The Cornerstone Dance Band dates back to 1984 when George Smadu
(bass - lead vocals), Albert Michlik (drums - lead vocals) and Larry Richea (guitar - keyboard - lead vocals) created this group. 

Earlier groups like Trans Canada, Billy J and the Mustangs, Chickasaw County Fair, Kounty Fair, Jumping Deer Creek Daredevils, and others that we have been involved in, helped shape what would become Cornerstone.

Almost immediately the group was searching for an expanded lineup and had auditioned and stage tested several musicians including:

Bruce Connley (sax - keys),
Clifford Yee (sax),
Lorne Shatkowsky (sax),
Margaret Stellyk (sax - keys)
Pete Greif (keyboards), the keyboard backbone since March 1985.

Roberta Nichol joined the group in 1988 after the demise of her group Cloudburst.  Roberta was a valuable and powerful asset to the group as a dominant lead vocalist.  She retired from dance band activity in 1993.

Click the photo to see video of Roberta's guest appearance with Cornerstone on New Year's Eve 2010.

Cornerstone continued as a four piece group until June of 2006 when, founding member, George decided to retire from dance band performance after 41 years.

Subsequently, long time friend and respected bass player Bill Rothecker
came to us from the band Summit.

Terry Malloy also joined the group during the summer of 2006 as a guitarist and lead vocalist.  Terry decided to retire from Cornerstone as of early 2009.  We remain close with Terry and call on his skills from time to time. His powerful musicianship and stage presence will be missed.

Terry's departure opened the door for Pete's brother Bob to become the latest member of Cornerstone.  Bob is a very capable multi-instrumentalist but the band was really interested in his professional stage presence and powerful vocal talent.