Sheri Bayne

 

Sheri joined Rocking the Valley as our Director of Photography. She eventually moved to be a co-host/stage manager replacing Earl Andrews who stepped into retirement.  Her work with Rocking the Valley has brought new acts to both our virtual and physical stages.  She has an extensive background in photography, computer science, and talent management.  Sheri sings often at various karaoke events and also teams up with Steven Jones for a duet occasionally.

 

 

Frank Porter

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Frank Porter is an award-winning professional guitarist, independent songwriter and band leader with over 30 years of experience. He is a dedicated and reliable professional entertainer who writes and performs his own original acoustic songs, upbeat and unique instrumentals, as well as select classic rock cover songs. Blues, folk and rock primarily influence Frank’s music. Frank signed with Tate Music Group for his “Who I Am” album in 2013, released an independent live album in 2015 titled simply, “Frank Porter–Live,” and is already working on a new studio album and DVD for 2017.

 

 

Venom Assembly

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Hailing from North-eastern PA, The Venom Assembly began as a pair of brothers who had tried their hands at almost every other musical venture except for one where they played together. They began their work in basements; grassroots, DIY experiments in incredibly technical guitar, war drum percussion and melodic vocals. The duo, singer/songwriter Frank Rakaczewski and multi-instrumentalist and producer Martin Rakaczewski, first hit the scene with their first album, The Return of the Revengenator, a raucous blues and hard rock record that garnered them a cult following on the East Coast. After a gauntlet of shows and open mics, the band got back in the studio and put out a darker sophomore album with The Conquering Machine. Gone was the slow, drawl of the slide guitar and 12-bar blues; in their stead was blood and the sweat-soaked miasma of sound that contained everything from blistering guitar solos to fire-and-brimstone warning cries. Now, having signed with Little Rascal Records, the duo is now a full band as they work on their latest album, Empire of One. Joining the Assembly are veteran bassist Johnny Fila, human-drum machine Johnny Bop and guitar virtuoso Nick Yackanicz, rounding out the band’s hard-hitting sound into something like an anthem. The ground shakes. The clouds gather. New music from the Venom Assembly is coming. God help us all.

 

Crystal Piela (Santana Tribute)

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JINGO- The Music of Santana is a New York area based Latin-Rock tribute band consisting of musicians from around the world creating the rhythmically sensual Afro-Latin-fusion-blues-rock music of Santana. The seven top-flight musicians of JINGO capture all the excitement and energy of this guitar legend and his band. JINGO takes you on a Santana anthology journey, playing his best-loved songs from 1969 to the present day. JINGO draws upon and creates the Latin, rock and jazz influences that separated Santana from the typical rock band. JINGO reproduces the excitement of Santana live, captivating the audience and leaving them wanting more. The unique sound features Santana’s melodic, blues-based guitar lines set against Latin and African rhythms featuring percussion instruments such as timbales and congas, not generally heard in rock music. Emulating chart-topping hits like Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Evil Ways, Maria Maria and Smooth and signature instrumentals such as Jingo, Soul Sacrifice, Samba Pa Ti, and Europa. JINGO – The Music of Santana brings older listeners back to the day while introducing progressive rock newcomers to the sights and sounds that capture the true sounds and essence of Santana.

The seven seasoned, well-respected musicians comprising Jingo have been making music in various combinations and styles, in original outfits and in cover bands, for over twenty-five years. It seemed only fitting that they should come together to form Jingo and pay homage to a legend that rocked the charts for decades. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, Jingo leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana.

Rich Mertrud (keyboards, vocals), Les Piela (bass, bass pedals, vocals), Jeff Mohr (guitar), Nik Rael (Lead vocals, percussion), John Camilo (Timbales, vocals), Randy Montalvo (Conga’s, vocals), Peter Tateo (Drums, vocals). 

 

Bill Haley Jr and the Comets

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Son of the famous Bill Haley - considered to be the father of Rock and Roll with the song - Rock Around the Clock

(Editor note: Bill Jr. is pretty cool picking up the bootstraps where his father left off.  He pays an incredible homage to his father carrying on the family flame.)

Bill Haley Jr.’s musical journey began and the age of five with a pair of drumsticks and a cardboard box, playing along with his father’s band as they practised in the three-car garage at Melody Manor, the family home in Boothwyn, PA. As a teenager, Bill taught himself to play the guitar using one of his father’s old nylon-stringed acoustic instruments.

Bill played the guitar and sang solo and with musician friends throughout his high school and college years. Although Bill thoroughly enjoyed playing music and writing songs as a hobby, he remained reluctant to pursue a professional career in music. In the 2000s, he began playing regularly in a garage band with friends. The band took on the name “Bill Haley and the Satellites” and recorded a CD of Bill’s original songs, titled “Already Here,” released in 2010. During the CD release party in a retail store in Phoenixville, PA, the party host requested that Bill and his band perform some of his father’s songs as well. Bill complied, and a YouTube video of the event surfaced which led to a request from a booking agent for Bill Jr. to put together a professional band of musicians to specialize in the style of music and stage act the Comets made famous. Bill agreed and took it a step further by adding storytelling and a PowerPoint photograph presentation to make it a complete Rock ‘n’ Roll History show, and a new band —Bill Haley Jr. and the Comets — was born!

 

Samara Johnson

 

Samara is a down to earth girl from Peterborough, Ontario who tries to remember how to play her own songs. With over 300 original songs, it can be a bit challenging.  Samara has been playing for 18 years. She wrote her first song based on Avril Lavigne's skater boy. Her friend immediately pointed out this fact, which she denied and never did again she believe everyone has a melody to them. Her inspiration is through people interaction, guys usually.  She says, "Words are hard and emotions make them even harder but my songs allow both to be mashed together in such a way that I'm able to get clarity as to how I'm feeling about things which then helps me to see the situation in a new light. Basically, songwriting helps me to get it out there and move on. Sometimes I drag it out for a bit though because I can… I'm not the only one sifting and sorting through this life experience and that's why I share my music. I enjoy playing and listening to others’ interpretations of their own experiences and their spin on things."

 

 

Cassandra Rose

 

Growing up in the Lehigh Valley, Cassandra's musical soul was always in Nashville. It's something you can't help but notice in the sheer range of country songs she's mastered, spanning traditional artists like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Clint Black, to outlaws like Johnny Cash and Chris Stapleton, to today's stars. Don't be fooled, though. She may count Trick Pony as one of her favourite artists, but she's anything but. A talented songwriter with deep-cutting, intelligent lyrics, she's the rare breed of single songwriter who can have a packed bar or brewery singing along one minute, and listening intently to her every word the next. Through it all she stays humble, real, and authentic -- an incarnate reminder of the country music ethos of songwriting with three chords and the truth.

 

 

Smith Sisters and the Sunday Drivers

 

Smith Sisters and the Sunday Drivers are an Americana, Country & Bluegrass Duo located in Orange County, California.

Sisters Kelli & Wendi Smith formed Smith Sisters and the Sunday Drivers in 2016 but have been performing together their entire lives.  Their FAMILY FRIENDLY Americana style combines Story Telling with a pure sound that engages all audiences.  The Smith Sisters have appeared on television… most recently on “ITV Tyne Tees” (out of the United Kingdom) they have also appeared on “Good Day Sacramento” in Sacramento, California. In addition, the Smith Sisters’ music has been featured on numerous syndicated radio shows including most recently Uncle Floyd Garage Sale Music on WFDU-FM 89.1 and the Listeners Lounge; also, Lyons Radio Network on iHeart Radio.

The sisters have charted on the radio numerous times in their musical career with the most recent being their latest release “Sing Me A Country Song” appearing at #1 the 1st week of its release according to Spinitron.  
Some notable live performances include Kjazz Summer Concert Series with host and radio personality Bubba Jackson, Downtown Disney at Disneyland, The Ritz Carlton Resort, The NAMM Show, the renowned Sky Room, and numerous festivals and summer concerts throughout California.

The Smith Sisters also write and record music and radio jingles which have been picked up and played regularly on radio stations across the world. Their music is meant for radio and at last count, they were being played on airwaves in 193 countries!

 

Ralph Pagano  

 

STATEMENT FROM ROCKING THE VALLEY OWNER - Steven Jones; Ralph Pagano passed away in November of 2021.  It's with his son's permission that we carry on his legacy from his appearance with us at last year's Wake Up Rise Up Concert.  Ralph was a friend of mine and a regular on Rocking the Valley.  He had his own show, Artist Spotlight plus he ran an online publication called "Voices of the Valley".  Ralph's talent was incredible.  He was an inspiration to other musicians, a leader, and many times a visionary.  His song, Keep the Fire Burning, we are presenting to the world tonight in memory of Ralph and as an inspiration to those seeking peace.  Keep the faith, keep the hope, Keep the fire burning!  RIP Ralph Pagano. 

 

 

Bill Medei

 

Bill Medei is one of the most consistent performers in the Lehigh Valley.  Mentoring hundreds of young adults in their musical careers, Bill provides thoughtful guidance, expert knowledge of music, and a positive, uplifting experience for all.  Bill runs many open mics and jams across the valley to help young adults build their trade.  He is also an occasional host on Rocking the Valley, promoting various artists, both new and veterans in their careers.  Bill is well known for his welcoming attitude, his hat, and that he plays left-hand guitar.

 

Steve "Cool Beans" Pullara

 

Steve Pullara is a children's & family concert performer and recording artist. He's been ranked among the top ten entertainers in the Philadelphia region's Intelligencer Newspaper. Actor Bradley Cooper and recording artist Pink have also both been cited in that newspaper's listings those years with him. His work as a children's genre recording talent and producer has garnered such top awards as a Grammy®, two Grammy® nominations, a U.S. Congressional Citation, and various and numerous recognition awards from organizations such as Parents' Choice®, NAPPA® and Hot Digitty Awards®. These are among the children's recording industry's highest milestones. Steve Pullara has also collaborated in two PRPS Excellence Awards for Event Programming and received a Caring Community Award for sharing music & art with special needs children. His songs have consistently received international airplay to which he has accepted the ASCAP-Plus Award. The tab above-entitled Bio & Awards has complete details of Steve Pullara's music industry & entertainer achievements, awards, grants and residencies. He performs and writes for all ages and many types of settings. Ages one through ninety are not uncommon for this artist.  www.coolbeansmusic.com

 

 

The New Romantic Devils

 

The New Romantic Devils consist of founding members: 
•    Archie Monroe, Keith Hudson, and Peyton Reed. Rachel Monroe joined in 2014. Ed Anziotti and John Taylor Debauch joined the band in February 2021. 
•    Rachel Monroe- Lead Vocals, Piano, and Rhythm Guitar 
•    Keith Hudson- Drums and Lead Vocals 
•    Archie Monroe- Lead and Rhythm guitars and piano, vocals 
•    Ed Anziotti- Bass, Guitar, Drums, and vocals 
•    John Taylor Debauch- Bass, Lead vocals, piano 
•    Peyton Reed-Bass and vocals 

Best known as a local Fort Worth Rock Band, the band came up with a theme concept based on their love of 70s and 80s music. Since they are influenced by many different genres and their love of theatre and theatrics, they wanted a "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" idea to come to life with every song being mesmerizingly anthemic, like the Intro of a James Bond movie. It's a mix of some 70's rock with an 80's new wave/pop-punk flavour. They don't really have a label for what kind of music they play, they just throw all kinds of genres into a blender and see what comes out. The New Romantic Devils and their sound have developed and grown in popularity since 2016. Influenced by the community, culture, and sounds of their hometown, they perform music that speaks to fans across the musical spectrum. Their signature style has become synonymous with a diverse collection of melodies and compositions. This Rock Band is on the rise, and nothing can stop them from achieving the success they work so hard for.

 

KEITH HUDSON 2001-present

Drummer and Lead singer Keith Hudson have been with The New Romantic Devils from the very beginning. He grew up as best friends with Archie from elementary school. As a teenager, he listened to Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Prince, Duran Duran as well as Eminem, and Jay Z rage against the machine. They started in a cover band named 4pastmidnight before changing the name to The New Romantic Devils. He is also married to a bass player

 

 

Peyton Reed. 

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ARCHIBALD RAYVILLE MONROE 2001-present

Lead Guitarist and Band Leader A band wouldn't be complete without its Guitarist, and The New Romantic Devils couldn’t have asked for a better one than the talented Archie Monroe. Not only is he the founder and band leader but a brother to lead singer Rachel. His musical influences range from heavy metal, pop, and hip-hop to 80s music. Keith and his friends formed a love for all things prince. His guitar idols are Eddie Van Halen, Gary Moore, and Roy Buchanan to name a few. He plays an instrumental role in the success and musical progression of the band. 

 

PEYTON REED 2001-present

Bass Player, Vocals Peyton Reed is truly a shining star. Crowds always love seeing the band in full performance mode, and the band couldn’t be happier to have such an incredible Bass player up on stage and in the studio with them. She is married to Keith Hudson. Peyton was in a major car accident in March of 2021 and has been going through extensive rehab. She hopes to re-join the Devils in the fall. She is finally able to join us and has been playing with us in a limited role. She will continue to get better. 

 

RACHEL MONROE 2014-present

Lead Singer, Rhythm Guitars, Piano A band wouldn't be complete without its Lead Singer. She not only plays rhythm guitar and piano but is her baby sister of Archie. She joined the band in 2018 and things really started to take off when they convinced her to get behind the mike. She grew up listening to her brother's favourite music and picked up the guitar after they both had started on piano thanks to their parents. She is 13 years younger than Archie. Rachel was involved in a major automobile accident in March. She was able to re-join the band in early June to start touring and recording again. She is not playing any instruments live other than the piano at this time. Rachell has moved to just playing piano or keys and singing at this time as well as continued songwriting abilities. 

 

JOHN TAYLOR DUBACH 2004-2014 2020-present

Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, and Bass JT Dubach joined the band in early 2021 to fill in while Peyton recovered from injuries sustained in a car wreck and has officially become a member of the band in July 2021. He is a phenomenal vocalist and bass player. Looking forward to the energy and songwriting he brings to the band. 

 

ED ANZIOTTI 2021-present

Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Drums, and Bass, Vocals Ed Anziotti joined the Band in early 2021 to fill in for Rachel and Peyton who were both involved in a major motor vehicle accident. He is a true musical Prodigy. He can play guitar, drums, piano, and bass to name a few instruments. He decided to join the band full time in early June. He will play the drums live when Keith is on vocals and guitar or bass otherwise. He also can sing and the Devils say they are lucky to have him as part of the Family.

 

 

--- Steel Notes Magazine Special ---
 

Alexxis Steele

 

Audio Stream Station Manager of Rocking the Valley - Lead vocalist, percussionist, aspiring writer.
Benefit coordinator, promoter, Talent Buyer, Steel Entertainment & Records LLC- A & R Management Agent, Talent Booking Agent, Independent Record Label,- Steel Records,  BMI Music Publishing Company- Steel Global Entertainment & Steel Notes Magazine ( coming soon) Radio Personality Music 101 With Alexxis Steele- Interviewing National Recording Artists & Entertainment Industry Icons -Wednesdays on Prolific Radio at 8 PM EST, and Fridays on CNEU at 7 PM EST, Coming soon on Sundays to New Rox Radio. Crocodile Rock Authorized press for National Recording acts

 

 

Angie Bowie
bio by Alexxis Steele

 

Angie is the first wife of musician David Bowie, who along with him influenced the glam rock culture and fashion of the 1970s, but she is so much more than that! Angie is one beautiful and amazingly talented woman! This successful and savvy businesswoman holds many titles to her credit which include: Author, Musician, Poet, Actress, Model, Journalist, publicist and historian, just to name a few, and the list goes on! I had the pleasure of speaking with charming Angie about many aspects of her life. 

She is a prolific writer and has penned Seven Books: FREE SPIRIT BISEXUALITY: A POCKET GUIDE BACKSTAGE PASSES, LIFE ON THE WILD SIDE WITH DAVID BOWIE (Also available as an audiobook on Audible) FANCY FOOTWORK POETRY AND LYRICS (Illustrated By Rick Hunt) LIPSTICK LEGEND WHEN BOYS BECAME GIRLS (KIM FOWLEY) (Also available as an audiobook on Audible) CATASTROPHE POP SEX Angie herself has interviewed many important people in the entertainment industry, among them was producer icon Kim Fowley, who said Angie was the architect of theatrical rock in the 2oth century and endorsed her book Lipstick Legends, where Angie spills on the many musicians she has encountered along the way. 

One of the most fascinating people in history that Angie has had the opportunity to interview is the sex symbol and actress Mae West! Angie explained she was writing an article about her for Penthouse, and Mae said don’t you have a question to ask me? Angie hesitated because she did not want to offend her, so Mae quipped that people had been calling her a Drag Queen since she was 14, and not to feel bad about asking her that question. Angie also explained that in the 1930’s Mae West was the 3rd wealthiest person in the United States! They talked about Broadway and movies and all the different people that she worked with. She was grateful that she went through with the interview because Mae West was one of the most important role models in her life besides Oscar Wilde. I told Angie that landing Mae was a real catch that not many people could ever say they had the delight to meet and interview. That speaks a lot for Angie’s charm! 

Angie is a former model and is a fashionista, and fellow lover of hats like myself, which represents a strong woman which is quite evident by all the things she is involved in. I had the opportunity to listen to some of Angie’s music from her Moon Goddess album. One of my favourite songs of hers is called Fires are burning in the forests of our youth. The song has great music and is a really catchy tune that gets into your head and is easy to sing along with. If you have the opportunity to do so, check out her music, you won’t be disappointed! Besides her music, Angie has written books of poetry, and in our interview, she delighted me by reciting one of her poems beautifully in both English and in French. I asked Angie if she would submit some of her poetry for our readers and she graciously sent me some of her poetry for the magazine, which will be posted here. Fancy Footwork and Cat-Astrophe are some of her collections of poetry that are illustrated by artist Rick Hunt. Their collaboration is called Creative Combustion and includes both book projects and illustrations. I would highly recommend buying all of Angie’s work in books, music, and poetry. You can purchase Angie’s books and music by going to her website at: www.angiebowie.net

 

Frank Deville Greenfield
bio by Alexxis Steele

 

A guitar player’s guitarist, Frank aka “Deville” Greenfield is both a Grammy-nominated, award-winning Producer and performer, He started his musical training as a student of classical guitar at Westminster Conservatory under Dr Robert Trent and jazz with Josef Federico. As one of the creative partners of “The Dent Makers”, and Conjunction Entertainment, Franks’ career broke with the release of Timberlands’ “Shock Value” which went six times Platinum and reached #3 on Billboard R&B. 

The following year brought two Grammy nominations for Tri-ni-tee 5:7 and a GMA/DOVE Award for Best Urban Recorded Song of the Year for “Listen” which peaked at #9 on Billboard Gospel. Since then, Frank has been on many top-charting albums and has put his guitar touches on a who’s who of Pop/R&B Artists such as; Beyonce, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Timberland, Mindless Behaviour, Keri Hilson, The Pussycat Dolls, Celine Dion and Onyx. Those credits enabled him to procure his own signing with Universal Music Group as well as a publishing deal with Missing Link Music. 

Late 2015 into 2016 proved to be a busy time as Frank and American Idol finalist Clint Jun signed a deal with Famous Music/ Universal Worldwide for The EP titled "Last Call' produced by Frank and The Dent Makers. That was followed up by him getting the guitar spot in the iconic funk group, The Gap Band. When that ended in 2017, he connected with R&B Funk Legends and Side Effect. Currently Frank is performing with his own Funk/Glam project, The Family of Funk. Partial Lists for TV and Film credits include The Primetime Emmy Awards, Dateline NBC, Our Big wedding, Drillbit Taylor, Secret Life of an American Teenager, The Good Wife, Shameless, New Girl, Lincoln Heights, Night Rider, Entourage, Community, Bad Girls Club, Ben and Kate and The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Frank recently wrote the theme song for the hit television series, Brooklyn nine-nine which won a Golden Globe award. Eminence Speakers, Morley Pedals, Ernie Ball Strings, George L Cables, Dunlop USA and Sterling Guitars endorse Frank. Frank is a voting member of The Grammy's • REQUIREMENTS/ADDITIONAL: Guitarist for DeVille and The Family of Funk, Side Effect, The Gap Band, Multi-platinum guitarist and producer at Universal Music Group.

 

 

Tom Cooney

 

Tom Cooney is a dynamic singer-songwriter, guitarist, music instructor, and podcast creator.  He performs original and covers music in Contemporary Folk, Blues, and Jazz styles.  Tom is a versatile musician with strong vocal and guitar skills.  He has decades of music experience, and his insights and joy of playing come through in every performance.

Tom plays at clubs and pubs, dinner lounges, festivals, weddings, senior and assisted living facilities, and private parties.  He also performs at songwriter showcases, such as Godfrey Daniels and the Martin Guitar Songwriters Showcase ArtsFest

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Rocking the Valley

 

Rocking the Valley - The Lehigh Valley's Award-Winning Podcast went live in January of 2014 with a one-hour audio stream on Prolific Internet Radio.  The show was created and hosted by Steven Jones.  After 14 shows and a lack of following, the show was going to be cancelled.  However, a reimagining of the show from a multi-subject show into a single platform for artists, a new theme song, and a targeted promotion for musicians renewed the show for another year.  The show went independent of Prolific in September of 2015 with a full cast, multiple shows, and a live video broadcast from a local nightclub.  Further developments in broadcast, recording and editing technology since 2015 have brought Rocking the Valley to the front of the PODCAST market in the Lehigh Valley.

 

In 2015, Rocking the Valley made a nomination in the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Awards in a category which was deemed not applicable for the show.  We were the only podcast to receive a nomination.  In 2016, a new category, Internet Broadcast, was created due to our work in the field.  Several other podcasts made the nomination as well.  Rocking the Valley has dominated this category with winning EVERY YEAR it was offered up to the shutdown of the awards due to covid.  Several videos produced by Rocking the Valley also were included in major artists' applications for Grammys.

 

Rocking the Valley has had over forty volunteers covering most of the major venues, bands, DJs, and events in the Lehigh Valley.  We've included many talented musicians, photographers, disk jockeys, and more in our line-up of people.  We pride ourselves in setting the standard for performance by projecting a positive image (dress codes, self-censorship of inappropriate language, audience participation in events).

 

We are often imitated but not duplicated.  We are Rocking the Valley.

 

Steven Jones - Mr Jones started performing in elementary school with the choirs and small productions.  As a young child, his outward personality had him heading for the stage at an early age.  He took accordion, drum, and piano lessons while still in elementary school only to practice his skill by imitating his influences.  Steve would go on to demonstrate Lowrey Organs at the Palmer Mall and eventually started playing privately at the age of 16.  At 19, Steve opened a DJ/Entertainment Company which operated in the Lehigh Valley for ten years.  He did a variety of school dances, weddings, and major events.  Steve stopped performing for a number of years to raise a family and restarted in 2010 with Bill Murray and the Cross over the band, a country/western band with an Elvis Tribute.  After two seasons, Steve broke off to play the nursing home circuit and eventually started Rocking the Valley in 2014.  Steve has built Rocking the Valley from a 1-hour audio stream to an amateur multimedia international podcast in 2022.

 

Sheri Bayne - Sheri joined Rocking the Valley as our Director of Photography. She eventually moved to be a co-host/stage manager replacing Earl Andrews who stepped into retirement.  Her work with Rocking the Valley has brought new acts to both our virtual and physical stages.  She has an extensive background in photography, computer science, and talent management.  Sheri sings often at various karaoke events and also teams up with Steven Jones for a duet occasionally.