'Strait Shooter' Still Rocking After 30 Years

Chances are if there is a bar or restaurant that hosts live music in the Essex-Middle River area, Bill Romano has played there.

Romano has played rhythm guitar and provided vocals for the local band “Strait Shooter” since the group was formed in 1981. While he is the lone original band member, Romano believes Strait Shooter is as popular as ever.

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The band performs around 65 dates a year, Romano said, playing throughout Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. This includes a show Saturday at the American Legion Post 148 Bull Roast in Essex.

“I think we’re the hottest band in the Essex-Middle River area right now,” Romano said. “I think we’re requested a lot because we try to play something for everyone and everyone leaves our shows with a smile on their faces.”

Strait Shooter covers rock and country songs ranging from the 1950s through today and have performed everywhere in the area from and to and will soon add into their schedule.

Romano said the hardest part of playing so long is making sure to keep up with the times so that they continue to attract crowds from multiple generations.

“Venues call us to keep coming back because people of all ages enjoy our music and they let their friends know we’re out there,” he said. “Social media like Facebook has also helped spread the word.”

Romano said playing is more of “an expensive hobby” than anything else. The performance fees usually cover the cost for gas and maintaining their equipment, he added, but the joy of performing in front of live crowds has yet to diminish.

“As long as there are pretty girls dancing to our music in front of us we’ll keep playing,” joked Romano, who called the band's femal fans "Shooter Honeys." “It’s not really about the money. It’s about the love of music and having a great time performing for others.”