Cellar Poets

Cellar Poets’ history can be traced back to when Rik Mercaldi and Mike Roze met Rich Betancourt working together at Sam Ash Music in Paramus, NJ in the mid 90’s. But to shorten the story a bit, Rich produced and released Rik and Mike’s band The Subterraneans debut CD in 1998 and have stayed close friends ever since. Damon Jackson met Rich in August of 2003 and eventually introduced him to Elmer Johnson when a band project called Dagit began in early 2006 which have since disbanded. Then in 2007 Rich recruited Damon and Elmer for a few shows to promote the release of his solo record “The Diary.” In late 2007 after years of saying they should jam, Rich, Rik and Mike finally got together and realized how great it felt and sounded. Anxious to start 2008 with a new band project Rich suggested that Rik & Mike along with Elmer & Damon form a group and see what happens. Well, Cellar Poets happened and the rest will soon be realized.