly a decade ago.  Since moving to the Davis area in the early 90s Randy has played with a group of co-workers calling themselves The Amplified DNA Band.  They performed at a variety of local venues including the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland when they competed in Fortune Magazine's Corporate Battle of the Bands. He also plays an assortment of local gigs with QuidZin, The Plainfield Pickers, Stones Throw, The DNA Mechanics, and The Steve Kotarek Band.