ALONG THE WAY

Born in Pennsylvania in 1966, I began playing the piano at age four and couldn't be dragged away since. In eighth grade, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). This caused me to be legally blind with very limited sight. Even with that obstacle, I continue to play and music has been a great comfort through many trying times.

For about 10 years, I've worked with several musicians and played in many bands including both rock and country groups. Some of the names include: Steve Eck, Duane Angstadt and the Country Rhythm Band, Back in the Saddle, The Buffalo Chips, Nasty Habits and my own band Overture. I recorded in New York City with Angstadt and filled in with many other local bands.

When I first started in public, I got great experience through open mics with the Lehigh Valley's own Phil Stahl, the legendary promoter of local music. Besides bands, I've worked many lounges (yes, Piano Man) and private parties, playing the music I love: Billy Joel, Elton John, and other music of what was becoming "classic rock".

In 2001, I returned to school and earned my BS in Music Education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in spring of 2006.

I continue to write and play solo gigs and occasionally I am joined by one of several drummers. It had been a past-time for me, but now I am pursuing my music career and focusing on my original material with a new-found energy and determination. My experience will be a valuable asset in this endeavor.

I live with my wife, Jen, and our four children: Kaitlin, Samantha, Alexander, and Jonah. I currently serve as the Director of Music at a local Lutheran church.

My ability to play various bass lines while chording or playing riffs and singing gives me the advantage of having a full sound with fewer people. Drummers add to what I do, yet I am free to improvise harmonies or form and sometimes even modulations.   I often allow my audience to guide me as I customize the performance for them on the fly. I will occasionally throw in some humorous material and I enjoy joking with the audience. Life and music should be fun, there are enough serious moments in everyone's life.

I've been fortunate to make many friends, enjoy several styles of music, and to have had great experiences "Along the Way".