Matt is a featured performer in many of Philadelphia’s most eminent Soul and R and B performers. Matt graduated from the University of the Arts and almost immediately began performing and recording with the likes of JILL SCOTT, GERALD VEASLEY, MUSIQ SOULCHILD, WYCLEF JEAN, FLOETRY, GERALD LEVERT, KIRK FRANKLIN, MARAH AND MICHAEL JACKSON. Find out more about Matt at www.mattcappy.com
TONY GAIRO – Alto, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet and Flute
Tony graduated from Temple University and has performed with nearly every Jazz luminary in the Philadelphia area. Tony has studied composition and arranging with JIM MCNEELY and has been a contributor to the NEW YORK JAZZ COMPOSERS WORKSHOP for the last three years. Tony runs and writes for his own excellent Jazz Big Band in Allentown PA with Drummer Gary Rissmiller and writes and arranges for the NEWDELPHIA SAXOPHONE QUARTET. Tony also teaches at MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY’S Music Department. Find out much more about Tony at www.tonygairo.com
DAVE CHAMPION – Trombone
A Trombonist and arranger with many years of experience, Dave rounds out or horn section admirably with his soulful playing and skillful use of mutes and advanced techniques. Dave performs and has performed with the PUBLIC SERVICE, RUDER THAN YOU, THE GONE COMBO, ERNIE and NEAL and many other local acts.
LOU FUIANO – Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones
Lou has been an active performer in Philadelphia for nearly 20 years and has performed and recorded with the likes of MARAH, DR KETCHUP, PUBLIC SERVICE, RUDER THAN YOU, the GONE COMBO, SHARON KATZ and the PEACE TRAIN, the KANDY WHALES, the ODEAN POPE SAXOPHONE CHOIR and the NEWDELPHIA SAXOPHONE QUARTET.
MIKE HOOD –Bass, Trombone, Euphonium and Composing and Arranging
Mike is a busy performer and educator with many of his compositions and arrangements recorded and currently performed by several well-known area ensembles, among them MARAH, PUBLIC SERVICE, THE CUTTING EDGE ORCHESTRAS, SHARON KATZ and the PEACE TRAIN, the KANDY WHALES and the Grammy award winning CHESTNUT BRASS COMPNAY. He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in Music and has performed with The Choral Arts Society, Jesse Norman and the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, Billy Paul, Patti LaBelle, The Stylistics, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Chuck Mangione, The Captain and Tennile, Bobby Rydell, Nancy Sinatra, 307th Army Band, Public Service?!, Scram, Ruder Than You, and the CTO Orchestras.
BRIAN COX – Tuba, Sousaphone and Bass Saxophone
Brian is our newest member and come all the way up from Delaware. Brian is active in the music scene in Newark and Wilmington and plays frequently on the local Trad Jazz and Dixieland circuits both there and around Baltimore. He is also a member of the Tidewater Brass Band, Peabody Ragtime Orchestra, and the band director
at Salesianum School in Wilmington.
CHELSEA DEHNER – Vocals
LAUREN LARK – Vocals
Lauren comes to us freshly minted from the outstanding University of the arts Jazz Vocal program. A most welcome addition, Lauren brings a true Jazz sensibility to our vocal numbers and never fails to please with her delicate but powerfully employed voice.
RON BODANZA – Keyboards
Ron comes from the rich pool of UArts musicians. He has quickly taken full ownership of the piano chair in the band and we’re thrilled to have him with us.
FRANK VELARDO – Guitar
CHAD BROWN – Drums
Friends and frequent contributors:
JOE NAPOLI – Guitar
Joe Napoli is a native of Philadelphia and works full time as a professional musician, both performing and teaching. He holds a position as a guitar instructor on the faculty of Drexel University’s Music Industry program teaching classes as well as private students. Joe is also working on original music projects with two rock groups, THE HELOTS and Saint Alborne as well as with local singer/songwriter KAREN GROSS. Joe also performs frequently with some of the areas top special event bands.
ROB SMITH – Drums and Percussion
Rob is one of our newer members and always brings a right and tight attitude to all our tunes. He is also a very busy performer with many local singer-songwriters and an excellent drum teacher as well.
NEAL PETTI – Guitar
Neal notably has an amazing children’s rock band called ERNIE and NEAL in which he writes and performs. This fine group can be heard on WXPN’s Kids’ Corner radio show nearly every night of the week. A very accomplished guitarists and writer; Neal has performed and recorded with RUDER THAN YOU, ERNIE and NEAL, PELLET and SKINNY DICK and the WRANGLERS. Find out more about Neal at www.ernieandneal.com
DARREN KEITH – Drums and Percussion
Darren is one of the most technically proficient drummers any of us have ever heard. His encyclopedic knowledge and command of nearly every genre of music requiring a drum set, perfectly positions him to drive our ensemble. In addition to
writing and performing great songs as a singer-songwriter, Darren has performed and recorded with numerous other well-known performers. To find out more about Darren, visit http://darrenkeith.net
From time to time, we also employ these other exceptional musicians:
Reed players
Doug DeHays, Louis Taylor, Mike Cemprola, Ian O’Bierne, Jon Rees, Eric Erhardt, Ryan Harrington
Trumpeters
Chuck Gottesman, Adam Hershberger, Gary McKeen and Josh Anderson
Drummers
Justin Freeland-Sokol, Sean J. Kennedy, Anthony Viscounte, Brian Farr and Eric Hastings
Keyboardists
AJ Luca, Ron Bodanza, John Stenger, Steve Pribis and Neal Carson
Singers
Liz Ross and Monica Lettner
Guitarists
Mike Lorenz, Keith Pisarcik, Richard Tucker, Greg Wright, Frank Butrey
Tubists
Jay Krush, Shane Petit, Jimmy Parker and Steve Lakawicz