| Rockin SJ One Party at a Time |
| 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, seat belts, and basic common sense). Got his
first drum set 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 cymbals 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, seat belts, and basic common sense). Got his
first drum set 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 cymbals 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-aggressive 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-aggressive 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 saddened to announce that Eddie passed
away on December 31st, 2008 as a result of a fatal automobile
accident which occurred 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 saddened to announce that Eddie passed
away on December 31st, 2008 as a result of a fatal automobile
accident which occurred 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 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. Aside from being the local voice of the Howard Stern
show in Philly on WYSP and Philadelphia Eagles radio, he also
enjoyed a fair amount of reverb in his playing and singing, which
has donned him as the "Reverend of Reverb". JR left the group in
the Fall of 2010 to pursue his career.
John 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. Aside from being the local voice of the Howard Stern
show in Philly on WYSP and Philadelphia Eagles radio, he also
enjoyed a fair amount of reverb in his playing and singing, which
has donned him as the "Reverend of Reverb". JR left the group in
the Fall of 2010 to pursue his career.
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 unofficially, 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 contemplated 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 five some. 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.
The Fall of 2010 saw yet another Deck Band change. Longtime axeman John
Russell was offered, and accepted a leave of absence from the band. Just one
job shy of becoming Jamaican, JR's family and work obligations gave him little
time for practice and/or a good night's sleep.
Several weeks later, the opportunity to audition Ken Walker, a longtime musical
collaborator with Randy became available. His experience in the business,
keyboard abilities, and vocal harmony expertise made him an excellent fit for the
group. He was the first and last member to ever be offered the position before the
band decided as a group he was 'in'.
The band kicked off 2011 with high expectations for the new year, including our
first ever paid NYE gig at Scaturro's.
In the Fall of 2011, keyboardist Ken Walker found fame and fortune in another
act(s). Shortly afterward, guitarist Randy Sandmann decided to put together a
band of his own and departed. The foursome was lucky to land the skills and
personality of Michael Lyman from Mullica Hill, NJ. His playing style and vision
for sound was exactly what the band was looking for.
The next piece of the puzzle was to find a lead guitarist who brought ability and
energy to the front of the band. In October of 2011, the transition was made
complete by the addition to Matt Riley. Matt wasn't necessarily looking for
another cover project, but seemed to like the band and direction and had an
excellent audition.
The new six piece unit, powered by ML's sound and lighting company should
sound better than ever, and will undoubtedly provide even more energy and
entertainment to those that come out for our shows.
Let's roll!
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 unofficially, 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 contemplated 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 five some. 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.
The Fall of 2010 saw yet another Deck Band change. Longtime axeman John
Russell was offered, and accepted a leave of absence from the band. Just one
job shy of becoming Jamaican, JR's family and work obligations gave him little
time for practice and/or a good night's sleep.
Several weeks later, the opportunity to audition Ken Walker, a longtime musical
collaborator with Randy became available. His experience in the business,
keyboard abilities, and vocal harmony expertise made him an excellent fit for the
group. He was the first and last member to ever be offered the position before the
band decided as a group he was 'in'.
The band kicked off 2011 with high expectations for the new year, including our
first ever paid NYE gig at Scaturro's.
In the Fall of 2011, keyboardist Ken Walker found fame and fortune in another
act(s). Shortly afterward, guitarist Randy Sandmann decided to put together a
band of his own and departed. The foursome was lucky to land the skills and
personality of Michael Lyman from Mullica Hill, NJ. His playing style and vision
for sound was exactly what the band was looking for.
The next piece of the puzzle was to find a lead guitarist who brought ability and
energy to the front of the band. In October of 2011, the transition was made
complete by the addition to Matt Riley. Matt wasn't necessarily looking for
another cover project, but seemed to like the band and direction and had an
excellent audition.
The new six piece unit, powered by ML's sound and lighting company should
sound better than ever, and will undoubtedly provide even more energy and
entertainment to those that come out for our shows.
Let's roll!
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.
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 McAallister) 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 McAallister) 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.
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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 and sound)
Randy joined the band in March of 2010, and immediately took the
band to a new level. Experience with his instrument and
technology background doubled the band's sound and ability. He
left the band in September of 2011 to pursue other interests.
Randy joined the band in March of 2010, and immediately took the
band to a new level. Experience with his instrument and
technology background doubled the band's sound and ability. He
left the band in September of 2011 to pursue other interests.
| Website developed and maintained by Christopher Ross Media (2004-2009) |
Ken Walker (keyboard and vocals)
Ken was introduced to the band by Randy Sandmann in the Fall of
2010. Instantly the best musician in the band, his main
contributions were flawless keyboards and solid background
vocals. He followed up the Deck Band by joining an established
act.
Ken was introduced to the band by Randy Sandmann in the Fall of
2010. Instantly the best musician in the band, his main
contributions were flawless keyboards and solid background
vocals. He followed up the Deck Band by joining an established
act.
Michael (Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals)
Michael comes to the Deck Band after years of playing the cover
room circuit with other bands (names have been omitted to protect
the innocent). Most recently he is still working on an Original
Music Project (www.artist-numusic.com ), where he hopes to sell
his original music online (it only costs 99 cents a song... help the
poor boy out folks and buy something, he's starting to loose weight
and he's not even trying!).
Michael offers keyboards, guitar and vocals to the deck band, as
well as a few other tricks which we'll keep as a surprise. You'll
have to come out and see our new line up to find out. He joined
the Deck Band in September of 2011.
Michael comes to the Deck Band after years of playing the cover
room circuit with other bands (names have been omitted to protect
the innocent). Most recently he is still working on an Original
Music Project (www.artist-numusic.com ), where he hopes to sell
his original music online (it only costs 99 cents a song... help the
poor boy out folks and buy something, he's starting to loose weight
and he's not even trying!).
Michael offers keyboards, guitar and vocals to the deck band, as
well as a few other tricks which we'll keep as a surprise. You'll
have to come out and see our new line up to find out. He joined
the Deck Band in September of 2011.
|
Matt (Guitar, Background Vocals)
Matt joined the group in October of 2011. He had played
previously with local SJ rock band No Drama. After giving his
notice, he bumped into Michael, who had just been brought in to
TDB, and mentioned a guitarist opening.
Originally from the area, Matt spent many years in Boston, staying
there after college. Even though he roots for the Beantown sports
teams, we won't hold that against him. More on Matt as he gets
settled in...
Matt joined the group in October of 2011. He had played
previously with local SJ rock band No Drama. After giving his
notice, he bumped into Michael, who had just been brought in to
TDB, and mentioned a guitarist opening.
Originally from the area, Matt spent many years in Boston, staying
there after college. Even though he roots for the Beantown sports
teams, we won't hold that against him. More on Matt as he gets
settled in...
