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| Photos by Jim
Senetto |
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DRIVE, the band, is dedicated to the 80’s music and highlights a tribute to The Cars. The five members have honed their skills for a surprising, accurate cover of favorite bands from the 80’s decade….Mary Beth Cronin, lead singer, surprises all with her depiction of Ric Ocasek…transforming herself with costume and look into an enjoyable evening of rock and roll for all.
The musicians for DRIVE include:
Mary Beth Cronin - Lead Vocals
In 2011, the band's name changed to DRIVE, and became one of the premier Cars Tribute bands in the northeast in addition to performing a Tribute to The 80’s and The Pretenders. Mary Beth has performed/recorded with: Felix Hanemann of ZEBRA and Billy Pascali of Vanilla Fudge/New Rascals and Martin Chambers of the Pretenders. Influences: The Pretenders, The Cars and David Bowie among many others. |
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Billy Reutlinger - Bass guitars and vocals Billy is a multi - talented musician who has been with the group since 1996. He learned his first guitar chords from his uncle at the age of eight, and took it from there, playing guitar in bands for many years before switching to bass. After playing a P-Bass for six months, he switched to a 5-string because it was "more flexible". "Flexible" is a good word to describe Billy, who is equally at home on guitar or bass. His musical influences include Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, and Chris Squire. His experience playing in R&B, Funk, and Soul bands add plenty of feeling to the group's sound. It takes a lot of heart to convey feeling in music, and it's no coincidence that Billy is also a dog lover who supports local animal shelters with his time and money. If he should find an abandoned pooch, you can bet that Billy will find a home for the animal, as he has done in the past. He's all heart, and his loyalty and commitment to the band over the past ten years remains one of Drive’s great strengths. |
| Mike Eklund -
Drums, Vocals From pots and pans, to the halls of the Berklee School of Music, to the main stages with Urban Acoustic, The Hometown Heros, Eddie Money, and now with Drive; Mike Eklund has left his mark wherever he has played drums. If the various styles of music and musical settings were different speaking languages, Mike would articulate them all easily and with no accent whatsoever. Born Michael Eklund in the suburban town of Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York in the United States, began showing a predisposition towards music at a very early stage of his life. “I always reacted to music and I always had some sort of attraction or disposition toward music. I did the typical thing a kid does, setting up pots and pans on the sofa like a drum set.” – Mike Eklund. Now in his 30’s Mike shows no sign of slowing down. As an in demand performer and instructor in the New York/ Tri-state area on any given day you will find Mike doing what he loves most. Playing, practicing, teaching and performing on the drums with some of the best talent in the New York area. With a vast knowledge of acoustic and electronic percussion and and even deeper knowledge of many different styles, in addition to an unbelievable music education background compiled with a burning desire to always improve, its no wonder why Mike seems to be everywhere these days. |
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Cosmo LoCricchio -
Keyboards,
Bass guitar and Vocals
Multi-talented keyboardist
Cosmo LoCricchio's interest in music started in
elementary school with clarinet lessons, leading to playing drums in many rock
'n' roll bands including a band that backed rock legend Chuck Berry at a
benefit at Hofstra University, Long Island, New York.
With a keen interest in synthesizers, Cosmo switched to electronic keyboards.
In addition, he is quite adept as a bass guitarist, working with several
artists, including Award Winning Country Music Singer/Songwriter Mary Lamont. With his enthusiasm, wide range of
experience, and love of harmonies, Cosmo is a welcome addition to Drive. Quote: "I will keep on playing 'til the end." |
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Lou Conte -
Guitars
Began
playing at age 15 by ear. Has played in several cover bands in the
Tri-State area. Went to work with several artists such as: Bruce Springsteen,
Gary US Bonds, Ben E King, Chuck
Jackson, Tommy James, Luther Vandross, Billy Falcon,
Martha Reeves both on the road and in the studio. Acquired an A.A.S. in
contemporary Jazz from Five Towns College. A member
of the Five Towns College Honor Society since 1986. These days has been focusing
on composing (mostly instrumentals) and working
on various projects. He is currently teaching private music lessons
in the NY area. Lou appears on the following CD's: Three Times in
Love The Solo Years 70-81, Deals & Demos 74-92 Gary US Bonds: |
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DRIVE has performed at the following venues:
Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, Dix Hills, NY |
