James La Brie

Name:	Kevin James La brie
Height:	5' 10"
Hair:	Dark Brown
Eyes:	Blue
Equipment:	Shure Beta 58, Samson Wireless Microphone Receiver

James LaBrie was born on May 5, 1963 in Penetanguishene, a town in Ontario, Canada. Inspired by his father, James started singing and playing drums at age 5. "My parents say I was tapping on everything so if they didn't get me a drumset, I'd ruin the house!" By 10, he was performing in a barber shop quartet with his father, uncle and brother.

James' real love was rock music, which he pursued in his early teens. At age 21, he began vocal training with the renowned vocal coach, Rosemary Patricia Burns. James studied "The Mask," an Italian way of teaching vocals. After working with several Canadian bands, James became the vocalist for Winter Rose, which almost signed with Atlantic Records. Then Pierre Paradis, who managed the band VoiVod, approached James regarding a solo project with Aquarius Records. He also told James about a New York based band called Dream Theater who then was looking for a vocalist. The rest is history.

James' musical tastes are quite diverse as he names Metallica, Aerosmith, Van halen, Journey and Judas Priest as well as classical composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven as his favorites. Influential vocalists include Steve Perry, Freddie Mercury, Sting, Paul Rodgers and Nat King Cole. James continues to practice with Ms. Burns and encourages other vocalists to pursue formal training.

When not on the road, James enjoys camping, downhill skiing and reading. His favorite authors include Ann Rice, Dee Brown, Robert Utley and Forest Carter. He currently lives in Toronto with his wife Karen and their cat Tika.