| Band Biographies & History |
Whitey (Drums, Vocals)
Has always been fascinated with the drums. As a young annoying
boy, he would tap along to the radio of the dashboard of the car
(before airbags, seatbelts, and basic common sense). Got his first
drumset at 17 from best friend Frank. Self taught, and played
alone to the radio here and there for years. Sold original set in
1997 as a ploy to convince wife to buy a pool. Picked up new
(used) Pearl kit with bottom end Zildjian cymbols in the fall of
2003. Since then has continued with the self teaching, and playing
with guitar/bass man K Murph and TC. First public gig July 2004.
Joined up with Deck in November, mainly to see if he was any
good. Jury still out on that one, but loves to play in new
arrangement. Long time New York Mets & Jets fan, which makes
him even less popular. DOB October 4th, 1965.
Has always been fascinated with the drums. As a young annoying
boy, he would tap along to the radio of the dashboard of the car
(before airbags, seatbelts, and basic common sense). Got his first
drumset at 17 from best friend Frank. Self taught, and played
alone to the radio here and there for years. Sold original set in
1997 as a ploy to convince wife to buy a pool. Picked up new
(used) Pearl kit with bottom end Zildjian cymbols in the fall of
2003. Since then has continued with the self teaching, and playing
with guitar/bass man K Murph and TC. First public gig July 2004.
Joined up with Deck in November, mainly to see if he was any
good. Jury still out on that one, but loves to play in new
arrangement. Long time New York Mets & Jets fan, which makes
him even less popular. DOB October 4th, 1965.
Kev aka "Murph" (Bass Guitar)
Born in 1959, this naturally passive-agressive idiot savant plays
bass in Deck. An international bon vivant and raconteur, he's held
careers as both an international jewel thief and as the character
Frankenstein at the old ninth street haunted house in Ocean City,
New Jersey. He speaks five languages miserably. He chose the
electric bass as his instrument because he can't play anything
else (including the bass, according to some). A family man, our
hero is a member of the east Williamstown Murphy clan, which
includes Queen Maureen, Princess Kayla, and young Prince
Sean. Doesn't like current picture of himself.
raconteur
n : a person skilled in telling anecdotesing
Born in 1959, this naturally passive-agressive idiot savant plays
bass in Deck. An international bon vivant and raconteur, he's held
careers as both an international jewel thief and as the character
Frankenstein at the old ninth street haunted house in Ocean City,
New Jersey. He speaks five languages miserably. He chose the
electric bass as his instrument because he can't play anything
else (including the bass, according to some). A family man, our
hero is a member of the east Williamstown Murphy clan, which
includes Queen Maureen, Princess Kayla, and young Prince
Sean. Doesn't like current picture of himself.
raconteur
n : a person skilled in telling anecdotesing
Eddie Mahan was one of the Founding Fathers of DECK, who
played guitar and also did lead vocals for the band. DECK was
the second pairing of Dennis and Eddie (who was referred to
as both Eddie 1, Special Ed, and Sped once Eddie II joined the
band).
Special Note: We are saddend to announce that Eddie passed
away on December 31st, 2008 as a result of a fatal automobile
accident which occured nearly two months earlier.
played guitar and also did lead vocals for the band. DECK was
the second pairing of Dennis and Eddie (who was referred to
as both Eddie 1, Special Ed, and Sped once Eddie II joined the
band).
Special Note: We are saddend to announce that Eddie passed
away on December 31st, 2008 as a result of a fatal automobile
accident which occured nearly two months earlier.
Eddie Owens was the fifth member of DECK, and first real
singer the band worked with. He joined early in 2005, and
sang throughout the "Don't Quit your Dayjob" tour. On August
23rd 2005 he offered his resignation to spend more time with
his work.
singer the band worked with. He joined early in 2005, and
sang throughout the "Don't Quit your Dayjob" tour. On August
23rd 2005 he offered his resignation to spend more time with
his work.
Dennis Helkowski put together the band in November of 2004
and left to pursue other interests in July of 2006. Finished up
strong in last three gigs. Can be reached at Doghouse
Studios. Lead guitarist and sometimes vocalists in Yellow
Finn.
and left to pursue other interests in July of 2006. Finished up
strong in last three gigs. Can be reached at Doghouse
Studios. Lead guitarist and sometimes vocalists in Yellow
Finn.
John Russell (JR ~ Lead Guitar ~ Vocals)
John is the newest guitarist of The Deck Band, having auditioned
well with the band and being offered the vacancy in July of 2006.
Born and raised in Kansas City Missouri, JR grew up in the
mid-west and is a graduate of Marquette University, Milwaukee.
Has had 2 careers in adult life. A seven-year stint as a card
dealer in Atlantic City, and sixteen years as the local voice of the
Howard Stern show in Philly on WYSP and Philadelphia Eagles
radio. John served as the executive producer of the football
program, appearing on the pre-game, post-game, updates and
highlights during the game, and hosts of the halftime show.
Outside of music, messes around with rockets, remote control
aircraft, and actual aircraft (flys a Cessna 172). Is a
Cruiserweight on the Iron Wolverines Kickboxing team. Wife of 6
years is Karol (school teacher), and young daughter Hannah
(musician in her own rite).
Enjoys a fair amount of reverb in his playing and singing, which
has donned him as the "Reverend of Reverb".
John is the newest guitarist of The Deck Band, having auditioned
well with the band and being offered the vacancy in July of 2006.
Born and raised in Kansas City Missouri, JR grew up in the
mid-west and is a graduate of Marquette University, Milwaukee.
Has had 2 careers in adult life. A seven-year stint as a card
dealer in Atlantic City, and sixteen years as the local voice of the
Howard Stern show in Philly on WYSP and Philadelphia Eagles
radio. John served as the executive producer of the football
program, appearing on the pre-game, post-game, updates and
highlights during the game, and hosts of the halftime show.
Outside of music, messes around with rockets, remote control
aircraft, and actual aircraft (flys a Cessna 172). Is a
Cruiserweight on the Iron Wolverines Kickboxing team. Wife of 6
years is Karol (school teacher), and young daughter Hannah
(musician in her own rite).
Enjoys a fair amount of reverb in his playing and singing, which
has donned him as the "Reverend of Reverb".
Previous Members of
The Deck Band
The Deck Band
History of the Deck Band
The Deck Band began playing together in November of 2004. The band initially
consisted of Dennis H (guitar, vocals), Eddie M (Guitar & Vocals), Chris White
(aka Whitey & drums, vocals), and Kevin Murphy (Bass). Whitey and Kev had
previously messed around as the Tweed Farmers at Whitey's Pub. They read an
ad Dennis had posted on Harmony-Central.com, and thought it might be a good
fit. It turned out for the best, and was the first band the two from Gypsy Lane had
participated in.
The foursome met each Monday night in Sewell at The Penalty Box, and worked
over a dozen or so songs.
In the spring of 2005, the band added vocalist Eddie O (II). Shortly afterwards, the
now five man band performed in front of a live crowd for the first time on a Sunday
afternoon at Whiteys Pub. Shorlty afterwards, the first open mic night at Cousins
in Westville, NJ was tackled, followed by a 2nd visit to Cousins about a month or
so later. For the most part, all went well.
Following the 2nd open mic night, Eddie I decided to go his own way. His last gig
with the band was a private party in Burlington, NJ. DECK then played the annual
Whitey Pooh-oooza in Williamstown the following July. Eddie II's final performance
was played during an evening party in Mullica Hill (dubbed the hottest night ever).
It would be his final gig with the band, who's work schedule was too much
demand on his social life.
Tom Carey was added after several guest-singing cameos with the band late in
the summer of 2005. The band went back into the studio to work on a third set list
that fall, and emerged in 2006 with the first of two performances at the Carriage
House in Haddonfield.
In the spring of 2006, the band befriended a local pub in Somerdale, NJ (The
Little Spot). The band played three nights from March to June. Good crowds,
cheap beer, all was well. Shortly after this success, Dennis decided to go his own
way. The band finished his tenure with three strong gigs in one week.
With this departure, DECK has decided to change the name of the band to The
Deck Band. The original DECK name were the initials of Dennis, Eddie, Chris,
and Kevin. After losing two Es and a D, DECK was no longer a viable name to
carry along.
In July of 2006 The Deck Band announced the addition of John Russell. For his
story, click here...
In January of 2009 TC left the band. Six weeks later Joanne McAllister (aka
Josie), was invited to join the band as the 8th member in our history as lead
singer, and breath of fresh air.
November of 2009 saw the band return to five members, as Kim Wilcox (aka Lil
Kim) accepted an open invitation to join the foursome. Kim began playing with the
group over the summer of 09' during our outdoor Ott's Wednesdays. She
continued with the band unofifcially, adding violin, vocals, and all around 'looking
cute' through the fall, before etching it in stone prior to Thanksgiving.
In February of 2010, the band comtemplated adding a 2nd axe to fill out the
overall sound, and give JR some relief from carrying the full load. After several
impressive auditions however, Deck settled on staying as a fivesome. After a fun
filled night at Scaturro's, in which Randy Sandmann joined the group to jam on a
1/2 dozen or so songs, he was added to the mix as our new musical resident
expert and lead guitarist. As the bio above shows, his experience and personality
will do nothing but propel The Deck Band to the next level.
The Deck Band began playing together in November of 2004. The band initially
consisted of Dennis H (guitar, vocals), Eddie M (Guitar & Vocals), Chris White
(aka Whitey & drums, vocals), and Kevin Murphy (Bass). Whitey and Kev had
previously messed around as the Tweed Farmers at Whitey's Pub. They read an
ad Dennis had posted on Harmony-Central.com, and thought it might be a good
fit. It turned out for the best, and was the first band the two from Gypsy Lane had
participated in.
The foursome met each Monday night in Sewell at The Penalty Box, and worked
over a dozen or so songs.
In the spring of 2005, the band added vocalist Eddie O (II). Shortly afterwards, the
now five man band performed in front of a live crowd for the first time on a Sunday
afternoon at Whiteys Pub. Shorlty afterwards, the first open mic night at Cousins
in Westville, NJ was tackled, followed by a 2nd visit to Cousins about a month or
so later. For the most part, all went well.
Following the 2nd open mic night, Eddie I decided to go his own way. His last gig
with the band was a private party in Burlington, NJ. DECK then played the annual
Whitey Pooh-oooza in Williamstown the following July. Eddie II's final performance
was played during an evening party in Mullica Hill (dubbed the hottest night ever).
It would be his final gig with the band, who's work schedule was too much
demand on his social life.
Tom Carey was added after several guest-singing cameos with the band late in
the summer of 2005. The band went back into the studio to work on a third set list
that fall, and emerged in 2006 with the first of two performances at the Carriage
House in Haddonfield.
In the spring of 2006, the band befriended a local pub in Somerdale, NJ (The
Little Spot). The band played three nights from March to June. Good crowds,
cheap beer, all was well. Shortly after this success, Dennis decided to go his own
way. The band finished his tenure with three strong gigs in one week.
With this departure, DECK has decided to change the name of the band to The
Deck Band. The original DECK name were the initials of Dennis, Eddie, Chris,
and Kevin. After losing two Es and a D, DECK was no longer a viable name to
carry along.
In July of 2006 The Deck Band announced the addition of John Russell. For his
story, click here...
In January of 2009 TC left the band. Six weeks later Joanne McAllister (aka
Josie), was invited to join the band as the 8th member in our history as lead
singer, and breath of fresh air.
November of 2009 saw the band return to five members, as Kim Wilcox (aka Lil
Kim) accepted an open invitation to join the foursome. Kim began playing with the
group over the summer of 09' during our outdoor Ott's Wednesdays. She
continued with the band unofifcially, adding violin, vocals, and all around 'looking
cute' through the fall, before etching it in stone prior to Thanksgiving.
In February of 2010, the band comtemplated adding a 2nd axe to fill out the
overall sound, and give JR some relief from carrying the full load. After several
impressive auditions however, Deck settled on staying as a fivesome. After a fun
filled night at Scaturro's, in which Randy Sandmann joined the group to jam on a
1/2 dozen or so songs, he was added to the mix as our new musical resident
expert and lead guitarist. As the bio above shows, his experience and personality
will do nothing but propel The Deck Band to the next level.
The Boys (and Girls) in the Band
Tom Carey exited as the band's longest tenured lead singer
in January 2009. For nearly three years he led the band's
nightly 'party in a box' mentality. We wish him the best of
luck in his further musical pursuits.
in January 2009. For nearly three years he led the band's
nightly 'party in a box' mentality. We wish him the best of
luck in his further musical pursuits.
Josie (Vocals)
Josie (a.k.a. JoAnne Iannelli McAllister) is a native South Jersey
girl and singing is her passion. She formerly sang with an
original/cover band, Bobby Rock and The Dream in her earlier
years. While the band had high hopes for a record contract,
Josie had to move on to find her own.
She was previously employed at GE/RCA and then at Campbell
Soup Company but left corporate America to start a family.
During those years of working and parenting she managed to get
her Associates Degree in Marketing. Now wife to John
McAllister, mom to Michael, Steven and Lauren (the next Pop
Princess) her days are full. Recently she started a small
business in Photography and Custom Slide Show Creations.
While it doesn’t pay the bills, she enjoys unleashing her creativity
through photography and music.
Her interests are varied and include keeping up with her three
children, working out, sports photography, hosting family parties,
playing poker and spending time in Somers Point with friends.
Year of birth not being revealed, but her birthday is October 9th
which makes her a Libra.
Josie (a.k.a. JoAnne Iannelli McAllister) is a native South Jersey
girl and singing is her passion. She formerly sang with an
original/cover band, Bobby Rock and The Dream in her earlier
years. While the band had high hopes for a record contract,
Josie had to move on to find her own.
She was previously employed at GE/RCA and then at Campbell
Soup Company but left corporate America to start a family.
During those years of working and parenting she managed to get
her Associates Degree in Marketing. Now wife to John
McAllister, mom to Michael, Steven and Lauren (the next Pop
Princess) her days are full. Recently she started a small
business in Photography and Custom Slide Show Creations.
While it doesn’t pay the bills, she enjoys unleashing her creativity
through photography and music.
Her interests are varied and include keeping up with her three
children, working out, sports photography, hosting family parties,
playing poker and spending time in Somers Point with friends.
Year of birth not being revealed, but her birthday is October 9th
which makes her a Libra.
| Rockin SJ One Party at a Time |
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Kim "Lil Kim" (Violin, Keys, Vocals)
Kim (Lil Kim) Wilcox is a native Jersey Girl hailing from Hopewell
NJ. She is a classically trained violinist, who studied music at
Moravian College. She plays violin (seriously, I’m not kidding) on
Bon Jovi’s “Who Says”, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”,
the Cars “Just What I Needed”, and other crowd favorites. [Pink
says:] “Who Knew” she has a voice too, and now is a back-up
singer. Having been taught by teachers from The New York
Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Kim still remains
faithful to her classical roots and plays violin in the Philharmonic of
Southern NJ (www.psnj.org) and has played in the past with the
Delaware Valley Philharmonic and Pottstown Symphony.
When she is not playing violin, she works full time as a Vice
President of Marketing for an insurance firm. Kim is the mother of
two teenagers, one kitty cat, and one crazy Chihuahua. You might
see her husband Tim (yeah, Tim and Kim—you can’t make this
stuff up!) helping with the sound or just chillin’ at Deck Band
performances. Kim’s favorite band is Rush, and she is a Pisces,
born March 2nd.
Kim (Lil Kim) Wilcox is a native Jersey Girl hailing from Hopewell
NJ. She is a classically trained violinist, who studied music at
Moravian College. She plays violin (seriously, I’m not kidding) on
Bon Jovi’s “Who Says”, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats”,
the Cars “Just What I Needed”, and other crowd favorites. [Pink
says:] “Who Knew” she has a voice too, and now is a back-up
singer. Having been taught by teachers from The New York
Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Kim still remains
faithful to her classical roots and plays violin in the Philharmonic of
Southern NJ (www.psnj.org) and has played in the past with the
Delaware Valley Philharmonic and Pottstown Symphony.
When she is not playing violin, she works full time as a Vice
President of Marketing for an insurance firm. Kim is the mother of
two teenagers, one kitty cat, and one crazy Chihuahua. You might
see her husband Tim (yeah, Tim and Kim—you can’t make this
stuff up!) helping with the sound or just chillin’ at Deck Band
performances. Kim’s favorite band is Rush, and she is a Pisces,
born March 2nd.
Randy Sandmann (lead guitar, gear and sound genius)
Raised by wolves, albeit musical wolves. Started playing guitar at
age 6 after being tricked by mother, who had him watch the
Beatles on Ed Sullivan, and asked if he liked it… he said yes, and
the next thing Randy knew he was sitting in front of an old man
with a guitar in his hands!! The joke was on her, as you’ll read a
little further down…
After getting thrown out of his first band at age 14 for not knowing
how to play barre chords, (schooled in Spanish and classical and
didn’t have any rock and roll chops!!), vowed to comeback with a
vengeance, and wood-shedded all through high school. Formed
the WHITE CANYON BAND, a 10 piece horn band, as a senior
and took home second place in their first battle of the bands.
Played to great crowds all that year and had 6-7 thousand dancing
fans at the Medford lakes 50th anniversary festival that August.
(77’) Played in bands all through college years (dropped out of
college twice to play in bands, making mother pull her hair out!
Guess the joke was on her all along…), ran sound for several
touring acts in the early eighties, (80’- 81’) most notably Rick
Derringer. Returned to the circuit in 82’ through 87’ in various
bands playing the Tri-State area and Wildwood in the summers.
(OH YEAH!!) Took a break, and then founded an original
progressive rock band, RELAYER, in 1989 which had a great local
following and eventually morphed into OVERWORLD DREAMS.
(see: www.MySpace.com/overworlddreams). Did session work at
London ’s world famous Abbey Road Studios in 2002 with dear
friend and 102.9 WMGK on air personality Andre Gardner.
Has kicked around for the last few years and stumbled onto the
DECK Band, through Bassist Kevin Murphy, a very dear high
school friend. Noticed very good energy and a fun group of people
that really enjoyed performing with each other. A great
combination!! Started by helping the DECK crew by doing sound
and eventually asked to join. Now happily playing with a bunch of
old and new friends, including 94.1 WYSP on air personality John
Russell. He just can’t seem to get away from these radio people!!
Raised by wolves, albeit musical wolves. Started playing guitar at
age 6 after being tricked by mother, who had him watch the
Beatles on Ed Sullivan, and asked if he liked it… he said yes, and
the next thing Randy knew he was sitting in front of an old man
with a guitar in his hands!! The joke was on her, as you’ll read a
little further down…
After getting thrown out of his first band at age 14 for not knowing
how to play barre chords, (schooled in Spanish and classical and
didn’t have any rock and roll chops!!), vowed to comeback with a
vengeance, and wood-shedded all through high school. Formed
the WHITE CANYON BAND, a 10 piece horn band, as a senior
and took home second place in their first battle of the bands.
Played to great crowds all that year and had 6-7 thousand dancing
fans at the Medford lakes 50th anniversary festival that August.
(77’) Played in bands all through college years (dropped out of
college twice to play in bands, making mother pull her hair out!
Guess the joke was on her all along…), ran sound for several
touring acts in the early eighties, (80’- 81’) most notably Rick
Derringer. Returned to the circuit in 82’ through 87’ in various
bands playing the Tri-State area and Wildwood in the summers.
(OH YEAH!!) Took a break, and then founded an original
progressive rock band, RELAYER, in 1989 which had a great local
following and eventually morphed into OVERWORLD DREAMS.
(see: www.MySpace.com/overworlddreams). Did session work at
London ’s world famous Abbey Road Studios in 2002 with dear
friend and 102.9 WMGK on air personality Andre Gardner.
Has kicked around for the last few years and stumbled onto the
DECK Band, through Bassist Kevin Murphy, a very dear high
school friend. Noticed very good energy and a fun group of people
that really enjoyed performing with each other. A great
combination!! Started by helping the DECK crew by doing sound
and eventually asked to join. Now happily playing with a bunch of
old and new friends, including 94.1 WYSP on air personality John
Russell. He just can’t seem to get away from these radio people!!
| Website developed and maintained by Christopher Ross Media (2004-2009) |
