Meet the Band
Formed in 2024 in the Philadelphia suburbs, Chinaberry Lane is a five-piece rock band delivering the perfect mix of nostalgia and now. With a sound that fuses laid-back funky blues grooves, straight-ahead pop, and vintage classic rock, this band is a powerhouse of musical talent and style. Fronted by a dynamic female lead vocalist, Chinaberry Lane combines soulful Hammond organ melodies, slick bass lines, and searing guitar solos to create a unique blend of high-energy and bluesy vibes.
Chinaberry Lane curates a setlist that takes audiences on a journey through decades of crowd favorites, blending the timeless allure of classic rock with modern energy. Whether you’re grooving to a funky bass riff or belting along to an anthem, the band’s electrifying performances ensure every show is unforgettable. Rock. Groove. Repeat. Welcome to the Lane.
Leigh Karsch, Vocals
Leigh Karsch brings her impressive vocals and dynamic stage presence to Chinaberry Lane as the band’s lead singer. Formerly of the NJ-based power pop band @LucindaBrightband, Leigh gained recognition with the release of With All Your Charms (1998), which received regular airplay on college radio stations across the Northeast. The band opened for icons Salt-N-Pepa and Grandmaster Flash and their music lives on as the theme song for the award-winning Rosemary Street Web series.
More recently, Leigh has lent her talent as a backing vocalist to Philadelphia rock legend Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. Influenced by artists like The Beatles, Wilco, Natalie Merchant, and Maggie Rogers, Leigh’s soulful voice and heartfelt delivery add depth and emotion to Chinaberry Lane’s rock and roll sound.
Ed Zoller, Lead Guitar
Ed Zoller (or Eddie Z., as he's often fondly referred to) brings soulful energy and decades of experience to Chinaberry Lane as the band’s lead guitarist. A music-loving weekend warrior, Ed honed his craft with the blues-based rock band Bitter Creek throughout the ’90s and early 2000s, blending original tracks with classic covers. His guitar style, a dynamic fusion of Jimi Hendrix’s raw power, Jerry Garcia’s improvisational spirit, and Randy Rhoads’ electrifying precision, adds a rich, textured sound to the band’s performances. When Ed picks up his guitar, you can feel his passion for blues-inspired rock and a lifetime of love of his axe!
Dave Brauer, Bass
Dave Brauer lays down the groove for Chinaberry Lane as the band’s bassist (and sometimes backing vocalist). A seasoned performer, Dave played in a popular bar band at Penn State in the ’80s and later in the band Saint, alongside Preston Elliot of WMMR on drums. With influences ranging from Kansas and Rush to Zeppelin and Skynyrd, Dave’s style blends classic rock power, bluesy undertones, and a funky groove that keeps the energy high. His passion for music and decades of experience make him a driving force behind Chinaberry Lane’s dynamic sound.
Anthony Petrino
Ant has been bringing soulful melodies and dynamic grooves to the South Jersey and Philly music scene since the mid-’90s. Influenced by legends like Billy Joel, Dave Matthews Band, and Phish, he blends elements of soul, blues, and funk into every performance. As part of Chinaberry Lane, Ant adds depth and texture to the band’s old-school rock and roll sound, infusing it with just the right touch of soul. Whether on keys or guitar, you'll find him jumping out of his seat, delivering the kind of energy that keeps the music alive and the crowd moving.
Scott Gensler, Drums
Scott Gensler, aka "the man on the pots and pans," brings thunderous energy and precision to Chinaberry Lane as the band’s drummer. His passion for drumming was ignited after hearing Keith Moon’s explosive performance on the live version of My Generation, inspiring him to explore a wide range of styles, from rock to jazz, bebop, and fusion.
A veteran of the local music scene, Scott honed his craft in his college band, Up Til Noone, alongside Chinaberry Lane’s lead singer, Leigh Karsch. Over the years, he’s played in various bands and shared his love for rhythm by teaching others.
Influenced by legendary drummers like Neil Peart, John Bonham, Billy Cobham, and Lars Ulrich, Scott’s style is rooted in classic, hard, and prog rock—but his hard-hitting, heavy grooves remain his signature. His dynamic beats drive Chinaberry Lane’s sound, delivering both power and finesse to every performance.