STROKE’s line up consists of group founder Isreal Hagan on bass and vocals, Buke Babikian on drums, Joe Beccheria on guitar and Bill Barry on keyboards and vocals.

Over the group’s 25 years, they have shared the stage with many music legends including Robert Cray, B.B. King and Carlos Santana.

What distinguishes this group from others is their vast collection of original material released over the years on albums, cassettes and CD’s. Releases include “The Real Deal”, “Accept No Substitutes”, “Stay Together”, “So Smooth”, “Covered” and “Bedroom Funk”.

STROKE’s TV appearances on Acoustic Café, Sound Check Live and All American Jazz helped to solidify their reputation as a tight music unit. Sound Check Live featuring STROKE was nominated for a Cable Ace Award. 1990’s All American Jazz was aired nationally on the PBS Channel.

Locally, STROKE has won 11 Syracuse Area Music Awards (SAMMY’s). They are:

          Hall of Fame Award - Isreal Hagan - 2007
          Best R ‘n B Group – 2001, 1997, 1993
          Best R ‘n B Vocalist – 1999, 1996, 1994, 1993
          Best R ‘n B Instrumentalist – 1997, 1996, 1993