When it comes to Cherry Pie, this band perfectly sums up their ethos: “The music. The hair. The experience.” This is not solely a catchy phrase; it is a promise of high-energy performances, authentic 80s rock aesthetics and a truly immersive show for their audience. With over 24 years of performances and more than 1,000 shows etched into their history, they have earned a reputation as a well-established and professional ’80s tribute band. Their music brings a smile to my face and transports me into a space where nothing else matters as I drift away from the cares of reality and into the soundscape of ’80s hits.
It was one of those June summer days at a local festival when the sun beat down on us mercilessly. The kind of heat that made your skin feel perpetually steeped in a warm, invisible bath, your clothes clinging like a second skin and the ground baking beneath your feet, leaving the air heavy and shimmering with an invisible weight. Still, we came out faithfully and energized for Cherry Pie to take the stage. The anticipation of hearing “Jump” or “Livin’ on a Prayer” blasting through the speakers kept us going. This is what it means to support Cherry Pie.
Parallels between bands & education
As someone who has spent years in higher education, I cannot help but draw a parallel between enduring a sweltering, 95 degree rock band performance and sticking with something you are passionate about, even when the temperature and humidity are oppressive. Whether in research, the classroom or weaving through a crowd, I have always believed in the importance of observation, timing and mutual respect. There’s a lesson in showing up fully: Being present, prepared and engaged regardless of obstacles.
One of my favorite moves is finding my way to the front row, separated from the band only by their speakers and a fence. Even in extreme heat, kindness prevails. I was smiling and briefly conversing as I fluidly glided my way through a maze of fans, pausing as needed until I saw the next opportunity to move closer. Each step was like a gentle current, never pushing, never rude.
There is a certain social navigation to moments like these that reminds me of collaborative learning spaces or working within a research cohort: Respectful persistence, shared goals and unspoken codes of conduct. It is not solely about reaching the front; it is about getting there while being kind to the people beside you.
Just as I was one or two steps away from the coveted front row, a man briskly cut in front of me and zoomed ahead. I had been waiting patiently, sculpting my approach through the shifting crowd, for the right moment to pounce on that spot without shoving anyone in that moment (remember, kindness first). As he darted forward, I turned to my friend and humorously said, “OH, it’s on!” Meaning, that is it, I am going to get that spot, but with kindness and grace. And I did. I flowed into the opening, a whisper of motion, to reach my goal, the sought-after front row. Victory, no elbows required. When it comes to Cherry Pie, I will brave heat, sweat and competition to feel the thump of bass just inches away.
Moments like these might seem small, though to me they echo what I have learned in my academic journey and career growth. Reaching the front, like reaching a milestone in research, teaching or continuous improvement, is not about outpacing others. It is about understanding the rhythm, reading the room and staying true to your values along the way.
Before the show, I had the chance to speak with guitarist Dave Zettle, the last original member of Cherry Pie. He carried a quiet confidence, the kind that only years on stage can etch into a performer. Afterward, prior to snapping a photo with the four band members, I chatted with drummer Frankie, sharing that I am learning to play the drums. His eyes sparkled with an almost childlike enthusiasm. “That’s the best instrument to learn!” he said. I couldn’t agree more, Frankie!
L to R: Dave, Bob, Nancy, Andy, Frankie
Just as with music, learning is a layered experience in higher education or at a concert. I have come to value the moments that catch you off guard: The quick exchange, unexpected reflection and spontaneous connections that remind you there is always more to discover. Talking to Frankie about drumming was one of those sparks of joy, an instant that reminded me what it feels like to be a student again, to be excited by something new.
From a learning perspective, these informal, in-between moments often shape us the most. A brief conversation with a drummer, a glimpse into the powerhouse behind the kit. A handshake with a guitarist, a direct connection to the hands that shape the sound. These are the small interactions that unveil deeper layers of understanding, not just of music, but of people, culture and passion, leaving an indelible imprint.
These moments matter. They are the invisible threads that connect us, building a richer tapestry of experience. For those unfamiliar with Cherry Pie, let me help you pull back the curtain and get to know them.
Band history & formation
Hard work and relentless perseverance are etched into Cherry Pie’s very DNA. According to Dave, the band’s early years were defined by late nights, countless flyers and gigs in “small clubs that nobody’s ever heard of and don’t even exist anymore,” swallowed by time and memory. Long before social media transformed how bands connect with audiences, success relied on word-of-mouth and the grit of sweat equity.
When asked about a defining milestone, Dave recalled the climb. “Not a specific event,” he said, “I just remember a steady climb in attendance and inquiries for the band. Certainly, playing Summerfest, State Fair and [similar] festivals helped, but it was just a lot of hard work, long nights and a belief in ourselves who grew our name.”
The story of Cherry Pie mirrors the journey of many students or researchers who begin with limited visibility, gradually building a presence through consistency, effort and passion. There’s something admirable about this kind of steady growth that is earned, not given.
Growth & evolution
Like any long-standing group, Cherry Pie has evolved. “The sounds of the band have evolved … because it had to,” Dave said. “As members leave and new members come in, it can’t help but change. Different personalities, different musical influences have shaped the band. You adapt or fade away.”
Still, they remain true to their identity. “Cherry Pie is an ’80s rock band. People who come to see us expect to hear a rock band. So, for us to go too far outside that box isn’t easy,” Dave said. “We do push the envelope a little, hitting some of the bands that may seem a little too ‘pop,’ but you won’t hear any disco or hip-hop at our shows.”
Some lessons have remained consistent: “Be on time, smile, shut up and play, give the fans a good show. Less is not more; more is more.” This advice strikes a chord far beyond the stage, reverberating with the importance of preparation, professionalism and presence in front of a crowd or a classroom.
Challenges and overcoming obstacles
Every band faces hurdles and Cherry Pie is no exception. “Our biggest challenge has been a blessing,” Dave said. “Everyone who has been a member or worked for us, I have enjoyed working with. But with any band or business, you’re going to have turnover. So, you can pack it up and go home or take it as a challenge to get bigger and better.” Turning challenge into opportunity: Do you choose to stall, or do you choose to use adversity as fuel for growth? Cherry Pie chose growth as their fuel.
And yes, as with many artists, Zettle mentioned they had to weather one of the industry’s most disruptive moments. Dave summed it up when he expressed, “Let’s just forget about 2020!” He was, of course, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic; a time when crowds vanished, venues went dark and momentum froze. But they endured. And that, too, speaks to the spirit of the band.
Adapting to a changing industry
Technology has evolved and transformed the music landscape. “Social media makes promoting and growing your band a lot easier,” Dave acknowledged. “Professional is the key word … Show up on time, start on time, smile, do your job the best you can. We have a saying before hitting the stage, ‘Do your best and then add 10%.’”
As someone immersed in education and continuous improvement, I see Cherry Pie as more than performers. They are practitioners of resilience. They demonstrate adaptive thinking that is needed in classrooms and workplaces. They embrace new tools, stay flexible and maintain their core values while evolving to meet the needs of their audience.
Advice for aspiring bands; future & goals
When asked what he would say to up-and-coming bands, Dave didn’t hesitate. Echoing the consistency of his earlier advice, he said, “Be professional … Do your best, show up, smile, [embrace] the challenge.” His words of wisdom are reminiscent of always remembering why bands started playing in the first place and staying true to their roots. I recognize the power of showing up with intention. Launching a research project or walking on stage, success includes remembering your “why” and staying true to that purpose.
Looking ahead, Cherry Pie plans to keep the music alive until their bodies say “no,” or when the joy of playing fades from their hearts. When asked about a dream collaboration, Dave’s response was heartfelt. “So many artists I would have loved to play with or just pick their brain. My all-time music hero is Eddie Van Halen, but so many others come to mind [including] Stevie Ray Vaughn as well, recently passed John Sykes, Prince and Michael Jackson. However, if I had to pick one, I would say my dad. He played guitar and sax; he passed in 2012.”
Personal growth & lasting impact
“Being in Cherry Pie has given me the opportunity to play with some very talented people, as well as meet a lot of great people … not only musicians, but venue owners, fans, agents, etc.,” Dave shared.
As a fan, educator and researcher, I feel that, too. It is more than music. I see it as a vibrant, living pulse of connection and shared joy. I admire Cherry Pie not just for their sound, but for the way they have adapted, endured and continued to inspire.
I see Cherry Pie’s journey as a case study in sustainable passion. There is consistency and willingness to evolve that reflects the same approach that drives academic and career growth: Honor what you know and stay open to what’s next. There is a rhythm in their story that mirrors standing in the front row with lights flashing, streamers and confetti bursting and the crowd singing along. Awesomeness is not always about how loud you play, but how long you keep showing up.
I have seen a similar mindset in academic settings: Success does not come from staying the same but from honoring what works and improving where you can. Cherry Pie is proof that growth, collaboration and resilience are not only academic ideals, as they are the steady, driving rhythm of any lasting craft.
On a personal note, thank you, Cherry Pie, for unearthing two of my favorite rock songs and weaving them into your playlist!
For more information about Cherry Pie, visit cherrypie.org.
Edited by James Sutton
