Susie Smith
Vocals
Born into a family of singers and musicians, Susie Smith developed an early love for harmonies, layering vocals to every song she heard. While her sister took the melody, Susie naturally gravitated toward harmony, a skill that would define her musical journey. From singing in school choirs and church to winning a college karaoke contest that sparked her passion for performing live, Susie’s path to the stage has been anything but ordinary. Over the years, she has performed with Tulsa-based bands, including Okie Down, Midnight Rider, Monkey’s Eyebrow, 5 Starz, and 6 Ways from Sunday. She has performed in venues including festivals, and charity events like Brookside Rumble and Roll, Riverwalk Rally, Handlebars and Hotrods, Woofstock, and the Tulsa Christmas Parade. She also launched her own acoustic duo, Susie and Friends, entertaining at local restaurants and breweries. Now, as a vocalist for Calico, Susie brings her signature harmonies and engaging stage presence to a new trio, teaming up with Scott McGee (vocals/percussion) and Grant Vespasian (guitar). Whether singing lead or blending seamlessly into rich vocal arrangements, Susie’s passion for music and connection with audiences make every performance a memorable experience. “I love collaborating with musicians, reimagining songs with harmonies, and sharing the magic of live music with every crowd.”
Scott McGhee
Vocals/Percussion
Currently the lead singer for Tulsa’s Fabulous Midlife Crisis Band, Scott has been a staple of the Tulsa music scene for over 40 years. While attending the University of Tulsa he joined the wildly popular campus band the Spud Boys. Soon after graduating he continued cutting his teeth as a drummer and singer in The Ushers, touring the Midwest and releasing 2 albums of original music over a 6-year span. He took some time off from music to get a graduate degree and get married, but the music bug never left him, and he soon joined The Cactus Slayers, taking on a lager singing role while still drumming. Eventually the Fabulous Midlife Crisis band came calling and he jumped at the opportunity to become part of this popular band, eventually moving into the role of lead singer. While still singing with The Midlife Crisis Band Scott has teamed up with Susie Smith (vocals) and Grant Vespasian (guitar) to form Calico, and acoustic trio. “I heard Susie sing”, Scott says, “and I immediately thought that teaming up with her would be an exciting creative opportunity. She brought in Grant and it we were off and running!”
Grant Vespasian
Guitar
Grant Vespasian began his musical journey in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at age 19, performing with local bands like The Mudville Project, Flapjack Cancer Co., and Fanzine. By 20, he was touring nationally and showcasing at events such as South by Southwest. Grant also played bass for Mad Verb, touring extensively and performing up to 150 shows a year, while the band recorded two albums. After years on the road, he shifted focus to a career as a chef and family life, keeping the acoustic guitar as a constant presence. Now, he showcases his guitar prowess in this collaboration with Susie Smith and Scott McGhee in the acoustic trio Calico, enjoying the creative process in interpreting an eclectic list of rock and pop songs.