about the
Rockin'Rhythm players
Michael was the first player in the Rockin' Rhythm band,and still plays with us from time to time. We love this guy! Michael D'Elia's soulful vocals and phenomenal drumming has “wowed” audiences from coast to coast. Born on February 10, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael's inspiration to be a performer came early in his life. Michael began singing and playing drums at the age of 9. He started playing different venues at 13 when he formed his own band. At 16 he joined the Musician's Union. His talent led to a scholarship for music at Memphis State. However, the road called, and he started touring with bands in the early 70's and has been playing ever since. His extraordinary drumming and vocal talent has led to multiple appearances with such diverse bands as: Frankie Starr, Armstrong Bearcat, The Stokes Brothers, Mr. Downchild, Blues deVille, Funk n' Stuff, Joe Brunetti, Vibrogroove, as well as hosting and playing in numerous jam nights around the region. His vocal style is influenced by Muddy Waters, BB King, Wilson Pickett and Buddy Miles, and his drumming has been influenced by Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and numerous R&B greats.
Toby Plays drums on the upcoming CD, and plays congas and drums in many of our shows. An accomplished player as well as teacher, he can also be seen around town playing with many well-known groups. Has performed with Frankie Starr, Becky Boyd, Colin Dussault,
Butch Armsrong, and countless others.
Rich plays guitar and harmonica as well as singing in many of our shows, and is one of the finest guitarists around.
He has Played with countless well known artists and has led many fine groups.
Percussionist, band leader, teacher, Latin music researcher, and collector, New York City native Noel Quintana has lived in Cleveland, Ohio since 1991. His formal education started at the Harbour Performing Arts Center in Museo del Barrio where he studied Afro-Cuban and Afro-Puerto Rican as well as contemporary urban salsa with "Little" Ray Romero, Johnny Almendra, Luis "Timbalito" Romero, and Pedro Fernandez.
Noel has performed and shared the stage with a "who's who" list of Latin music's giants; Tito Puente, Johnny Almendra and los Jovenes del Barrio, Luis Romero and Mazacote, Richie Ray, Pedro Jesus, Anthony Cruz, Andy Montanez, and Tommy Olivencia. Mr. Quintana has taught for Northeast Ohio Jazz Society's Banda Hispana Cultural and currently teaches for Julia de Burgos Community Center.
A member of the Cleveland Salsa All Stars, Noel also performs with numerous other local bands including Grupo K-Non and Ernie Krivda when the need arises.
Michael is one of our new friends and plays guitar in a unique and colorful style. Mike has performed and recorded with artists such as J. Michael Huey (Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Tommy Roe), Peter Nero, The Canton Symphony Orchestra and film composers such as Lou Hemsey (Borneo, Troop Beverly Hills). He also has worked with industry luminaries such as Ringo Starr, Peter Gabriel, Don Henley, Miles Davis, Bruce Hornsby, Natalie Cole, Cher, Robert Lamm and Tommy LiPuma. Has also worked with producers and engineers such as Kris Solem (Black Crowes), Thom Trumbo (Triumph) and Lou Hemsey (Patti Labelle, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour and Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. He has a Bachelor of Music from The University of Akron,
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