Charlotte, NC

Monday, March 02, 2009

For Immediate Release

Monday March 2nd, 2009

Contact: Herb Gross

704-846-0199 Charlotte, NC • 704-995-3343 Cell

America's Oldest Garage Band Will

Arrive in Hearse To Rock The Villages In Florida

•Over 45 years ago a band was formed by a four kids going to college in Upstate NY. The band was called The Invictas. Invicta means invincible in Latin.

•In the mid 60's, the band recorded a song that went to the top of the charts from Buffalo to Miami, and was banned in Boston. The song was called The Hump.

•For the 60's, a song and dance called The Hump was pretty racy but it led to the band having fan clubs and police escorts. The band traveled in a black 55 Cadillac hearse that was known for constantly breaking down.

•In 2005, Herb Gross (lead singer) reunited the band. Three of the four original band members are on stage. Jim Kohler on bass, Dave Hickey on drums, Herb Gross on guitar. Dave Profeta on lead guitar and Sam Gruttadauria on keyboards join the band.

•On Saturday March 28th,2009, The Invictas will rock some of the 70,000 the baby boomers and retirees who live at The Villages in Florida.

•On national TV including the Today Show, the band has been described as "America's oldest and most successful garage band"

•USA Today describes the band as "Old Guys Rocking Out Of Retirement"

•At a Beach Boys show, the band had the crowd dancing in the aisles. They have played with groups like Jay & The Americans, Gary Lewis and The Playboys, The Rascals and others.

•The original band members are all in their '60's. On stage, the band rocks from one end to the other. The crowd is asked to participate by clapping their hands, dancing and putting their fingers in the air.

•Today, the band drives in an eye-catching 1984 Hot Rod Cadillac hearse that was recently remodeled in Charlotte, NC. The hearse has ghost flames, 4-barrel carburetor, back seat and bar. The band says at their age they have to be prepared so they have their own hearse.

•On eBay, an original copy of The Invictas' 60's album is considered a collector's item and sells for hundreds of dollars.

•The band calls their events The Rock Till Ya Drop Tour. Rock Till Ya Drop is a philosophy of life about people following their dreams and passion like the band is doing.In addition, the band has a book and song entitled Rock Till Ya Drop.

•Herb Gross, the leader of the band has been shooting high def TV footage of the band and other classic rockers for a show called Rock Till Ya Drop. As his profession, Herb is a television producer and advertising expert.

•The Villages described as Florida's Friendliest Hometown is located 24 miles from Ocala Florida. The Invictas are scheduled to play at Lake Sumter entertainment area within The Villages on Saturday March 28th. The show starts at 5 pm.

•Prior to the show, the band will show off their hearse, greet people and sign CD's and books.

End

Herb Gross

Herb Gross & The Invictas

Charlotte, NC

704-846-0199