Tony’s long and varied musical journey began at age 8 with an introduction to music by his father, who was a professional musician and music educator. After learning to play the trumpet, Tony went on to study other brass instruments, the saxophone, piano, and bass guitar. He continued to hone his music skills in high school jazz bands, concert bands, combos, and choirs, eventually deciding to focus on the bass guitar and lead/background vocals. Despite pursuing dual degrees in Music and Business at San Jose State University, Tony made time to play in, and write for, numerous bands in the Bay Area. Among one of his memories from that time was opening for Greg Kihn while playing with the very successful Mark Stephens Band. After moving to Sacramento to pursue his teaching credential, Tony began playing with the renowned horn band, “On Air,” and is now excited to be playing the great music of Chicago, one of his all-time favorite musical groups. When Tony is not teaching, playing, or writing music, you might catch him doing DIY projects around the house, hiking, or looking for the next roller coaster to conquer.

A native Californian, Andy has played trombone since the age of 10. While in Southern California, he was a regular member of the Very Special Jazz Band, the Quadrabones jazz trombone quartet, and the latin jazz group, Canela. Since relocating to the Sacramento area in 1987, Andy has toured Europe twice, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. He has also performed with the Ron Cunha All-Star Big Band, the Fred Morgan Big Band, and the salsa bands Saliente and Orquesta Afinque. Through his association with these groups, Andy has had the privilege of sharing the stage with many great musicians, including Steve Allen, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, Joe Gilman, Steve Homan, Artie Shaw, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and Phil Woods.

Brian brings to CTT the road chops of a veteran warrior. In the late ’70s. Brian became a founding member of the wildly popular “Ian Shelter” band. He left that band to go on the road as lead guitarist and lead vocalist at numerous prestigious venues within the Nevada Casino circuit and California hotel chains. Part of the impetus for Brian’s desire to play this classic Chicago music, with it’s strong horn instrumentation, was the numerous shows he played with both Jerry Martini, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and founder of Sly & The Family Stone, and John Smith, original member of the Edgar Winter Group and Toto. Brian is also an accomplished songwriter and seasoned studio musician, operating under BMI affiliation. He has completed five original recording projects with his group, “Madison Avenue.” Now that he is retired from a 30-year high-school teaching career, he has more time to work on a sixth recording project. Brian attributes his own personal motivation, love of guitar playing, and singing to his 30 years of being heavily influenced by his guitar hero and friend, blues guitarist Robben Ford.

Barry brings a rich background of experience to the CTT project. After years of playing in various cover bands, he had the opportunity to study piano at the prestigious Jazz Studies Program at USC. While in the Los Angeles area, Barry formed (became the leader of) the band, “RamFunkshus,” a wildly successful and multiple award-winning group specializing in corporate and wedding events. After moving to Auburn in 2011, he quickly found many musical outlets in which to showcase his talents, including performing with the popular group, “On Air,” which combines classic rock with powerful horns. The music of “Chicago” provides the perfect opportunity to incorporate elements of gospel, pop, rock, jazz and classical influences, and also gives Barry occasion to showcase his rich baritone/low-tenor voice. When not performing, Barry can be found spending time with his high-school sweetheart, two children, and two grandchildren.

School music programs were a significant part of Greg’s life from elementary school through high school, and then in college where he received a degree in Percussion Performance. Attributing his ability to play just about any style of music to his extensive musical upbringing and formal music education, the diversity of Greg’s musical experience includes orchestral music, musical theater, marching bands, jazz groups, and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll. A seasoned performer and former percussion instructor, Greg has an extensive background in Rock, Jazz, Funk, Soul, R&B, and Country Rock. In addition, his dedication to music education includes a long career teaching private lessons and working with several local area high school drum lines and percussion ensembles. Playing in Chicago The Tribute provides Greg with the opportunity to play the music of one of his all-time favorite bands.

Joe was given his first saxophone at an early age, with family members serving as his early instructors. After expanding his interests to the clarinet, he received classical training and played with orchestras and symphonies throughout California. He also played with many jazz, Latin and rock bands in high school and college, and toured both domestically and internationally. While living in Nevada, he worked with numerous A-listers including Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Cher, Tony Bennett, Jerry Lewis, Carole Channing, and Ann-Margaret. In addition, he has played with many rock 'n roll legends such as Bo Diddley, Four Tops, The Coasters, Kenny Rogers, Mary Wells, and Jr. Walker. Joe feels that his well-rounded experience playing diverse styles of music provides the ideal background for Chicago The Tribute. When asked about playing Chicago’s songs, he said, “They are a horn player’s dream – the perfect combination of jazz, soul, and rock, with great lines.”