The lead singer puts the "Ruthie" into "Ruthie & the Gents!"  Ruthie was born and raised in Texas, harmonizing with her mamma, sisters and aunts in grandmother's kitchen and singing in the church choir as early as she can remember.  Ruthie  began playing piano at the age of eight and guitar at age 15.  As she got older, she decided to put down the guitar, pick up the microphone and take her place as the lead vocalist for several bands by being a little bit Country and a little bit Rock & Roll.  After her move to California, Ruthie was formally trained in vocal instruction and became the Karaoke Queen of the South Bay!  Even though she enjoys the self-proclaimed title of Karaoke Queen, her real love is singing live with Ruthie & the Gents.

Neil Panton, Keyboards and vocals for Ruthie & the Gents began piano lessons at age 5 and hasn't stopped playing since.  His classical piano career was cut short at age 12 when a friend taught him boogie woogie.  Born and raised in the Bay Area, Neil has performed and toured extensively on the oboe and piano.  Also a composer, Neil has many writing and recording credits to his name including the theme song for the "Garfield" cartoon and appearances on several Camel albums.  Though conversant in many musical styles, Neil is a rock'n roller at heart and happiest when whipping a crowd into a dancing frenzy!

Tom Buckman, Bass Guitar and vocals for Ruthie & the Gents has over 35 years of continuing professional experience that includes performing all popular music styles.  Tom enhances any stage with his energy, great playing, and classy presence.  Along with lead and backing vocals, Tom can cover virtually any musical genre with ease and a great attitude all night long.  Tom has performed with Gino Vannelli, Chris Hillman, Cecilio and Kapono, Etta James, Vince Gill, and appeared on the Dick Clark Friday Night and the Midnight Special TV shows.

Larry Valdez, Lead Guitar and vocals for Ruthie & the Gents is a Bay Area native.  He was born playing Rock & the Blues.  Larry has been a member of the local music scene for a number of years with his own bands as well as a participant in a wide range of musical projects.  Naturally gifted, Larry credits a diverse set of influences including the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Joe Satriani, and Robben Ford.  " It's always a great feeling and a personal goal to connect with the energy of the audience and fill the dance floor!"

Gary Roseen, also Lead Guitar and vocals for R&G started playing guitar during his high school years with his local band mates.  He admires the style of Duane Alman, and will continue to strive for that blues feeling with his slide playing.  His other musical style influences include Classic Rock and Classical Guitar.  Now he's rocking with Ruthie & the Gents, playing rhythm and lead guitar along with vocals and an occasional harmonica sound.  "I'm glad to be a part of this group.  Ruthie & the Gents has a lot of talent but most important, we have a lot of fun as well!"

Rick Friend began to learn to play drums at the ripe old age of three, from his dad who was a big band jazz drummer.  For a while, Rick was content to "jam" in the basement to the big band sounds and other various jazz styles.  Then one night his dad put him up on stage with the big boys and that's all it took to give Rick the bug for live performance.  His dad was always his toughest critic and his biggest incluence.  Rick's other influences include Neal Peart, Buddy Rich, and Simon Phillips.  Rick has been active in the Bay Area music scene for more than two decades.  As well as playing with Ruthie & the Gents, Rick has played drums for Changer, Ellipse, and Restless Souls, just to name a few.  He also does quite a bit of studio session work.  Rick believes in relaxing and having fun when it comes to being a musician. 

Dave Price, Drums "Solid!  Musical!"  This best describes "Mr. Time."  One of the South Bay's best-kept secrets.  Dave has and can be found drumming throughout the Bay Area with numerous well-knbown bands.  Dave has performed with Max Cabello Jr., Chris Cain, Tommy Castro, Andy Just and the Shapes, John Wedemyer, John Lee Hooker, Queen Ida, Andy Muzzilli, Terry Hiatt, Dave Gonzalez, Doc,  Deacon Jones....I could go on!  Dave has opened for many famous bands including B. B. King, Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, John Entwistle of the Who, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, John and Edgar Winter, Buddy Miles (Jimi Hendrix), Robin Trower, Greg Kihn, The Tubes, Alabama, Elvin Bishop, The Doobie Brothers, Eddie and the Tide, Tower of Power, Pete and Sheila Escovedo (with Prince), Cold Blood, and Norton Buffalo of the Steve Miller Band.  And these are just to name a few.  If Dave Price is drummin', there will most definitely be a party with dancin', drinkin', and maybe even a flash or two!!

Charlotte Cash is Ruthie's little sister.  She is a bassist by night, and in school by day studying for her Masters.   Born and raised in Texas,  Charlotte studied music education at Texas Tech University and has been playing for 20 years.  She claims her musical foundation in Texas/Southern rock, 80's metal, and R&B, and has performed in bands in various parts of the great state of Texas (including playing for a band backing an Elvis impersonator!), New Orleans, and fo course with Ruthie & the Gents in the Bay Area.  "I love being a part of my sister's musical endavors, we rock together!  Look out, here we come!"