I started playing piano when I was 5. Then, I took up playing trumpet when I was 10. I played in the band through grade school and high school. Yes... I was a band geek and I'm proud of it!!!
I joined the US Army after graduation from high school. Auditioned and was accepted in the Army band. I performed as a trumpet player in the US Army stationed in Camp Zama, Japan for 2 years. I played for many community events as well as military ceremonies.
Upon leaving the military, I joined the Musician's Union and performed with various orchestras and big bands playing jazz standards and swing music in dance halls and ballrooms around the Midwest.
I taught trumpet at a local music store in Lansing, IL and met the leader of a band named Southside Connexion. I joined Connexion in 1996 and performed weddings and various bars and clubs throughout the Chicagoland area.
In February 1999, Connexion performed for a private party at Niko's in Bridgeview. After the gig was over we went to the bar/lounge to check out the band that was playing there. I really liked them and introduced myself to the leader of the group. They performed similar songs as Connexion but more variety. The keyboard player played all the horn parts on the keys so I suggested they get a horn player..."and by the way, I play trumpet!" I sat in with them on their last set. Afterwards, I exchaged numbers with the leader and I sat in with them on many shows for the rest of that year, performing more with them than with Connexion! That band was Deja Vu! At the end of 1999 I was offered a full-time position with Deja Vu. On January 1st, 2000 I was officially a member of Deja Vu! I been performing with them ever since as a lead male vocalist and playing trumpet and keyboards!
Check out my schedule above and come see one of our shows sometime! But be prepared to dance your asses off! Come on up and say "Hi!"
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