Since the early 90s, The HouseBand has been the prime source of entertainment in the Mahoning Valley region. The HouseBand began as monthly jam sessions at Jim Dandys on South Avenue (then known as the Jim Dandys HouseBand). It was not long until they recieved bookings at different clubs and private parties. Club owners did not know what to call them and they rightfully wouldn't advertise one of their competitors, so Jim Dandy was dropped from the title and simply advertised them as "The HouseBand." This followed them everywhere they performed and the name stayed. Their reputaion spread as they developed a diverse following of fans ranging from all walks of life. They became legendary for their high energy shows with non-stop action from the first song to the last. They also had a unique song selection consisting of dance music, top forty, oldies, hard rock, classic rock, originals, and much more thus allowing them to play dance clubs, private parties, or large rock concert venues. There was never a dull moment when The HouseBand played.
The current membership of THB consists of: Mark DeVicchio, lead vocals and guitar, Mike Baranski, lead guitar and vocals, Carmen Speziale, drums and vocals, Joe Johnson, bass guitar and vocals, and Wes O'Connor, keyboards and vocals. This line-up of musicians has been together since 2002. DeVicchio and OConnor are the longest standing members being together from almost the beginning (O'Connor joined in 1991). Their first original CD, Yeah, Right, was released in 1998, which utilized Baranski (not yet an official member) on many of the CDs tracks. Baranski, former guitarist for A & M artist Glen Burtnik, and former guitarist/vocalist with James Young of Styx, officially joined the band in 2002 along with Carmen Speziale and soon thereafter, Joe Johnson. 2003 brought about the release of their second original CD, Huge. The repertoire embraces the diverse interests and influences of each individual member of the band, thus creating an eclectic sense of originality and comradely yet unseen in THB.
THB performs at many of the local venues in the area (click the blog above). In the past, they have headlined the large local venues including the B & B Backstage, BW3s Party on the Plaza, and the now closed Park Inn and Magic Twanger. They shared the stage with national acts such as: Kansas, 38 Special, Grand Funk Railroad, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, 10,000 Maniacs, Chris Cagle, Kool and the Gang, Michael Stanley, Blue Oyster Cult, David Lee Roth, Sponge, and Eddie Money. THB is also sponsored by Tornado Jeans, a designer jean company in the Youngstown area.
Going to see THB is much more than a night out of drinking and dancing. It is a guaranteed good time as seen by the response of their audiences. They pull off songs that no one else could and even challenges audiences to stump the band letting them select songs at random. People feel that they are a part of THB when they are out and it isnt long until everyone is up on the dance floor, singing along, or just sitting and watching as if it were a concert. No matter what the future holds, there is no stopping THB as they continue to rock the area.
