Meet the Band... A Little About Each Member
Monique Bennett is a powerhouse, self‑taught vocalist whose love for music began at a young age. Inspired by the soaring voices and bold styles of Classic Rock, R&B, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal, she developed a dynamic vocal identity rooted in strength, emotion, and authenticity. At just 16, she stepped onto the stage for her first solo performance at her high school talent show, delivering a heartfelt rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” — a moment that ignited her passion for performing.
In her early twenties, Monique began singing at karaoke events, eventually winning a local competition. That victory sparked a bigger dream: forming a tribute band dedicated to her favorite rock vocalist, Ann Wilson, and the legendary music of Heart. Determined to bring that vision to life, she posted a flyer in a local music shop — and guitarist Kevin Bennett answered the call.
Together, Monique and Kevin performed in several musical projects, including:
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The Division Bell – A Tribute to Pink Floyd (backing vocalist)
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Rivendell Lost (lead vocalist)
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First Snow – A Tribute to the Trans‑Siberian Orchestra (backing & lead vocalist)
They also began writing original music and, over time, their musical partnership grew into a marriage — a true testament to how deeply music can connect people.
Monique’s dedication to honoring Heart’s legacy is at the core of Straight On. Her admiration for Ann Wilson runs deep, both musically and personally:
“I love paying tribute to my #1 female rock idol, Ann Wilson. Heart’s music — and the way they built their career — embodies the power women can have in the music industry. They showed the world that women are more than just a pretty face; we have substance, strength, and artistry that deserves respect. Heart has always done it with class and grace. Thank you, ladies, for your inspiration and your incredible music.”
Monique continues to bring that same passion, respect, and fire to every performance, delivering the unmistakable vocal power that defines Straight On’s tribute to the music of Heart.
Monique Bennett - Lead Vocals
Karen Bright - Guitar & Vocals
Karen picked up the guitar at just 11 years old, eager to dive into the music she loved. But after a few months of lessons, she walked away — not because she lost interest, but because her teacher insisted on “Turn! Turn! Turn!” when all she wanted was “Stairway to Heaven.” From that moment on, Karen became proudly self‑taught, shaping her skills through passion, determination, and a deep love for rock music.
At 17, she was invited to her first jam session with friends. “They were really good… I, however, was terrible,” she laughs. But that moment lit a fire. She knew she wanted to play in a band.
About a year later, while scanning Scene Magazine, Karen spotted an ad for a female rock singer. With little confidence that anyone would take her seriously as a female guitarist, she thought, “I’m not a singer… but what the hell, I want to play in a band.” She auditioned — and landed the role. The band didn’t have a guitarist yet, just bass, keys, and drums. Karen stepped in as the vocalist… until the third practice, when she surprised everyone by showing up with her guitar.
Karen went on to perform with Tequila Child for six years before moving to Las Vegas in 1994. Over the next two decades, she played with numerous talented musicians across Cleveland, Vegas, and California, performing both original music and covers. After 22 years away, she returned home to Cleveland — and soon after, found an unexpected opportunity.
“Being a huge fan of Heart all my life, the chance to join Straight On was an unexpected gift.”
Kevin Bennett - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Kevin’s love for music started early — at 8 years old, he was Ace Frehley. In his mind, that was him on the cover of KISS “Alive!”, and him on the poster hanging on his bedroom wall. Growing up as the youngest of four in a music‑filled 1970s household, he was surrounded by rock royalty. His oldest sister introduced him to Led Zeppelin, Heart, and Bad Company; his brother brought Rush, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple into the mix; and his other sister filled in everything in between. Those influences shaped the foundation of his musical identity.
On his 10th birthday, Kevin finally got his first electric guitar. Without an amp, he commandeered his sister’s stereo — and promptly blew it out. After a few years of lessons, he realized his ears were better teachers than sheet music. He began playing along with everything on the radio and dissecting every hand‑me‑down album in the house. The combination of classic rock, heavy metal, and decades of listening shaped the powerful, expressive guitar style he’s known for today.
Over the years, Kevin continued to learn from countless incredible guitarists, always finding something new to explore. His journey eventually led him to Straight On, where he gets to return to one of his earliest musical loves: Heart.
“After all these years listening and learning, there’s always something new to discover. With Straight On, I get to go back to one of my first loves in music — Heart.”
Kevin’s passion, precision, and deep connection to the band’s catalogue help bring Straight On’s tribute to life, delivering the authentic sound and spirit that fans know and love.
Ron Abrahamsen - Keys
Inspired by his father, Ron first sat down at a Hammond organ in his parents’ living room as a young kid, happily entertaining family with the music he loved. Before launching his career in television, he spent his early years performing in Cleveland’s vibrant local music scene, playing with a variety of bands and honing the musicianship that still defines him today.
Television eventually pulled Ron out of state, where he worked as a cameraman for three different affiliates. His talent behind the lens earned him an Emmy along with numerous industry awards. In the nineties, Ron returned home to Cleveland with his wife and three daughters, reconnecting with the city’s music community. Since then, he has been a longtime member of Cleveland’s renowned band Teaser, performing for audiences across the region and continuing the musical journey that began in his childhood living room.
Drew Sodee - Drums
Drew first picked up a guitar alongside his brother, later shifting to bass before ultimately finding his true passion behind the drum kit at age eleven. A friend introduced him to playing along with KISS albums, sparking a lifelong love for drumming. Completely self‑taught, Drew quickly realized that drums could be far more than a timekeeper — they could be a driving, expressive force. His style was shaped by the progressive rock and metal giants of the ’80s, including Rush, Queen, Triumph, Kansas, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Marillion, Iron Maiden, King Diamond, and Jethro Tull.
Throughout his life, Drew has been a constant presence in the greater Cleveland and Youngstown music scenes, sharing stages with EdGuy, Proto‑Kaw (featuring Kerry Livgren of Kansas), Breaker, Shok Paris, Joey Belladonna of Anthrax, Michael Stanley, and many other respected artists and bands.
His original projects include Forced Entry, Raphael, Infra‑Red, Desolate Soul, Element 92, Byron Nemeth Group, Ego, and In‑Veritas. Cover projects include Professor C‑Bass and Uncovered. Tribute projects include Signals – A Tribute to Rush, Permanent Waves – A Tribute to Rush, First Snow – a Trans‑Siberian Orchestra–inspired holiday show, and Straight On – A Tribute to the Music of Heart.
Drew proudly endorses Soultone Cymbals.
Jerry Olinger - Bass
Jerry began playing drums at age nine, but by eleven his curiosity shifted to guitar. At sixteen, he picked up a bass for the first time — and instantly knew he’d found his true musical home. While studying commercial art at the University of Akron, he performed in numerous cover and original bands, staying active in the local music scene.
In 1992, Jerry stepped away from music to pursue other creative interests and complete an engineering degree.
By 2010, the pull of the stage proved impossible to ignore, and Jerry returned to what he loves most — playin’ bass.