ABOUT | Todd Ashbeck's Rising Star

ABOUT RISING STAR

RISING STAR, also known as Todd Ashbeck's Rising Star, is a high-energy rock band composed of seasoned, professional musicians from across Central Wisconsin. With decades of combined performance experience, the group delivers a polished, crowd-pleasing mix of classic rock hits and danceable radio favorites from the 70's and 80's — all selected for their popularity and crowd appeal, creating an unforgettable musical experience.

The band is led by founding member Todd Ashbeck, who previously founded and led Rising Phoenix for over 12 years, performing extensively throughout Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Under his leadership, Rising Star offers not only outstanding musical talent but also a full-scale production, including professional-grade sound and lighting designed to meet the expectations of today’s live entertainment venues.

Whether it's a summer festival, community concert, or an exciting winter club show, Rising Star brings national-level performance energy to every stage. Audiences can expect a night of classic rock hits, vibrant showmanship, and the kind of fun that keeps people smiling and singing long after the final encore.

LET'S ROCK!!

TODD ASHBECK | Founder, Lead Guitar

Todd Ashbeck is the lead guitarist, founder, and leader of Todd Ashbeck’s Rising Star. In the fall of 2012, Todd founded and led the popular central Wisconsin 80s rock band Rising Phoenix. However, after a dispute over control, his former bandmates ousted him in January 2025. Undeterred, Todd immediately began planning his next project: Rising Star. Once he put the word out, an overwhelming number of the state's best musicians responded, and Todd personally hand-selected those who would become his new bandmates.

Todd's musical journey began in 1975, at the age of 12, when he learned to play the trumpet, organ, and piano. That same year, he picked up his mother's old acoustic guitar and taught himself to play — sparking a lifelong passion. For over 50 years, guitar has remained Todd’s greatest love. Since joining his first band in 1978, he has played in 21 bands over the course of his career.

In 1984, at just 21 years old, Todd auditioned for a national recording act based in Los Angeles, beating out over 50 other guitarists from across the country. However, after recently cutting his hair for a job interview, he didn't fit the band's image — and despite winning the audition, he was sent home, heartbroken. Still determined, Todd soon auditioned for another group in Anchorage, Alaska, once again outperforming dozens of guitarists. He spent the summer playing with them before homesickness pulled him back to Wisconsin, where he chose to stay close to family and friends — continuing to build his impressive musical legacy.

GUY BARBER | Lead Singer

Guy comes from a rich legacy of music through his grandparents, who were both singers and instrumentalists. He describes himself as highly eclectic when it comes to musical taste, enjoying everything from sacred and classical, country to pop, and, of course, rock 'n' roll! Guy appreciates any music that showcases creativity, originality, and the power to give you goosebumps. Pink Floyd remains one of his all-time favorites.

As a performer, Guy has served as the lead singer for the popular central Wisconsin variety band, "Spicy Tie", and was hand-selected by Todd to be the lead singer and frontman for Rising Star — not only for his versatility and vocal range but also for the rich quality of his voice. In addition to singing, Guy plays the trumpet with skill. He is also a proud Navy veteran, earning the respect of his bandmates both for his service to our country and his musical talents.

DARWYN ABERLY | Bass

Dar's passion for music started at a young age. From singing along to tunes with his brother Dean, to riding in the back seat of his parents' — Don and Donna's — car, to the famous boombox wired to his pedal bike as a kid, live music has always been a welcomed part of Dar's life.

Over decades of playing, Dar has been part of several great Upper Michigan and Wisconsin bands. He credits concert and marching band, countless sporting events, and his junior high and high school band experiences with teaching him the importance of preparation and follow-through in all aspects of life. Dar also speaks highly of his music teacher, Thad Stender, who he says was instrumental in shaping him as a musician.

LANCE DICKINSON | Keyboards

Lance's passion for music began as early as age three or four, when he would grab the vacuum cleaner cord and sing into it like a corded microphone. He would often arrange his stuffed animals into a band in his bedroom, complete with handmade instruments, and conducted them as they 'performed' whatever was playing on the record player. Lance would be the conductor, of course!

He began playing drums at age six and continued until he was sixteen, when he traded his drum kit for his first keyboard. From there, he taught himself how to play, with Van Halen's "Jump" serving as his early inspiration — and his passion quickly took off. Influences like Boston, Kansas, Journey, Styx, Yngwie Malmsteen, Europe, and Dream Theater helped shape his musical style. Lance also modeled much of his solo playing after great guitarists like Reb Beach and George Lynch, since few keyboardists were known for speed playing at the time — until he discovered Jens Johansson, Yngwie Malmsteen's keyboardist.

NICK POLZIN | Drums

Nick is the band's prodigy — a 21-year-old wunderkind who can play nearly any instrument you put in front of him. While his first love is drumming, he also plays guitar, bass, and harmonica at a high level. Growing up in a musical family, Nick was introduced to the drums at just six months old, but began taking music seriously around age 12 or 13. Around that time, he also picked up guitar and quickly taught himself to play songs on both guitar and bass.

In school, his favorite classes were — predictably — music theory and band, where he played trumpet and percussion, and was active in both the drumline and pep band.

Outside of performances, Nick loves writing and recording music with his best friends from high school. When he's not playing music, he enjoys drawing, studying film, and expanding his vinyl collection.

SONG LIST