Vital StatsAge: 34
Instruments: I play guitar, sing and play a little percussion from time to time (congas, djembe, etc.).
Bands you perform with on a regular basis: Minister Theory, plus a duo with my sister Gina, and Casual Folklor.
Day job: Mostly a full-time musician, but I also have a degree in graphic design and work on small projects here and there as well.
Hometown: Detroit
Current residence: New Smyrna Beach
Type of music you perform: All types. I love a wide variety of music and like to experiment with it. There's really no limit. I love to meld all styles and get new sounds. For me it's all about where the music wants to take me. I never try and fight it.
Repertoire sampler: Originals include "Tommy C," "Small Steps," "People," "Running Back," "Magic Poison Clown," "Little York," "Topenga." Cover -- "I Got You." (Gotta have James Brown! I mean come on, doesn't get much better.)
Upcoming area gigs: Minister Theory, 9 p.m. April 22, Ocean Deck, 127 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach. Gina and Tony, 8 p.m. April 23, Flagler Tavern, 414 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Minister Theory, part of the Daytona Beach International Festival Battle of the Bands, noon-4 p.m. April 25, Bandshell, behind the Ocean Walk Shoppes, 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
CDs: "Beautiful Life," Minister Theory, $10, available at CDBaby.com, iTunes, Rhapsody and other digital retailers. You can also buy them at shows and through our Web site. "Minister Theory," $10, available only at live shows and through our Web site at the moment. "Little Mary" by Casual Folklor, $10, available through CDBaby.com, itunes, Rhapsody and other digital retailers.
Web site: MinisterTheory.com
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
Growing up in a very musical family inspired me to play. My parents especially always encouraged us to explore our musical talents and gave us the means to do so. My older brothers and sisters also inspired me a great deal in that they included me in their listening and playing of music.
Do you consider Minister Theory to be a Christian band?
We are all Christians in the band, but I would not label Minister Theory as a Christian act. We strive to just make the best music we can. Music that makes people feel good and forget about the hum-drum, everyday static that we all encounter. I don't really put music in any category. I think music just finds who it needs to reach.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
I'd have to say it was with my old band Casual Folklor. We were doing a show at Ghost Riders in Oak Hill. The weather was terrible that night, no one was out of course, and the building got struck by lightning more than one time.
The power kept going out, but we never stopped playing and did one of our most energetic (no pun intended) sets ever. You would have thought we were in Madison Square Garden.
The best part is when we were done, there was one guy at the bar and the bartender, and they were jumping up and down and screaming for us. That was one of the best feelings I've ever had. It was so real!
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
I'd like to eat with Lidia Bastianich, because I watch "Lidia's Italy" and her food looks so good!
What was the last book you read?
"The World According to Garp" by John Irving.
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
"Superfly," Curtis Mayfield.
What is your favorite movie?
"Jeremiah Johnson."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Pearl Jam in West Palm Beach, about 8 years ago. It was just a rock-solid set, and they were right on their game. I was with my niece Natalie and we drove there last minute to see them. It was just the energy in the air that night mixed with great music. It was an awesome experience.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Probably be roaming around aimlessly. Music is it for me.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Not a thing. My soul is me. The only thing that can't be taken from me.
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
Growing up in a very musical family inspired me to play. My parents especially always encouraged us to explore our musical talents and gave us the means to do so. My older brothers and sisters also inspired me a great deal in that they included me in their listening and playing of music.
Do you consider Minister Theory to be a Christian band?
We are all Christians in the band, but I would not label Minister Theory as a Christian act. We strive to just make the best music we can. Music that makes people feel good and forget about the hum-drum, everyday static that we all encounter. I don't really put music in any category. I think music just finds who it needs to reach.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
I'd have to say it was with my old band Casual Folklor. We were doing a show at Ghost Riders in Oak Hill. The weather was terrible that night, no one was out of course, and the building got struck by lightning more than one time.
The power kept going out, but we never stopped playing and did one of our most energetic (no pun intended) sets ever. You would have thought we were in Madison Square Garden.
The best part is when we were done, there was one guy at the bar and the bartender, and they were jumping up and down and screaming for us. That was one of the best feelings I've ever had. It was so real!
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
I'd like to eat with Lidia Bastianich, because I watch "Lidia's Italy" and her food looks so good!
What was the last book you read?
"The World According to Garp" by John Irving.
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
"Superfly," Curtis Mayfield.
What is your favorite movie?
"Jeremiah Johnson."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
Pearl Jam in West Palm Beach, about 8 years ago. It was just a rock-solid set, and they were right on their game. I was with my niece Natalie and we drove there last minute to see them. It was just the energy in the air that night mixed with great music. It was an awesome experience.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Probably be roaming around aimlessly. Music is it for me.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Not a thing. My soul is me. The only thing that can't be taken from me.
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