MEET THE BAND
Cheryl Serame-Turk: Vocals
Cheryl Serame-Turk is a versatile, classically trained vocalist and flute player whose rich sound spans Jazz, R&B, Funk, Latin, and Gospel. A seasoned performer and recording artist, Cheryl has been a featured soloist with The Glide Ensemble and has shared her soulful voice across major venues like Kuumbwa Jazz, Stern Grove, and the San Jose Jazz Festival. Whether delivering a tender ballad or a groove-driven anthem, her music is deeply felt.
Chick Peterson: Guitar
Arriving in San Francisco from Iowa with The Leapers, Chick transitioned from sound engineer to lead guitarist. Influenced by Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Robben Ford, his distinctive style is defined by groove, tone, and versatility.
As a songwriter, producer, and bandleader, Chick co-founded The Greg Rocha Band and founded the collective The Hard to Kill Club. His dynamic guitar work led him to share stages with Lester Chambers and the legendary Steve Cropper. Behind the scenes, he engineered for a decade at San Rafael’s New George’s and co-founded The Palace of Tone recording studio with Bonnie Hayes and Erik Schramm.
Continually evolving his soulful foundations, joining Sol Fire is the perfect next step in this funky musical journey.
Mark Monillas: Bass
Started playing drums at 7, played until 22, at 12yrs picked up bass, - Stage band teacher asked if someone could play bass, that weekend we went to the mall, and I found a used bass, and my love for bass started!!!! In under 6 months I played my first gig at the USO in San Francisco, followed by playing the Greek Festival at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds. Later in life opening for the Ohio Players at the Stockton Food Festival. I’ve played with such notables as: Mick Gillette - Tower of Power, Dave Matthews -Santana, Steve Salinas - Cold Blood, Bobby Strickland - Todd Rungren, Roy Harper - James Brown, Chepito Areas – Santana. Many local musicians, Bobby Simmons, Danny Daniels, Rich Bandoni. Many thanks to Oz Ramsey – the band teacher who gave me the idea I could play bass.
Kevin Amos: Drums
KKevin Amos has had rhythm in his bones since age three. He holds a B.A. from Humboldt State University and an M.A. from the University of Akron. A versatile percussionist with a command of drum set, classical, and world styles, Kevin brings a grounded, collaborative energy to every project.
His diverse performance history spans salsa bands, jazz orchestras, symphonies, and steel bands. Internationally, he toured Trinidad and Tobago for the national Panorama competitions. In the U.S., he has shared the stage with acclaimed artists like Fred Wesley, Ted Piltzecker, and Andy Narell.
Recently, Kevin joined forces with Clark Seal in Karamba and continues that collaboration in Solfire, bringing a dynamic blend of soul, funk, and R&B that keeps audiences on their feet.
Clark Seal: Percussion
Clark Seal is an accomplished percussionist whose rhythm is rooted in his Central American heritage. He studied Afro-Brazilian rhythms under master Fernando de Sanjins, joining Samba do Coração to perform at the San Francisco Ethnic Festival, the San Francisco Carnival Parade, and Bill Graham Presents productions.
He also performed with Sang Matiz, opening for the legendary Buena Vista Social Club on their final "Adiós Tour" at Saratoga Mountain Winery. Clark later led the Latin-Brazilian band Karamba and currently leads Solfire, a project blending vintage grooves with a modern edge, inspired by soul, funk, and R&B.