OurStage

Wicked Hickie - - HOME BASE: Modesto PLAYERS: Lauren Willis, vocals; Shawn Ferris, lead guitar/vocals; Kevin "K-man" Nicholas, guitar/vocals; Rob Berthelson, drums; Greg "Bones" Smullen, bass SOUNDS LIKE: Wicked Hickie plays rock 'n' roll and has a wide variety of influences, from Johnny Cash to Janis Joplin, KISS, Frank Zappa, Mötley Crüe, Black Flag, C.O.C. and Evanescence. BACKSTORY: Wicked Hickie started in 2004 with lead guitarist Ferris and guitarist Nicholas listening to each other's music. They started the band together, but broke up a year later. Then in June 2006, Nicholas returned to the area from Texas, reconnected with Ferris and added other members. The last pieces of the puzzle — singer Willis and bassist Smullen — joined in 2007. Since then, the group has played more than 30 shows. QUOTE ME: "What are we going to do today, Lauren? The same thing we do everyday, K-man … Try and take over the world!" — Nicholas and Willis NEW MUSIC: Wicked Hickie is going into the studio in early December to finish a seven-song CD, "Certificate of Authenticity," due out in early spring. NEXT GIG: Breast cancer benefit for Terri Temptress of the Plastics from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday at The Fat Cat Music House & Lounge. The benefit includes 11 bands and cover is $5. Wicked Hickie will play at 6:20 p.m. FIND ONLINE: www. myspace. com/wickedhickie or www. reverbnation. com/wickedhickie — Marijke Rowland Modesto Bee modbee. com