The Patriots of Tomorrow peformed from around 2001 through 2007; our last show was in 2009. During that period, I wrote a lot of political, environmental and socially conscious songs that draw upon the issues and absurdities of our time, framed within contagious hooks and memorable riffs – and usually a dose of humor. We also performed about a half dozen songs composed by Cheri Nunamaker.

GUITARIST CHERI NUNAMAKER formed the Patriots of Tomorrow with Paltrow in 2006. An accomplished composer, several of Nunamaker’s songs and lead vocals are featured in the P.O.T. set list. Nunamaker began her music career at the ripe old age of 7 along with her little brother: they had a cue stick for a microphone and Cheri flailed away at a little guitar she had no idea of how to play – but the rock-n-roll-rebel spirit was there! Cheri played bass in bands throughout middle school and high school, and in her twenties played in several bands before forming B’ham faves The Clay People in the early 90’s. In the late 1990’s through 2004, Nunamaker was lead guitarist for the all-woman rock band Your Highness.

BASSIST BILL STERLING possesses a diverse oeuvre of cultural musical influences. Sterling’s resumé includes studio work with Bellingham area artists The Kulshan Choir; folk singer Marcia Guedarian; singer/songwriter Caryn Simmons; The Clay People; as well as playing bass and tuba for the klezmer band What The Chelm. Bill has played in marching, symphony and orchestral ensembles, Dixie land, German Beer tent and bluegrass groups. Sterling has extensive experience as a community organizer and activist, and has helped produce over 50 local festivals in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

DRUMMER CHUCK KITTERMAN began playing the drums in grammar school. Kitterman further honed his chops playing hand drums – including djembé, conga, bongo, and doumbek – in organized and impromptu settings, as well as having played in marching bands as a youth. Chuck formed the Clay People along with P.O.T.ers Nunamaker and Sterling in the early 90’s and played the Pacific Northwest summer festival circuit as well as the Bellingham club scene. Chuck also drummed for the folk rock group The Pedestrians.

Nunamaker, Sterling and Kitterman share a common thread from their collective musical past: they were 3/5 of the rave-up Bellingham band The Clay People – one of Bellingham’s most popular bands of the ’90’s.

VIDEO

Bassist Bill Sterling has a wonderful outdoor stage on his property on North Shore Drive, near Bellingham, Washington and hosts many summer concerts there. These videos are excerpts from a show Patriots of Tomorrow peformed there on July 24, 2010, and one additional video (“Blue Collar”) from Equinox 2011.

Blue Collar

Dalai Lama

Bob Paltrow and the Patriots of Tomorrow perform “Dalai Lama” on the Northshore Terrace Stage, Bellingham, WA on July 24, 2010. Featuring Bob Paltrow – lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Cheri Nunamaker lead – guitar/vocals; Bill Sterling – bass/vocals; Chuck Kitterman – drums

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911 America Calling

Bob Paltrow and the Patriots of Tomorrow perform “911 (America Calling)” live at the Northshore Terrace Stage, Bellingham, WA on July 24, 2010. Featuring Bob Paltrow – lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Cheri Nunamaker lead – guitar/vocals; Bill Sterling – bass/vocals; Chuck Kitterman – drums. Video by Bob, featuring “The Caterpillar Cam”

Greenhouse Gas Attack

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Greenhouse Gas Attack

Bob Paltrow and the Patriots of Tomorrow perform “Greenhouse Gas Attack” live at the Northshore Terrace Stage, Bellingham, WA on July 24, 2010. Bob proposes a massive greehnouse gas conspiracy perpetrated by shadowy trench-coat Cancer Man merchants of mayhem – his theories are challenged by a gregarious audience member off-camera (Donna Rushing) – fun ensues. Featuring Bob Paltrow – lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Cheri Nunamaker lead – guitar/vocals; Bill Sterling – bass/vocals; Chuck Kitterman – drums. Video by Bob, featuring “The Caterpillar Cam”