
DATE: Sunday, September 14, 1997            TAG: 9709120210

SECTION: CAROLINA COAST          PAGE: 20   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: AFTER DARK 

                                            LENGTH:   61 lines

LOCAL BAND STILL A FAVORITE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

After 13 years and more turnover than President Clinton's cabinet, The Outer Banks band known as The Neurocktix still plays that old time rock 'n' roll.

And what's more, they're getting more and more work. Just this week, the six-man band plays a deck party at Barrier Island Inn in Duck and a two-night gig in the friendly confines of Kelly's Tavern in Nags Head.

``It's no secret,'' says guitarist and singer Rick Ostlund, the band's only original member. ``We do the favorites. People come to hear us because we have a lot of energy.''

And the band has a sound for every occasion. For the deck parties, the group may trot out cover tunes by Crosby, Stills and Nash, Steely Dan, Van Morrison, the Grateful Dead and Hootie and The Blowfish.

In a booty-shaking lounge like Kelly's, the sextet segues songs by The Beatles, Bob Marley, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, The Rolling Stones, The Wallflowers and UB 40.

Make no mistake about it. There's a party going on.

The current lineup - Ostlund, guitarist/singer Greg Shelton, drummer Bob Makar, bassist Kerry Chapman, guitarist/singer Bob Furr and vocalist Robert ``Bobby Bear'' Choates - has been rock-solid for two years.

``This is one of the best lineups we've had,'' says Ostlund, who has worked with more than 40 musicians in The Neurocktix. ``Bear really adds to the show. He's a true performer.''

And for those who haven't heard The Neurocktix lately, the band's brand of party rock has a decidedly bluesy edge these days. Credit the sound to Shelton's sinewy lead guitar playing.

``He's our Michael Jordan,'' Ostlund says. ``He does it all. Some nights my mouth is hanging open watching him play.''

Before moving to the Outer Banks in the mid '80s, Shelton toured with country music stars Eddie Rabbitt and Mickey Gilley. He also pulled duty with beach music legends The Tams.

In addition to the club dates, The Neurocktix play for weddings and private parties. And all of the players have day gigs.

Ostlund is the first to admit: No one is getting any younger. Choates, Chapman, Ostlund, Shelton and Furr all are creeping up on 50.

``This is a dream come true for me,'' Ostlund says. ``I can't imagine anything I could enjoy more.''

And the band played on.

John Harper ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MARY ELLEN RIDDLE

The Neurocktix, a 13-year-old Outer Banks band, currently includes,

front from left, Greg Shelton, Rick Ostlund, Bob Makar and Robert

Choates; standing behind from left, Kerry Chapman and Bob Furr.

Graphic

HOW TO HEAR 'EM

Who: The Neurocktix, classic rock-and-roll band

When and where: Sept. 12 at Barrier Island Inn in Duck, Sept.