2/5ths.........2 Fifths.........Two Fifths

     Scott Ruiz (vocals)

I was born in a hollow tree somewhere between 1968 -1971 at the Los Alamitos race track in Cypress, where I began an early career as a jockey and horse trotter. I left the track at age 16 when it became apparent that I was 3 feet taller than the rest of the jockeys, and I became a minstrel singer in travelling troupe of dwarves, roaming the land until I met these guys who were known as the Fifths. Yes, I was nearly twice the height of the shortest band member, Stephen, so I recommended a name change of 2-times-the-Fifths, which was quickly shortened to 2Fifths in a move to make it shorter, less redundant, less annoying, and otherwise more melodious than 2-times-the-Fifths, which didn't roll off the tongue easily.

.     .     .     .     .

     Brian Vaniman (bass)

Brian first picked up the bass as a college freshman in 1988, teaching himself how to play. However, his musical background began much earlier, starting with playing in his mother's elementary school band. Brian's pre- rock'n'roll instrumental history includes baritone horn, trombone, bells, and piano. His musical interests are varied, including blues, jazz, rock, heavy metal, funk, and hip-hop.  Brian's other interests include DJing and sound production, working on and driving fast cars, and home improvement. Brian is happily married to his love Zoriana, and they have two beautiful girls.

.     .     .     .     .

     Martin Lozano (guitar)

I was raised in the 60's in a very musical environment by my parents in a very hippy neighborhood. My dad played boogie-woogie style piano and my mom sang all the time. I started playing the piano in 1969 and considered it my primary instrument through high school and college. In '84 I bought an acoustic and a Les Paul in '86, but didn't really get into it till I met Brian in '95. We've been jamming ever since and getting better with time.

Early Influences: I was raised during the British Invasion, so obviously the 4Fabs, the Stones, the Kinks, the Who, Cream, Donovan, CCR, Crosby-Stills-Nash-Young, Buffalo Springfield and Hendrix. 70's influences: early Bowie , Led Zeppelin, Emerson-Lake-Palmer, Queen, Super Tramp, Jethro Tull (I liked the piano bits in all this). 80's influences: REM, U2, Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty. In the 90's Foo Fighters, Weezer, Wallflowers & the Red Hot Chili Peppers. At present I listen to current Alternative stations more that I do Classic Rock. Some really good stuff right now...I am not ever-living in high school...grow up and stay current, people (you know who you are!)

.     .     .     .     .

     Steve Cole (drums) 

Steve first began playing drums in junior high. Even though his parents would have liked a quieter instrument, they have always been supportive. In high school, Steve played in both the marching and jazz bands. Since then he has kept drums as a constant hobby. In the past ten years Steve has met some great players and feels blessed at being a part of 2Fifths.

Performance Milestones: Steve has played with various groups over the past few years. He has played at Griffith Park, the Home Depot Center, company parties, private parties and his own church carnival. Whether playing for charity events such as the Los Angeles Heart Walk or March of Dimes, Steve always enjoys the energy that comes from playing live.

Deep thoughts: The human heart keeps your body going and drums keep the soul grooving.