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GROOVIN'... A 60s - 70s Musical Journey - Cast Members
Gary Weinlein (Director & Producer - Lead Singer - Neil Diamond, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull)
Gary is a former professional football player of the Canadian Football Leagues Toronto Argonauts along with some NFL stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, the New York Giants, and the San Francisco 49er’s. His other passion has always been music and entertainment. He began playing guitar at the age of twelve and started performing on stage in high school singing his favorite songs by the Door's in a band called “Five to One”, named from a Door's tune.
Throughout the late 80’s, Gary managed and directed a talented singer JoAnne Murphy, a former New England Patriot Cheerleader from Boston, Ma. Together they started a group named “JoAnna Lee and XYZ”. JoAnne performed regularly at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City and also on Premier Cruise Lines from 1986-1989. In the early 90’s, Gary began his own show performing as Jim Morrison of the Doors and hooked up with up with Lisa Bertrand who performed an incredible tribute to Janis Joplin. They played throughout the northeast in a show known as “The Tribute Doors”. Their 3 years of performing as Jim & Janis was highlighted with a concert at the Palace Theater in Albany, NY, when In July of 1991 over 1500 people came to see their tribute to JIM & JANIS during the 20th anniversary year of the two beloved legends passing from this life.
Gary started this current business adventure called Classic Rock Productions in 2008 and came up with the idea to put together a bigger than life production to recreate the Classic Rock Festival concerts using multiple performers so there would be a variety of Legends for people to enjoy. During the summer of 2009 in dedication of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, the birth of this new show began as the Woodstock Era Experience. "The Experience" was not just to play the songs, this productions significance was to re-create the visual and spiritual feeling of what a concert was like to see and hear from this Classic Rock Era". Each performer dedicates their time and efforts to impersonate the original artists vocals, style, and wardrobe, to re-create the Legends look and sound to give the audience the unique feeling of what it was like to experience a “Summers of Love” festival from the sixties.The visuals and the songs during this show takes you on a journey where you will experience some of the greatest music ever made to relive it all again in a live concert.
In 2012 the Woodstock name was changed to the "Sixties Rock Experience" and continued to grow in popularity and adding more acts to continue to give to the audience a new experience each time they see a show. The cast has enjoyed fantastic reviews everywhere they perform.
Out of these past roots came our new name in 2015 with an extensive line up. The show GROOVIN' is now the theme name and a subtitle is given to identify the theme for each show. This production has expanded to include performances of Legendary Artists from the 70s as well as the Legends from the 60s.
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Kris Coleman (Lead singer - Eric Burdon & John Fogerty...Also has recently taken on performing in the shows newest Legend act The Mamas & The Papas as Denny Doherty). In addition, he is joining Krista David Donnelly (Grace Slick) as the Jefferson Airplane's Co-Founder and Lead Singer Marty Balin. Kris brings to stage the essence of Eric Burden during his youthful career as the lead singer of the popular 60s British Rock group, "The Animals". Kris always delivers Burden's vocal power and soul in addition to his spot on impersonation of Burden during such hits as "The House of the Risind Sun" and "Don't let me be misunderstood" along with other classics such as, "It's my life" and "We gotta get out of this place".
In addition to Eric Burden, Kris's voice soars as the lead vocalist and band leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival's John Fogerty. Kris delivers with plenty of power and grit Fogerty's incredible range to re-create this singers Country and Southern rock vocals while adding a touch of blues and soul to this Legends unique voice. The crowd always enjoys hearing the hit songs of CCR as they feel the unlimited energy Kris gives during his performances as Fogerty. His versatility to sound like different artists doesn't seem to hold any restrictions and his attire always fits the rolls he's performing to the exact duplication of the Original performers. Check out his unigue abilities as he carries his new legends back to their origins of the 60s with both Denny Doherty and Marty Balin.
Kris has been fronting rock bands since his high school years. He enjoys his full time job as a local Karaoke DJ and is also a a part time actor as well as a diverse artist.
The Production of GROOVIN' has enjoyed Kris as a performer & cast member since 2016 and he is a definite asset to this show.
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Krista David Donnelly - Lead Singer - Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane), Linda Ronstadt, Dusty Springfield, and
Gayle McCormick (A Group Called Smith).
Krista David Donnelly is a professional actress, singer, and dancer who has from the age of 3 years old performed in recitals, stage plays, musicals, and concerts throughout the Northeast, She is also acting in independent films. Krista has great range in her vocal ability and is very gifted in all phases of her perfomances. She is incredibly convincing while recreating the legends she portrays and pays tribute to. She is one of Groovin's most talented vocalist and performers. Krista is truly a pleasure to see and hear perform every time she takes the stage.
Krista also gives behind the scenes help for the cast of Groovin' because she is a licensed counselor with an Outpatient Mental Health Agency and lends her expertise to help the members re-adjust from tripping back and forth in time on the musical journeys to the 60s & 70s. We all appreciate her talents as a singer & performer, as well as her input as a professional counselor for Groovin'.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Ta Taylor M. Howes - Michele Phillips of "Mamas & The Papas".
Groovin' is extremely proud to introduce the shows newest and youngest front singer and cast member. Taylor was only three years old when her parents caught her on video singing Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" while using a salt shaker as her microphone.
Her passion for music and the arts continued to grow landing Taylor in various productions throughout her younger days on the stage in drama & musical theatre, TV commercial appearances, and also winning talent shows, all before the age of 16. Taylor also landed a coveted Platinum Award Status while performing a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” in a national competition judged by professionals from the theatre industry. This talented young lady didn't stop there, Taylor has also worked in radio, putting her voice and personality on air while hosting her own music show called "Taylor Takeover". She is now all of 23 years old, and continues to perform in various projects throughout the Capital District of New York. Taylor is a gifted musician who plays guitar, piano, and drums with local music groups, and, as a solo act.
Taylor feels honored for her opportunity to be a part of the "Groovin' Experience" where she can pay tribute to the same artists that have inspired her from a young age. But truth be told, we are honored and fortunate to have our newest and youngest professional as a performer with our Groovin' shows.
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Tommy Love (Lead Singer - Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, David Bowie)
Everyone who has been around the Capital District music scene knows when it comes to the Mick Jagger sound, look, and moves that there is no other name mentioned other than Tommy Love. To say he's got the moves like Jagger is putting things mildly, especially after you add the voice, his tone, the accent, and then the outrageous outfits Tommy will wear while performing his act. Mick Jagger is a great fit for the era of music this show represents and there simply is no one better who can give the audience a spot on performance of the biggest icon of Rock than Tommy Love.
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Bryan O’Neill (Lead Singer - Jim Morrison)
Bryan is a graduating senior of the University at Albany. He has performed in musical productions of “Grease” as Danny Zuko and in “Oliver” as Bill Sykes. Bryan brings a passion for singing and acting that allows him to recreate a very convincing performance as the somewhat notorious James Douglas Morrison of “the Doors”. We are proud to have Bryan as a member of the Woodstock Era Experience. His image and likeness to Morrison leaves people believing in the experience they just saw.
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Lenny Thomas (Lead Singer - Felix Cavaliere, Joe Cocker, Buton Cummings, Van Morrison, Elton John, Billy Joel)
To sum up the talented vocals of this incredibly versatile performer we can use just one word, and that is "Fascinating". Lenny's performances are spot on for each artist he re-creates and pays tribute to. His 5 octave vocal range allows him to deliver a wide variety of impersonations including Elton John, Billy Joel, Howard Kaylan (Eddie of The Turtles), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) and even the powerful and soulful sound and delivery of the great Joe Cocker. Lenny is the shows Rich Little of impersonators. He can also convincingly deliver the voicing tones and hit all the high notes of Frankie Valli and Steve Perry. Don't worry, someday we will include these acts into the shows repertoire.
Throughout the Capital District and Upstate New York, Lenny is well recognized as the lead singer of one of the areas premier Rock Bands, M-16. They have been rock'n hard for over 20 years and still going strong. We are very fortunate to have Lenny as one of the shows headlining entertainers to thrill our audiences with so many of his believable acts performed in our show.
Lenny is proprietor of "Thomas Entertainment", one of the top Karaoke and DJ Services in the Capital Region.
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Scott Garling (Lead Singer - Colin Blunstone of the Zombies, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues, Santana songs, plus, Acoustic Guitar and Percussion
Scott is a singer/song writer with an incredible voice and vocal range. He has been playing drums since the age of 12 and plays acoustic/electric guitar and keyboards. Some of the cover bands throughout his singing and playing career include, "The Kritters" "Scotland Yard", "Thunder Road", The Gary Brooks band", and an Original project called "Seed".
Scott's vocal versatility allows the show the flexibility to continuously change and to bring on board new legends to pay tribute to from the great era of Classic Rock History, the 60s &70s. Scott along with Groovin's Fran O'Neill (Mama Cass) are one of the Capital Districts most sought after Acoustic Acts as Garling & O'Neill representing a massive inventory of Classic Rock Hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. They are amazing with their solo vocals and together create the most incredible harmonies as two of Classic Rock's Premier Vocalists.
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Donna Lee - Janis Joplin & Backing Vocals.
Donna Lee creates the most angelic vocal voicing you will ever hear & also belts out the Blues & Soulfulness of Janis Joplin. She has a beautiful tone in the sound and harmonies she produces throughout the show to help make every front singer sound the very best they possibly can. We are fortunate in this production to have someone so dedicated as Donna Lee to unselfishly contribute and help everyone else sound great. Simply put, she is such an important force behind the entire show and is second to none when it comes to her singing quality and abilities. The show could not sound the way it does without her talented vocals helping throughout and we are so fortunate that she has the power to recreate the sound and look of Janis Joplin.
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Fran O'Neill - (Lead singer - Mama Cass Elliot)
This is our Mama carrying the tunes of one of the 60s most Iconic groups ever from this period of Classic Rock History, and nobody can do justice to the great Mama Cass as good as Fran pays tribute to this wonderful vocalist of the Mamas and The Papas. Wait until you see and hear Fran's recreation of Mama Cass Elliot. Groovin's recreation of the Mamas & The Papas is a visual and vocal experience the audience never forgets.
Along with her Groovin' partner Scott Garling, Fran & Scott are one of the Capital Districts most sought after duo performers known as Garling & O'Neill. They perform an extensive array of Classic Rock Hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. Both Fran & Scott are amazing as individual singers and create incredible harmonies as two Classic Rock vocalists.
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Bryan is a graduating senior of the University at Albany. He has performed in musical productions of “Grease” as Danny Zuko and in “Oliver” as Bill Sykes. Bryan brings a passion for singing and acting that allows him to recreate a very convincing performance as the somewhat notorious James Douglas Morrison of “the Doors”. We are proud to have Bryan as a member of the Woodstock Era Experience. His image and likeness to Morrison leaves people believing in the experience they just saw.
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Lenny Thomas (Lead Singer - Felix Cavaliere, Joe Cocker, Buton Cummings, Van Morrison, Elton John, Billy Joel)
To sum up the talented vocals of this incredibly versatile performer we can use just one word, and that is "Fascinating". Lenny's performances are spot on for each artist he re-creates and pays tribute to. His 5 octave vocal range allows him to deliver a wide variety of impersonations including Elton John, Billy Joel, Howard Kaylan (Eddie of The Turtles), Felix Cavaliere (The Rascals) and even the powerful and soulful sound and delivery of the great Joe Cocker. Lenny is the shows Rich Little of impersonators. He can also convincingly deliver the voicing tones and hit all the high notes of Frankie Valli and Steve Perry. Don't worry, someday we will include these acts into the shows repertoire.
Throughout the Capital District and Upstate New York, Lenny is well recognized as the lead singer of one of the areas premier Rock Bands, M-16. They have been rock'n hard for over 20 years and still going strong. We are very fortunate to have Lenny as one of the shows headlining entertainers to thrill our audiences with so many of his believable acts performed in our show.
Lenny is proprietor of "Thomas Entertainment", one of the top Karaoke and DJ Services in the Capital Region.
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Scott Garling (Lead Singer - Colin Blunstone of the Zombies, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues, Santana songs, plus, Acoustic Guitar and Percussion
Scott is a singer/song writer with an incredible voice and vocal range. He has been playing drums since the age of 12 and plays acoustic/electric guitar and keyboards. Some of the cover bands throughout his singing and playing career include, "The Kritters" "Scotland Yard", "Thunder Road", The Gary Brooks band", and an Original project called "Seed".
Scott's vocal versatility allows the show the flexibility to continuously change and to bring on board new legends to pay tribute to from the great era of Classic Rock History, the 60s &70s. Scott along with Groovin's Fran O'Neill (Mama Cass) are one of the Capital Districts most sought after Acoustic Acts as Garling & O'Neill representing a massive inventory of Classic Rock Hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. They are amazing with their solo vocals and together create the most incredible harmonies as two of Classic Rock's Premier Vocalists.
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Donna Lee - Janis Joplin & Backing Vocals.
Donna Lee creates the most angelic vocal voicing you will ever hear & also belts out the Blues & Soulfulness of Janis Joplin. She has a beautiful tone in the sound and harmonies she produces throughout the show to help make every front singer sound the very best they possibly can. We are fortunate in this production to have someone so dedicated as Donna Lee to unselfishly contribute and help everyone else sound great. Simply put, she is such an important force behind the entire show and is second to none when it comes to her singing quality and abilities. The show could not sound the way it does without her talented vocals helping throughout and we are so fortunate that she has the power to recreate the sound and look of Janis Joplin.
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Fran O'Neill - (Lead singer - Mama Cass Elliot)
This is our Mama carrying the tunes of one of the 60s most Iconic groups ever from this period of Classic Rock History, and nobody can do justice to the great Mama Cass as good as Fran pays tribute to this wonderful vocalist of the Mamas and The Papas. Wait until you see and hear Fran's recreation of Mama Cass Elliot. Groovin's recreation of the Mamas & The Papas is a visual and vocal experience the audience never forgets.
Along with her Groovin' partner Scott Garling, Fran & Scott are one of the Capital Districts most sought after duo performers known as Garling & O'Neill. They perform an extensive array of Classic Rock Hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. Both Fran & Scott are amazing as individual singers and create incredible harmonies as two Classic Rock vocalists.
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Lou Chitty (Keyboards, Guitar).
Lou is a multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-nominated recording engineer based in Rochester, NY. Trained in classical piano performance, composition and audio recording technology at SUNY Fredonia, Lou has been fortunate to work in a wide variety of musical styles and contexts, both as an engineer and a musician. This includes his work with the Chicago-based big band The Fatum Brothers Jazz Orchestra, Polish virtuoso jazz pianist, Dariusz Terefenko, neo-New Orleans-style funksters, The Po’ Boys Brass Band and Argentinean composer, Jorge Liderman, whose album 'Barcelonazo' (recorded and edited by Lou in 2005) earned a Latin Grammy nomination in 2008. Since moving to Rochester in 2005, Lou has had the privilege of playing with some of western New York's premier musicians including The Jeff Cosco Band, 50/50, 6 Degrees and Joey T & the Formula to name a few. In early 2011, Lou had the good fortune to join the backing band for the Woodstock-era Legends revue.
Lou also maintains an active performing schedule with his modern rock band called Push, as well as a regional swing band named The Greece Jazz Band. He is also a writer and performer with a western NY jam band called The Goods. He is also currently on staff at the world-renown Eastman School of Music as the In-house Recording Engineer.
Lou has experienced it all in the music industry including having had the privilege of recording many luminaries in the worlds of jazz, classical, and folk music including artists such as: Ron Carter, Lee Konitz, Rufus Reid, The Kronos Quartet and Dr. Ralph Stanley.
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Pat Ginnelly (Carlos Santana, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar - MUSIC DIRECTOR).
Pat is one of the Capital Districts most well know respected guitarist. Pat is extremely versitile in all styles of music and plays the most precise leads you can imagine ever listening to. He does justice to all the great guitar legends of the past and duplicates their abilities like no on else. One of the best in the business, we are extremely lucky to have him performing with the GROOVIN' show and are grateful to have this fantastic musician as the productions Music Director.
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Mick Murdick (Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals).
Mick is from Albany, New York and formed his first band with musicians he met at college. They cut their teeth playing classic rock covers at all the Albany college bars. A few years later he moved to the New York City and played guitar in a few rock bands. His most notably group was Mouthful with future 2009 Grammy nominee Maiysha on lead vocals for the band. Currently he is back home playing in a few local groups ranging from a Rolling Stones cover band (Stripped), to a spiritual healing music ensemble performing with Joy Adler. Mick is the newest member of one of the premier group of musicians ever assembled and he of course fits in perfectly while still keeping his classic rock roots with the GROOVIN' band of many talents.
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Gregory Nash (Drums & Percussion).
If there is one word to describe Gregory Nash, it's versatile. Bouncing back and forth from drum seats with bands who have shared the stage with the likes of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Cheap Trick, Katy Perry and many others have given Greg the opportunity to employ his unique style that can only come from experimenting and exploring many different styles of music.
After playing on countless of other artists critically acclaimed recordings, many that have been featured on MTV, SHOWTIME, MLB, and ABC Family, as well as ROCKBAND, the game and A-BAND from XBOX(a game in which the player assumes the drummer's spot in the band)..2014 finally saw Nash releasing his first solo effort, a 9 track original album entitled 'BABY'. It is a labor of love that showcases his wide range of musical tastes and influences and demonstrates his world class musicianship and songwriting abilities.
"Solid,Rockin, Dynamic Drumming" - DRUM MAGAZINE. 1st card side 2."Gregory Nash's track record speaks for itself... endlessly versatile, contagiously dynamic, his unorthodox technical approach gives a mesmerizing weight to the staggering chops that have become his calling card. Watching Nash go to work on a 4-piece kit is like watching a decon foreman testing his equipment in preparation for the destruction of a sports arena. Gloriously inglorious."Bill Ketzer, Metroland Magazine, "Nash has the skills and concepts of a jazz-fusion drummer, his limbs carving every angle of the tune, regardless of the genre. "Daily Gazette" an incredible drummer". Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall,Grammy Nominee)"Drums played with surgical precision" - Buzz Magazine.
Groovin' Director Gary Weinlein adds, "need I say more. GROOVIN' is fortunate to have Gregory Nash backed by his reputation and playing skills".
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Neil Laya - Lead & Acoustic Guitar
At the Classic Rock age of 17, Neil is the youngest member of the GROOVIN' band and remains the youngest in the cast ever since he joined the production two years ago at age 15. Neil has made a strong contribution to our sound playing along side the shows Music Director Pat Ginnelly. Between these 2 incredible guitarist, they help create the most authentic and precision guitar solo's of all the great legends from this era of Classic Rock History. Neil cannot get enough of this fantastic music and his presence is always appreciated by the audience. He is also a terrific showman with all of his wardrobe changes that help depict & re-create the look of the legendary musicians from the 60s & 70s.
Neil has been studying guitar since the age of 7 in the Capital District of Albany, NY at Rocky’s Music Studio. Neil also has been learning his craft with lessons from Pat Ginnelly of the GROOVIN' production for many years. Neil has spent most of his life on the stage with such Capital District bands as NO.2, and the Rolling Stones cover band Stripped which is directed by the GROOVIN' shows drummer Greg Nash. Neil’s addition has helped fill all the gaps necessary to create that big 60s & 70’s guitar sound.
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Lou is a multi-instrumentalist and Grammy-nominated recording engineer based in Rochester, NY. Trained in classical piano performance, composition and audio recording technology at SUNY Fredonia, Lou has been fortunate to work in a wide variety of musical styles and contexts, both as an engineer and a musician. This includes his work with the Chicago-based big band The Fatum Brothers Jazz Orchestra, Polish virtuoso jazz pianist, Dariusz Terefenko, neo-New Orleans-style funksters, The Po’ Boys Brass Band and Argentinean composer, Jorge Liderman, whose album 'Barcelonazo' (recorded and edited by Lou in 2005) earned a Latin Grammy nomination in 2008. Since moving to Rochester in 2005, Lou has had the privilege of playing with some of western New York's premier musicians including The Jeff Cosco Band, 50/50, 6 Degrees and Joey T & the Formula to name a few. In early 2011, Lou had the good fortune to join the backing band for the Woodstock-era Legends revue.
Lou also maintains an active performing schedule with his modern rock band called Push, as well as a regional swing band named The Greece Jazz Band. He is also a writer and performer with a western NY jam band called The Goods. He is also currently on staff at the world-renown Eastman School of Music as the In-house Recording Engineer.
Lou has experienced it all in the music industry including having had the privilege of recording many luminaries in the worlds of jazz, classical, and folk music including artists such as: Ron Carter, Lee Konitz, Rufus Reid, The Kronos Quartet and Dr. Ralph Stanley.
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Pat Ginnelly (Carlos Santana, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar - MUSIC DIRECTOR).
Pat is one of the Capital Districts most well know respected guitarist. Pat is extremely versitile in all styles of music and plays the most precise leads you can imagine ever listening to. He does justice to all the great guitar legends of the past and duplicates their abilities like no on else. One of the best in the business, we are extremely lucky to have him performing with the GROOVIN' show and are grateful to have this fantastic musician as the productions Music Director.
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Mick Murdick (Bass Guitar & Backing Vocals).
Mick is from Albany, New York and formed his first band with musicians he met at college. They cut their teeth playing classic rock covers at all the Albany college bars. A few years later he moved to the New York City and played guitar in a few rock bands. His most notably group was Mouthful with future 2009 Grammy nominee Maiysha on lead vocals for the band. Currently he is back home playing in a few local groups ranging from a Rolling Stones cover band (Stripped), to a spiritual healing music ensemble performing with Joy Adler. Mick is the newest member of one of the premier group of musicians ever assembled and he of course fits in perfectly while still keeping his classic rock roots with the GROOVIN' band of many talents.
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Gregory Nash (Drums & Percussion).
If there is one word to describe Gregory Nash, it's versatile. Bouncing back and forth from drum seats with bands who have shared the stage with the likes of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Cheap Trick, Katy Perry and many others have given Greg the opportunity to employ his unique style that can only come from experimenting and exploring many different styles of music.
After playing on countless of other artists critically acclaimed recordings, many that have been featured on MTV, SHOWTIME, MLB, and ABC Family, as well as ROCKBAND, the game and A-BAND from XBOX(a game in which the player assumes the drummer's spot in the band)..2014 finally saw Nash releasing his first solo effort, a 9 track original album entitled 'BABY'. It is a labor of love that showcases his wide range of musical tastes and influences and demonstrates his world class musicianship and songwriting abilities.
"Solid,Rockin, Dynamic Drumming" - DRUM MAGAZINE. 1st card side 2."Gregory Nash's track record speaks for itself... endlessly versatile, contagiously dynamic, his unorthodox technical approach gives a mesmerizing weight to the staggering chops that have become his calling card. Watching Nash go to work on a 4-piece kit is like watching a decon foreman testing his equipment in preparation for the destruction of a sports arena. Gloriously inglorious."Bill Ketzer, Metroland Magazine, "Nash has the skills and concepts of a jazz-fusion drummer, his limbs carving every angle of the tune, regardless of the genre. "Daily Gazette" an incredible drummer". Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall,Grammy Nominee)"Drums played with surgical precision" - Buzz Magazine.
Groovin' Director Gary Weinlein adds, "need I say more. GROOVIN' is fortunate to have Gregory Nash backed by his reputation and playing skills".
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Neil Laya - Lead & Acoustic Guitar
At the Classic Rock age of 17, Neil is the youngest member of the GROOVIN' band and remains the youngest in the cast ever since he joined the production two years ago at age 15. Neil has made a strong contribution to our sound playing along side the shows Music Director Pat Ginnelly. Between these 2 incredible guitarist, they help create the most authentic and precision guitar solo's of all the great legends from this era of Classic Rock History. Neil cannot get enough of this fantastic music and his presence is always appreciated by the audience. He is also a terrific showman with all of his wardrobe changes that help depict & re-create the look of the legendary musicians from the 60s & 70s.
Neil has been studying guitar since the age of 7 in the Capital District of Albany, NY at Rocky’s Music Studio. Neil also has been learning his craft with lessons from Pat Ginnelly of the GROOVIN' production for many years. Neil has spent most of his life on the stage with such Capital District bands as NO.2, and the Rolling Stones cover band Stripped which is directed by the GROOVIN' shows drummer Greg Nash. Neil’s addition has helped fill all the gaps necessary to create that big 60s & 70’s guitar sound.
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GROOVIN' Horn Section
Paul Jenkins - Horn Section Director (Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Flute)
A skilled classical and jazz flute and saxophone player, Paul maintains a high standard of technique, while infusing his playing with the masterful lines of Ian Anderson, Dave Valentin, Ernie Watts and Jeff Coffin. Paul's most recent projects include his band The Meishlunday, various classical ensembles in the capital district and playing latin jazz with the Marcus Benoit band. Currently Paul is studying for his bachelors in music education at the College of Saint Rose and has studied with Yvonne Hansbrough, Floyd Hebert, Gary Kelly and Paul Evoskevich among many others.
Matt Acenowre- Sax & Percussion
KMike Banewicz - Trumpet & Percussion
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Paul Jenkins - Horn Section Director (Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Flute)
A skilled classical and jazz flute and saxophone player, Paul maintains a high standard of technique, while infusing his playing with the masterful lines of Ian Anderson, Dave Valentin, Ernie Watts and Jeff Coffin. Paul's most recent projects include his band The Meishlunday, various classical ensembles in the capital district and playing latin jazz with the Marcus Benoit band. Currently Paul is studying for his bachelors in music education at the College of Saint Rose and has studied with Yvonne Hansbrough, Floyd Hebert, Gary Kelly and Paul Evoskevich among many others.
Matt Acenowre- Sax & Percussion
KMike Banewicz - Trumpet & Percussion
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Past Performers of Classic Rock Productions Woodstock Era Experience / Sixties Rock Experience / Groovin'
Lisa Bertrand (Lead Singer - Janis Joplin)
The true heart and soul of the Woodstock Festival Tribute. Lisa is one of the most believable tribute performance you will ever see and hear. She captures every aspect of seeing Janis live in concert. Lisa is a home grown girl and hails from Watervliet, NY. She first began performing on stage as an actor in high school plays at her alma mater Watervliet High and continued singing and acting through her college years. After graduating from college Lisa pursued her true passion and began singing professionally as lead singer with the Schenectady based band “Rock Project”. Covering songs Led Zeppelin, Heart, Journey, and Pat Bennetar, Lisa and her Rock Project band mates successfully played local clubs regularly and hit the road for gigs on Cape Cod during summer months. Lisa enthusiastically joined up with another group of seasoned local rockers to form Albany based rock band Bedrock. A hardworking band, Bedrock spent many hours in the studio recording originals where she continued to hone her vocal talents.
It was during the Bedrock years that Lisa was approached by Gary Weinlein with the concept to perform a dedication to Janis Joplin and was invited to join the 1991 show called “The Tribute Doors”, a musical tribute to Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. Together they performed at the Palace Theater in Albany NY, receiving a standing ovation of over 1450 in attendence.
Lisa has continued to rock through the years and is also performing with the Saratoga based acoustic group the Red Dirt Band.
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Jenna DeBrino (Lead Singer) as Linda Ronstadt, Dusty Springfield, and Lulu.
Jenna DeBrino began singing at the age of 8 which jumpstarted a career that has spanned for over a decade. At the young age of 14, she furthered her professional development as a commercial recording artist and was praised as being a “raw natural talent.” Jenna became an instant hit with fans in Upstate New York and was named 2002/2003 Capital Region Idol, a designation that took her twice to California. In 2004, she performed for WGNA’s Country-Fest and has opened for a variety of country music stars such as Charlie Luvin and the Eli Young Band.
Jenna performs with the best local country, pop, and rock bands. She is a very active participant with a number of local charity events and fund raisers. She also previously recorded a track on an album for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which is sold commercially through Borders Book stores.
One of today’s popular icons in the music industry, Randy Jackson, has critiqued and praised Jenna’s vocal talent saying she has the potential to make major inroads within the recording industry. Randy was quoted saying, “You’ll see why she is a rising star whose talent undoubtedly will take her to the national stage and beyond”.
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Collette (Lead Singer - Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson of Heart, Melanie)
Collette McComb is School Director at Performance School of the Arts. Her music career began very early at age 5 in Germany. According to Collette, her family was a bunch of hippies traveling the European country side bringing folk and sacred/spiritual music everywhere they went. “We performed in a variety of venues, from churches to community centers and theaters, as well as school auditoriums and concert halls. You name it, we played it".
Collette continued performing throughout Europe until she came to the U.S. at age 10 where she became focused to compose and share her music in over 11 states and 3 Canadian provinces. She started teaching at the age of 12 and won the Central Texas Solo Piano Competition in 1997. She received several superior plus ratings at various Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) piano competitions. Her original composition, The Tempest, won 1st runner up for Nationals in the 1998 MTNA original composition contest.
Recently, she has been on a solo tour performer throughout the Northeast and has been appearing in venues including The Turning Stone Casino, The Egg Theatre in Albany, NY, Proctors Theater in Schenectady, NY and the EMPAC Theater at RPI in Troy, NY. She most recently guest starred this past New Year’s Eve at Maison du Jazz in Montreal. She takes great pride singing with her students performing opening songs such as our "National Anthem" and "God Bless America" at venues including the Times Union Arena for General Electric's Family Day at the Albany Devil’s hockey game.
Collette's performances with GROOVIN' can only be described as "Astonishing" says Director/Producer Gary Weinlein. "She has this amazing ability as a performer to make every person watching her to get the feeling she is singing the song to them only. Collette is so alluring while sharing her vocal gift that she captures the entire audience. Seeing is believing and this truly mesmerizing talent can only be fully appreciated and felt during a live performance."
Beautiful and soulful to see and hear. We are lucky to have her talent in our production.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lauren Monroe (Lead Singer - Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane)
Lauren is the performer who has grown into one of the productions highlights in her flawless portrayal as Grace Slick. She is an absolute treat to watch and is right on it as the young front singer for Jefferson Airplane as she captures a sultry Grace and gives an incredible and fun performance. Lauren is a 2010 graduate from SUNY Albany with a bachelor degree in psychology and will pursue her masters. She started dancing at the age of two. She is a member of the Albany Dance Council and she recently received the coveted Dance Council’s “Choreographer Award” for the fall semester of 2009. Yes, Lauren doubles as one of the Woodstock Era Experience Hippie Dancers.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Michael Van Hoesen (Lead Vocals for Beatles Tribute and All Backing Vocals).
Mike has performed as a lead vocalist for various band in the greater Albany NY Area for over 40 years and has an incredible vocal instrument. Mike has performed in various locations throughout England and will be the lead singer of a rock and roll show in Sweden during June of 2015 with a local group of musicians. Mike's favorite band is the Beatles and his favorite artist is Paul McCartney. He also likes some of the new and more current artist such as Maroon 5 and Ed Sheeran. Listen for Mike's vocals with Donna Lee as they create some of the most beautiful sounds coming from the stage. We are so fortunate to have this unselfish and talented vocalist helping to make the show sound as good as we possibly can.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Katie DePalma (Violin and Backing Vocals
Katie is the shows violinist and one of the youngest musicians. She is a recent graduated of the University at Albany where she majored in Violin Performance. She is currently teaching at the Performance School of Art under the direction of Collette McComb. Katie adds the beautiful sound of the violin along with her wonderful musical harmonies to help create some of the most memorable ballads performed in the GROOVIN' repertoire.
Katie is a very serious performer and her passion with music illuminates during the songs she performs in. Just watch Katie and you'll see and feel her compassion for the music she's playing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rob Beaulieu (Lead and Acoustic Guitar,, Backup Vocals)
Rob Learned how to play guitar while in college. Following Graduation and a brief hockey career including some time playing professional teams in Europe Rob basically retired from hockey and devoted himself to playing guitar. Rob was taught by Dave Malachowski and Chuck D’Aloia two nationally recognized guitar greats.
Rob played in numerous bands including a run with Slipknot, Soul Shock, Loader and as a member of Kim Buckley’s recording and touring band for 3 years. After the demise of Kim’s project and the splintering of loader Rob formed his own project called Raisinhead which has successfully toured the Northeast for 9 years. Rob has become known for his melodic approach to soloing and for his knack for Americana songwriting and story telling. Albums include: Back to the Tracks, Evoking the Sun, Raisinhead, Council Fire. Rob has had numerous side projects and currently divides his time between Council Fire, The Stone Revival Band and Raisinhead as well as adding his expert playing abilities with the Sixties Rock Experience band.
Current gear: Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, 1967 Fender Vibrolux, Q-tron, Cry baby wah, Barber tone press compressor, Fulltone Overdrive, Fulltone Soulbender, Ibanez Sound Tank Delay, Delayla Delay.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dave Spadaro (Lead and Acoustic Guitar)
Fusing rock, jazz, blues and funk styles, Spadaro’s sound is influenced by Jimmy Herring, Grant Green, John Scofield and the legendary guitar roster of Steely Dan. Helping to make Dave a perfect fit for the “Sixties Rock Experience” Spadaro grew up learning how to play guitar in his early teens playing along to the classic rock songs of the 60s and 70s, rising early and staying up to learn the licks of Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, Santana, and the list goes on. Tracing influences back and following his passion for improvisation, he expanded his vocabulary to become well versed in R&B, jazz and blues, as well as learning from local greats George Muscatello and Chuck D'Aloia.
Dave's first successful music outfit was with the funk/jam group Ruhle Road in the late 90's. He later founded Good Foot, performing the very same classic rock songs he grew up being taught from. Immersed in the Albany-area music scene, Dave most recently led the funk/soul group The Mighty Nautilus, and currently is guitarist for The Stone Revival Band, as well as working with his own funk/soul fusion group.
Currently Dave performs throughout the Capital District area and is a very welcomed member of the "Sixties Rock Experience" band.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chris Baird Former Musical Director (Roger Daltrey of The Who / John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Lead and Backup Vocals
A Queensbury, NY native, Chris is a performer who has dedicated the past decade of his life to music. He has been playing violin since age 10 and guitar since age 16. Chris also has a theatrical background having played the lead role in the musical “Li’l Abner”. He has played in several bands covering many genres as well as playing with nationally touring tribute acts and composes original music. Chris has been teaching guitar since 2004 and comments he is “thankful to be able to play with the fantastic people who make up the Woodstock Era Experience”. The Experience is thankful to have Chris with his very professional and patient approach in being this shows Musical Director.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
George Biancacino (Assistant Music Director - Bass and Electric Guitar, Vocals)
George is a Rotterdam native and started performing magic in the capital district at a early age making several local television appearances. A graduate from Schalmont High School, he majored in music and started playing at the age of six. He has been a working musician for nearly thirty years and he has performed with Billy Montana and the Longshots (Warner Bros. Records) and has appeared with Tiny Tim. George also peformed as Alice Cooper in a tribute show throughout the northeast called “Almost Alice”.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jason "JY" Young (Jimi Hendrix - Lead Guitar)
Born and raised in Westchester County NY, JY began playing music at age 7 and found the guitar at age 10. Only it was right handed. Finally at 14 he switched the guitar upside down and it was a match made in heaven. Playing in numerous bands through high school allowed him to gain invaluable stage experience which led to greater things in college. Attending SUNY Albany JY studied music amongst other areas. In 1993 he was a founding member of the band Yellowdog which he is still a member today. Throughout the late 90's and early 2000's he toured the Northeast and beyond with funk greats Smokehouse Prophets. Some of his influences include greats Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Dicky Betts as well as lesser known Eddie Hazel and Vernon Reid. With over 2000 live performances under his belt JY brings charisma and electricity to any stage. As for his recreating of Hendrix in the Woodstock Era Experience, Jason says, "It's an honor to be performing in this show as one of my heroes Jimi Hendrix. I hope he is smiling at me when I play. It gives me a really good feeling to play the music from that era in a show of this Magnitude”. His music library can be found in the archives of Clambone records and the studios of YD productions.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Matt La Farr (Lead Singer - Jerry Garcia)
The content of Matt’s iPod is a clear indicator that his musical tastes are all over the place. Among his favorite artists are KISS, Frank Zappa, Indigo Girls, Chicago, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Iron Maiden. He has been playing guitar for over 30 years and in that time has played in various bands throughout the area, most recently King’s English, a band he co-founded in 2000. The music of KISS, and specifically the guitar playing of Ace Frehley, is what made Matt realize that he needed to get a guitar and start playing. Throughout the years he has studied with several of the region’s well known guitar instructors including Mark Caruso, as a young teen and again while attending SUNY Adirondack. Matt also studied under Joel Brown and Anthony Sano, while attending Schenectady County Community College. He was born and raised in Fort Edward and has called Queensbury his home for over 20 years. Although he never donned the makeup and costumes for a KISS tribute band (however, he did tell us that he dressed up as Gene Simmons on Halloween in 1978!), when Matt puts on atire while transforming into Jerry Garcia for audience at the Woodstock Era Experience shows, his performance and sounds of The Grateful Dead legend is nothing short of outstanding.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Erin Harkes (Lead Singer - Dusty Springfield / Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas / Janis Joplin)
The "Woodstock Era Experience" is thrilled to have in our production the Capital Districts most recognized and powerful female blues singer. Erin Harkes is an original singer/guitar/piano player who resides in Albany NY. She began writing songs at the age of 19 and has since released four albums of original material. In 2004, Erin received 1st place voting performing in the Colossal Contender Blues Competition at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. While fronting a local area band called Folding Sky, Erin placed highest out of three finalist by receiving 60% of the vote to earn a position in the international finals in Memphis, Tennessee in 2005. Don Wilcock of the Troy Record had this to say of Erin’s performance; "Standing firmly on two feet, this dirty blonde banshee belted out her music with no vibrato, no soft feminine wiles, just a blast-furnace breath of fire that singed the hair of everyone in the last aisle at the top of the museum steps watching her performance.” In March of 2005, Erin also received incredible recognition by being placed on the coveted front cover of Local Arts and Entertainment
magazine "Metroland". Erin’s audiences and popularity continue to grow with her original projects and songs. However, no one can argue that performing and covering the tunes of "Janis Joplin", one the most influential female blues singers of the late 60's, gives testimony and tribute to the raw vocal talent that Erin Harkes possesses.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tom Pirozzi (Bass Guitar and Vocals)
From 1991 to 2001, Tom Pirozzi played bass and wrote songs for the national jamband, Ominous Seapods. Throughout that time they tirelessly toured North America playing such notable venues as Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, the Wetlands Preserve in NYC, and the House of Blues in LA, Boston and Chicago as well countless large outdoor festivals. They also recorded 5 cd's including the critically acclaimed Superman Curse, which was released on Palm Pictures/Rykodisc Records.
After the Seapods called it quits from touring, Tom settled in Albany, NY and joined forces with several bands including the Lo Faber band and Raisinhead. He has also collaborated on many projects with world renown cellist, Dave Eggar. He has written music with Dave and performed with him throughout the U.S. as well as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Germany and Jamaica. Tom currently teaches Bass and guitar in Albany and continues to play regularly throughout the North East and has now joined with the Sixties Rock Experience band.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jimmy Riot (Bass Guitar)
James Elliott was given his nickname "Jimmy Riot" on a 2000 Leona Naess European tour. Born in NYC, Jimmy grew up in Glens Falls and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy. He played bass in the U-Pitt Jazz Ensemble under jazz great Nathan Davis as a non-student, then attended Manhattan School of Music where he studied under the legendary Anthony Jackson while doing upright bass gigs outside of school. Jimmy then founded power-trio Skunkworks and opened for Pantera, The Offspring, Pennywise and The Toadies, and co-headlined shows with Stuck Mojo. He then played bass for Patti Rothberg (EMI) and toured opening for Chris Isaak, the Wallflowers, and did the summer festival circuit sharing the stage with Iggy Pop, Korn, 311, No Doubt etc. and opened for Everclear. He appeared on David Letterman and Jay Leno with Patti and did a special homecoming gig at Tramps NYC with Omar Hakim on drums. As a member of Swimmer (Maverick) they toured with Fuel, King's X, and opened for Sugar Ray. Jimmy then played for Leona Naess (MCA) doing tours with Travis, Eagle Eye Cherry, and performed on the Craig Killborne show. He was then bassist & musical director for Alexa Ray Joel, performed on Jimmy Kimmel and produced her EP Sketches". Lately Jimmy has been on a throwback kick digging into late '60s and '70s music, and switched his main gear to vintage amps & basses a couple years ago. He lives in NYC and DC but remains good buddies with the Woodstock Era Experience's Matt LaFarr who performs as Jerry Garcia.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lisa Bertrand (Lead Singer - Janis Joplin)
The true heart and soul of the Woodstock Festival Tribute. Lisa is one of the most believable tribute performance you will ever see and hear. She captures every aspect of seeing Janis live in concert. Lisa is a home grown girl and hails from Watervliet, NY. She first began performing on stage as an actor in high school plays at her alma mater Watervliet High and continued singing and acting through her college years. After graduating from college Lisa pursued her true passion and began singing professionally as lead singer with the Schenectady based band “Rock Project”. Covering songs Led Zeppelin, Heart, Journey, and Pat Bennetar, Lisa and her Rock Project band mates successfully played local clubs regularly and hit the road for gigs on Cape Cod during summer months. Lisa enthusiastically joined up with another group of seasoned local rockers to form Albany based rock band Bedrock. A hardworking band, Bedrock spent many hours in the studio recording originals where she continued to hone her vocal talents.
It was during the Bedrock years that Lisa was approached by Gary Weinlein with the concept to perform a dedication to Janis Joplin and was invited to join the 1991 show called “The Tribute Doors”, a musical tribute to Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. Together they performed at the Palace Theater in Albany NY, receiving a standing ovation of over 1450 in attendence.
Lisa has continued to rock through the years and is also performing with the Saratoga based acoustic group the Red Dirt Band.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jenna DeBrino (Lead Singer) as Linda Ronstadt, Dusty Springfield, and Lulu.
Jenna DeBrino began singing at the age of 8 which jumpstarted a career that has spanned for over a decade. At the young age of 14, she furthered her professional development as a commercial recording artist and was praised as being a “raw natural talent.” Jenna became an instant hit with fans in Upstate New York and was named 2002/2003 Capital Region Idol, a designation that took her twice to California. In 2004, she performed for WGNA’s Country-Fest and has opened for a variety of country music stars such as Charlie Luvin and the Eli Young Band.
Jenna performs with the best local country, pop, and rock bands. She is a very active participant with a number of local charity events and fund raisers. She also previously recorded a track on an album for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which is sold commercially through Borders Book stores.
One of today’s popular icons in the music industry, Randy Jackson, has critiqued and praised Jenna’s vocal talent saying she has the potential to make major inroads within the recording industry. Randy was quoted saying, “You’ll see why she is a rising star whose talent undoubtedly will take her to the national stage and beyond”.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Collette (Lead Singer - Stevie Nicks, Ann Wilson of Heart, Melanie)
Collette McComb is School Director at Performance School of the Arts. Her music career began very early at age 5 in Germany. According to Collette, her family was a bunch of hippies traveling the European country side bringing folk and sacred/spiritual music everywhere they went. “We performed in a variety of venues, from churches to community centers and theaters, as well as school auditoriums and concert halls. You name it, we played it".
Collette continued performing throughout Europe until she came to the U.S. at age 10 where she became focused to compose and share her music in over 11 states and 3 Canadian provinces. She started teaching at the age of 12 and won the Central Texas Solo Piano Competition in 1997. She received several superior plus ratings at various Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) piano competitions. Her original composition, The Tempest, won 1st runner up for Nationals in the 1998 MTNA original composition contest.
Recently, she has been on a solo tour performer throughout the Northeast and has been appearing in venues including The Turning Stone Casino, The Egg Theatre in Albany, NY, Proctors Theater in Schenectady, NY and the EMPAC Theater at RPI in Troy, NY. She most recently guest starred this past New Year’s Eve at Maison du Jazz in Montreal. She takes great pride singing with her students performing opening songs such as our "National Anthem" and "God Bless America" at venues including the Times Union Arena for General Electric's Family Day at the Albany Devil’s hockey game.
Collette's performances with GROOVIN' can only be described as "Astonishing" says Director/Producer Gary Weinlein. "She has this amazing ability as a performer to make every person watching her to get the feeling she is singing the song to them only. Collette is so alluring while sharing her vocal gift that she captures the entire audience. Seeing is believing and this truly mesmerizing talent can only be fully appreciated and felt during a live performance."
Beautiful and soulful to see and hear. We are lucky to have her talent in our production.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lauren Monroe (Lead Singer - Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane)
Lauren is the performer who has grown into one of the productions highlights in her flawless portrayal as Grace Slick. She is an absolute treat to watch and is right on it as the young front singer for Jefferson Airplane as she captures a sultry Grace and gives an incredible and fun performance. Lauren is a 2010 graduate from SUNY Albany with a bachelor degree in psychology and will pursue her masters. She started dancing at the age of two. She is a member of the Albany Dance Council and she recently received the coveted Dance Council’s “Choreographer Award” for the fall semester of 2009. Yes, Lauren doubles as one of the Woodstock Era Experience Hippie Dancers.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Michael Van Hoesen (Lead Vocals for Beatles Tribute and All Backing Vocals).
Mike has performed as a lead vocalist for various band in the greater Albany NY Area for over 40 years and has an incredible vocal instrument. Mike has performed in various locations throughout England and will be the lead singer of a rock and roll show in Sweden during June of 2015 with a local group of musicians. Mike's favorite band is the Beatles and his favorite artist is Paul McCartney. He also likes some of the new and more current artist such as Maroon 5 and Ed Sheeran. Listen for Mike's vocals with Donna Lee as they create some of the most beautiful sounds coming from the stage. We are so fortunate to have this unselfish and talented vocalist helping to make the show sound as good as we possibly can.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Katie DePalma (Violin and Backing Vocals
Katie is the shows violinist and one of the youngest musicians. She is a recent graduated of the University at Albany where she majored in Violin Performance. She is currently teaching at the Performance School of Art under the direction of Collette McComb. Katie adds the beautiful sound of the violin along with her wonderful musical harmonies to help create some of the most memorable ballads performed in the GROOVIN' repertoire.
Katie is a very serious performer and her passion with music illuminates during the songs she performs in. Just watch Katie and you'll see and feel her compassion for the music she's playing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rob Beaulieu (Lead and Acoustic Guitar,, Backup Vocals)
Rob Learned how to play guitar while in college. Following Graduation and a brief hockey career including some time playing professional teams in Europe Rob basically retired from hockey and devoted himself to playing guitar. Rob was taught by Dave Malachowski and Chuck D’Aloia two nationally recognized guitar greats.
Rob played in numerous bands including a run with Slipknot, Soul Shock, Loader and as a member of Kim Buckley’s recording and touring band for 3 years. After the demise of Kim’s project and the splintering of loader Rob formed his own project called Raisinhead which has successfully toured the Northeast for 9 years. Rob has become known for his melodic approach to soloing and for his knack for Americana songwriting and story telling. Albums include: Back to the Tracks, Evoking the Sun, Raisinhead, Council Fire. Rob has had numerous side projects and currently divides his time between Council Fire, The Stone Revival Band and Raisinhead as well as adding his expert playing abilities with the Sixties Rock Experience band.
Current gear: Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, 1967 Fender Vibrolux, Q-tron, Cry baby wah, Barber tone press compressor, Fulltone Overdrive, Fulltone Soulbender, Ibanez Sound Tank Delay, Delayla Delay.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dave Spadaro (Lead and Acoustic Guitar)
Fusing rock, jazz, blues and funk styles, Spadaro’s sound is influenced by Jimmy Herring, Grant Green, John Scofield and the legendary guitar roster of Steely Dan. Helping to make Dave a perfect fit for the “Sixties Rock Experience” Spadaro grew up learning how to play guitar in his early teens playing along to the classic rock songs of the 60s and 70s, rising early and staying up to learn the licks of Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Allman Brothers, Santana, and the list goes on. Tracing influences back and following his passion for improvisation, he expanded his vocabulary to become well versed in R&B, jazz and blues, as well as learning from local greats George Muscatello and Chuck D'Aloia.
Dave's first successful music outfit was with the funk/jam group Ruhle Road in the late 90's. He later founded Good Foot, performing the very same classic rock songs he grew up being taught from. Immersed in the Albany-area music scene, Dave most recently led the funk/soul group The Mighty Nautilus, and currently is guitarist for The Stone Revival Band, as well as working with his own funk/soul fusion group.
Currently Dave performs throughout the Capital District area and is a very welcomed member of the "Sixties Rock Experience" band.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chris Baird Former Musical Director (Roger Daltrey of The Who / John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas
Guitar, Piano, Violin, Lead and Backup Vocals
A Queensbury, NY native, Chris is a performer who has dedicated the past decade of his life to music. He has been playing violin since age 10 and guitar since age 16. Chris also has a theatrical background having played the lead role in the musical “Li’l Abner”. He has played in several bands covering many genres as well as playing with nationally touring tribute acts and composes original music. Chris has been teaching guitar since 2004 and comments he is “thankful to be able to play with the fantastic people who make up the Woodstock Era Experience”. The Experience is thankful to have Chris with his very professional and patient approach in being this shows Musical Director.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
George Biancacino (Assistant Music Director - Bass and Electric Guitar, Vocals)
George is a Rotterdam native and started performing magic in the capital district at a early age making several local television appearances. A graduate from Schalmont High School, he majored in music and started playing at the age of six. He has been a working musician for nearly thirty years and he has performed with Billy Montana and the Longshots (Warner Bros. Records) and has appeared with Tiny Tim. George also peformed as Alice Cooper in a tribute show throughout the northeast called “Almost Alice”.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jason "JY" Young (Jimi Hendrix - Lead Guitar)
Born and raised in Westchester County NY, JY began playing music at age 7 and found the guitar at age 10. Only it was right handed. Finally at 14 he switched the guitar upside down and it was a match made in heaven. Playing in numerous bands through high school allowed him to gain invaluable stage experience which led to greater things in college. Attending SUNY Albany JY studied music amongst other areas. In 1993 he was a founding member of the band Yellowdog which he is still a member today. Throughout the late 90's and early 2000's he toured the Northeast and beyond with funk greats Smokehouse Prophets. Some of his influences include greats Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Dicky Betts as well as lesser known Eddie Hazel and Vernon Reid. With over 2000 live performances under his belt JY brings charisma and electricity to any stage. As for his recreating of Hendrix in the Woodstock Era Experience, Jason says, "It's an honor to be performing in this show as one of my heroes Jimi Hendrix. I hope he is smiling at me when I play. It gives me a really good feeling to play the music from that era in a show of this Magnitude”. His music library can be found in the archives of Clambone records and the studios of YD productions.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Matt La Farr (Lead Singer - Jerry Garcia)
The content of Matt’s iPod is a clear indicator that his musical tastes are all over the place. Among his favorite artists are KISS, Frank Zappa, Indigo Girls, Chicago, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Iron Maiden. He has been playing guitar for over 30 years and in that time has played in various bands throughout the area, most recently King’s English, a band he co-founded in 2000. The music of KISS, and specifically the guitar playing of Ace Frehley, is what made Matt realize that he needed to get a guitar and start playing. Throughout the years he has studied with several of the region’s well known guitar instructors including Mark Caruso, as a young teen and again while attending SUNY Adirondack. Matt also studied under Joel Brown and Anthony Sano, while attending Schenectady County Community College. He was born and raised in Fort Edward and has called Queensbury his home for over 20 years. Although he never donned the makeup and costumes for a KISS tribute band (however, he did tell us that he dressed up as Gene Simmons on Halloween in 1978!), when Matt puts on atire while transforming into Jerry Garcia for audience at the Woodstock Era Experience shows, his performance and sounds of The Grateful Dead legend is nothing short of outstanding.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Erin Harkes (Lead Singer - Dusty Springfield / Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas / Janis Joplin)
The "Woodstock Era Experience" is thrilled to have in our production the Capital Districts most recognized and powerful female blues singer. Erin Harkes is an original singer/guitar/piano player who resides in Albany NY. She began writing songs at the age of 19 and has since released four albums of original material. In 2004, Erin received 1st place voting performing in the Colossal Contender Blues Competition at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. While fronting a local area band called Folding Sky, Erin placed highest out of three finalist by receiving 60% of the vote to earn a position in the international finals in Memphis, Tennessee in 2005. Don Wilcock of the Troy Record had this to say of Erin’s performance; "Standing firmly on two feet, this dirty blonde banshee belted out her music with no vibrato, no soft feminine wiles, just a blast-furnace breath of fire that singed the hair of everyone in the last aisle at the top of the museum steps watching her performance.” In March of 2005, Erin also received incredible recognition by being placed on the coveted front cover of Local Arts and Entertainment
magazine "Metroland". Erin’s audiences and popularity continue to grow with her original projects and songs. However, no one can argue that performing and covering the tunes of "Janis Joplin", one the most influential female blues singers of the late 60's, gives testimony and tribute to the raw vocal talent that Erin Harkes possesses.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tom Pirozzi (Bass Guitar and Vocals)
From 1991 to 2001, Tom Pirozzi played bass and wrote songs for the national jamband, Ominous Seapods. Throughout that time they tirelessly toured North America playing such notable venues as Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, the Wetlands Preserve in NYC, and the House of Blues in LA, Boston and Chicago as well countless large outdoor festivals. They also recorded 5 cd's including the critically acclaimed Superman Curse, which was released on Palm Pictures/Rykodisc Records.
After the Seapods called it quits from touring, Tom settled in Albany, NY and joined forces with several bands including the Lo Faber band and Raisinhead. He has also collaborated on many projects with world renown cellist, Dave Eggar. He has written music with Dave and performed with him throughout the U.S. as well as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Germany and Jamaica. Tom currently teaches Bass and guitar in Albany and continues to play regularly throughout the North East and has now joined with the Sixties Rock Experience band.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jimmy Riot (Bass Guitar)
James Elliott was given his nickname "Jimmy Riot" on a 2000 Leona Naess European tour. Born in NYC, Jimmy grew up in Glens Falls and graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy. He played bass in the U-Pitt Jazz Ensemble under jazz great Nathan Davis as a non-student, then attended Manhattan School of Music where he studied under the legendary Anthony Jackson while doing upright bass gigs outside of school. Jimmy then founded power-trio Skunkworks and opened for Pantera, The Offspring, Pennywise and The Toadies, and co-headlined shows with Stuck Mojo. He then played bass for Patti Rothberg (EMI) and toured opening for Chris Isaak, the Wallflowers, and did the summer festival circuit sharing the stage with Iggy Pop, Korn, 311, No Doubt etc. and opened for Everclear. He appeared on David Letterman and Jay Leno with Patti and did a special homecoming gig at Tramps NYC with Omar Hakim on drums. As a member of Swimmer (Maverick) they toured with Fuel, King's X, and opened for Sugar Ray. Jimmy then played for Leona Naess (MCA) doing tours with Travis, Eagle Eye Cherry, and performed on the Craig Killborne show. He was then bassist & musical director for Alexa Ray Joel, performed on Jimmy Kimmel and produced her EP Sketches". Lately Jimmy has been on a throwback kick digging into late '60s and '70s music, and switched his main gear to vintage amps & basses a couple years ago. He lives in NYC and DC but remains good buddies with the Woodstock Era Experience's Matt LaFarr who performs as Jerry Garcia.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eric Hofmanis (Lead Guitar - Santana)
Eric is a classically trained guitarist playing since the age of 15. He has extensively studied with Sharon Isbin of Juliard and Italian Master Lorenzo Micheli as well as local classical and jazz guitarist Joel Brown of the Chris Brubek band. He currently teaches bass, electric and classical/flamenco guitar at Blue Sky Studios in Delmar. Eric travels throughout the U.S. and Canada with national tribute shows. His guitar playing as Carlos Santana is second to no one. He gives the audience an unbelievable performance that leaves you saying, “Wow, that was heavy”. Eric performs locally with “Good for the Soul”.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eric is a classically trained guitarist playing since the age of 15. He has extensively studied with Sharon Isbin of Juliard and Italian Master Lorenzo Micheli as well as local classical and jazz guitarist Joel Brown of the Chris Brubek band. He currently teaches bass, electric and classical/flamenco guitar at Blue Sky Studios in Delmar. Eric travels throughout the U.S. and Canada with national tribute shows. His guitar playing as Carlos Santana is second to no one. He gives the audience an unbelievable performance that leaves you saying, “Wow, that was heavy”. Eric performs locally with “Good for the Soul”.
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Dan Marcil (Lead singer as John Fogerty of CCR, Keyboards, Bass and Electric Guitar)
Dan began his live performing career at the age of 9 singing the Beatle’s classic “Hey Jude” while playing piano on the Capital Districts CP telethon. During that year, also at age 9, he was acting in a Latham Community Players stage performance of” Desperate Hours” alongside co-actor William Devane. Musically, During the 80’s, Dan was lead singer and keyboard player of “Visitor”, a band getting incredible national recognition while opening for Richie Blackmore and Rainbow, Pat Travers Band, Blue Oyster Cult and Fog Hat. Dan was performing nationally throughout the 80’s and 90’s with a California based group and was asked by David Johanson of “Buster Pointdexter” fame to join his band as his keyboard player. He also plays in various live music projects throughout the Capital District area. Dan captures the essence and energy of what made CCR one of the great 60’s bands.
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Dan began his live performing career at the age of 9 singing the Beatle’s classic “Hey Jude” while playing piano on the Capital Districts CP telethon. During that year, also at age 9, he was acting in a Latham Community Players stage performance of” Desperate Hours” alongside co-actor William Devane. Musically, During the 80’s, Dan was lead singer and keyboard player of “Visitor”, a band getting incredible national recognition while opening for Richie Blackmore and Rainbow, Pat Travers Band, Blue Oyster Cult and Fog Hat. Dan was performing nationally throughout the 80’s and 90’s with a California based group and was asked by David Johanson of “Buster Pointdexter” fame to join his band as his keyboard player. He also plays in various live music projects throughout the Capital District area. Dan captures the essence and energy of what made CCR one of the great 60’s bands.
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Nick Muscatiello (Lead Singer - Joe Cocker)
Actor, Singer, Impersonator, whatever you could possibly ask of Nick he can do it and be more believable than you would imagine. A seasoned professional actor of stage and numerous theater productions, Nick’s voice, charisma, and character as Englishman Joe Cocker is one of the productions show stoppers and praised by many as one of their favorite acts in the Woodstock Era Experience.
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Actor, Singer, Impersonator, whatever you could possibly ask of Nick he can do it and be more believable than you would imagine. A seasoned professional actor of stage and numerous theater productions, Nick’s voice, charisma, and character as Englishman Joe Cocker is one of the productions show stoppers and praised by many as one of their favorite acts in the Woodstock Era Experience.
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Mark Sudano (Drums and Percussion)
Originally from Long Island, Mark has been a resident of the Capital District for nearly twenty years and active as an educator and performer. He has performed and recorded throughout the years with various artists and bands whose styles range from jazz, rock, funk, country, gospel, and classical. Current and most recent bands are 2006, Stormfront, and The Life Teen Band at St. Ambrose Church, Classic Rock Productions “Woodstock Frestival Tribute Show”. Mark is a New York State Certified music teacher and also has a teaching studio based out of his house in Colonie New York.
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Originally from Long Island, Mark has been a resident of the Capital District for nearly twenty years and active as an educator and performer. He has performed and recorded throughout the years with various artists and bands whose styles range from jazz, rock, funk, country, gospel, and classical. Current and most recent bands are 2006, Stormfront, and The Life Teen Band at St. Ambrose Church, Classic Rock Productions “Woodstock Frestival Tribute Show”. Mark is a New York State Certified music teacher and also has a teaching studio based out of his house in Colonie New York.
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Adam York (Keyboards, Sax, Flute, Vocals, Percussion)
Adam is a 2010 graduate of St. Rose College majoring in Music Industry. Music became second nature to Adam coming from a family background as the son of parents who performed nationally for years. At age five he began studying piano with his mother, Pam York. He recalled that the first piece he ever performed in public on piano was Prelude in c# Minor by Sergi Rachmaninov. By age thirteen he discovered his true passion, the saxophone. Over the next six years Adam studied saxophone with the highly acclaimed classical saxophonist Dr. Steven Mauk and renowned NYC jazz saxophonist Mark Vinci. While studying sax, Adam pursued piano, taking lessons from renowned jazz pianist Lee Shaw. He has received many recognitions and awards throughout his career. He received talent scholarships to Berklee College of Music, but decided to attend Ithaca College in the Western part of New York State. Adam has spent a lot of time on and off the stage, performing as a pit musician, musical director, production manager,composer/arranger/orchestrator, session player (woodwinds/keys), and as an actor/model. He has played gigs from Maine to California performing with many artists. Performs with many Tribute artists including: Billy Joel, Elvis, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, Pink Floyd, and was the original musical director for the Classic Rock Productions, “Woodstock Festival Tribute”.
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Former Horns:
Justin Godluski (Alto Sax)
Mike Perry (Trumpet)
Gregg Clark (Trombone)
Mike Finch (Lead Trumpet)
Mike Dietlein (Lead Trumpet)
Kate Koenig (Trumpet).
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Ryan Grosvenor (Lead Singer - Denny Doherty of The Mamas and the Papas)
Ryan recently moved to NY from Jefferson City Missouri. He grew up listening to his Mom's records, so, at a young age, he was mostly influenced by the Beatles and and Beach Boys music. He started playing drums in a punk rock band at the age of 12 and has progressed as a musician by having the capability to play over 10 instruments. Ryan has been writing and performing original material since the age of 12 and has recorded several albums. He enrolled in his school's music program in 7th grade and continued through highschool performing in drum line, concert band, and jazz band as he earned several national awards while in these programs. With two years of music theory behind him and after playing in several bands that performed different genres of music, Ryan was fortunate to be invited to play on two national tours. The Woodstock Era Experience has given Ryan something very special as he claims in the following statement, "It's an extreme honor for me to share the stage with the amazingly talented artists that make up this show. I have never worked with such a talented group of musicians and singers who are so passionate about the product they are putting out where as no detail goes unnoticed. It's a real privilege to be part of this production."
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Tara Rule (Lead & Back-Up Singer - Melanie / Michelle Phillips of Mamas and the Papas and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane).
Tara is the youngest member of the Woodstock Era Experience production at only 20 years of age. She began performing when she was only 5, and has been singing and acting ever since. She has acted and sang in many plays and musicals. She has received several awards for her singing abilities including a New York state-wide award for her performance as Elsa in “The Sound of Music” during her junior year in high school. Tara has also received awards for performances in NYS Italian Opera productions. During her college years, she has performed backup vocals on various albums of artists that have appeared in many music magazines throughout the US including Spin Magazine. Tara will tell you, “performing has always been my passion and true love”.
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Laura LaFrate - (Hippie Dancer)
The Woodstock Era Experience is thrilled to have the runner-up of "America's Next Top Model-2012-Cycle 18" Miss Laura LaFrate as one of the shows beautiful and graceful hippie dancers. Laura is from Scotia, NY and has joined the show to perform with Lauren when she is in between her busy modeling schedule... She is soon to be going to Hong Kong to fulfill some of her professional obligations as she travels on her journey as a very popular National and International top model.
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Adam is a 2010 graduate of St. Rose College majoring in Music Industry. Music became second nature to Adam coming from a family background as the son of parents who performed nationally for years. At age five he began studying piano with his mother, Pam York. He recalled that the first piece he ever performed in public on piano was Prelude in c# Minor by Sergi Rachmaninov. By age thirteen he discovered his true passion, the saxophone. Over the next six years Adam studied saxophone with the highly acclaimed classical saxophonist Dr. Steven Mauk and renowned NYC jazz saxophonist Mark Vinci. While studying sax, Adam pursued piano, taking lessons from renowned jazz pianist Lee Shaw. He has received many recognitions and awards throughout his career. He received talent scholarships to Berklee College of Music, but decided to attend Ithaca College in the Western part of New York State. Adam has spent a lot of time on and off the stage, performing as a pit musician, musical director, production manager,composer/arranger/orchestrator, session player (woodwinds/keys), and as an actor/model. He has played gigs from Maine to California performing with many artists. Performs with many Tribute artists including: Billy Joel, Elvis, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, Pink Floyd, and was the original musical director for the Classic Rock Productions, “Woodstock Festival Tribute”.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Former Horns:
Justin Godluski (Alto Sax)
Mike Perry (Trumpet)
Gregg Clark (Trombone)
Mike Finch (Lead Trumpet)
Mike Dietlein (Lead Trumpet)
Kate Koenig (Trumpet).
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ryan Grosvenor (Lead Singer - Denny Doherty of The Mamas and the Papas)
Ryan recently moved to NY from Jefferson City Missouri. He grew up listening to his Mom's records, so, at a young age, he was mostly influenced by the Beatles and and Beach Boys music. He started playing drums in a punk rock band at the age of 12 and has progressed as a musician by having the capability to play over 10 instruments. Ryan has been writing and performing original material since the age of 12 and has recorded several albums. He enrolled in his school's music program in 7th grade and continued through highschool performing in drum line, concert band, and jazz band as he earned several national awards while in these programs. With two years of music theory behind him and after playing in several bands that performed different genres of music, Ryan was fortunate to be invited to play on two national tours. The Woodstock Era Experience has given Ryan something very special as he claims in the following statement, "It's an extreme honor for me to share the stage with the amazingly talented artists that make up this show. I have never worked with such a talented group of musicians and singers who are so passionate about the product they are putting out where as no detail goes unnoticed. It's a real privilege to be part of this production."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tara Rule (Lead & Back-Up Singer - Melanie / Michelle Phillips of Mamas and the Papas and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane).
Tara is the youngest member of the Woodstock Era Experience production at only 20 years of age. She began performing when she was only 5, and has been singing and acting ever since. She has acted and sang in many plays and musicals. She has received several awards for her singing abilities including a New York state-wide award for her performance as Elsa in “The Sound of Music” during her junior year in high school. Tara has also received awards for performances in NYS Italian Opera productions. During her college years, she has performed backup vocals on various albums of artists that have appeared in many music magazines throughout the US including Spin Magazine. Tara will tell you, “performing has always been my passion and true love”.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Laura LaFrate - (Hippie Dancer)
The Woodstock Era Experience is thrilled to have the runner-up of "America's Next Top Model-2012-Cycle 18" Miss Laura LaFrate as one of the shows beautiful and graceful hippie dancers. Laura is from Scotia, NY and has joined the show to perform with Lauren when she is in between her busy modeling schedule... She is soon to be going to Hong Kong to fulfill some of her professional obligations as she travels on her journey as a very popular National and International top model.
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