BAND BIOS
KATIE - Lead Vocals, Saxophone
I grew up just outside of Boston and moved to RI after college. Over the next ten years, I taught private lessons in piano, voice and saxophone during the day and accompanied theaters, schools and cabaret groups at night. When kids came along, I stepped back a bit from music. As my children got older, more opportunities to do music came my way, but this time as a singer. In 2011, I was asked to be the lead singer of a classic rock band called ReGeneration, later called C-Sides. Then in 2013, two friends asked me if I would be interested in forming a 1940s tribute group that leaned heavily on music from The Andrews Sisters, so we formed The Company Bees. After four years with C-Sides, I knew I wanted to perform more often, so when I saw that CarTune Heroes was auditioning singers, I gave it a shot. I'm so glad I did!
I grew up just outside of Boston and moved to RI after college. Over the next ten years, I taught private lessons in piano, voice and saxophone during the day and accompanied theaters, schools and cabaret groups at night. When kids came along, I stepped back a bit from music. As my children got older, more opportunities to do music came my way, but this time as a singer. In 2011, I was asked to be the lead singer of a classic rock band called ReGeneration, later called C-Sides. Then in 2013, two friends asked me if I would be interested in forming a 1940s tribute group that leaned heavily on music from The Andrews Sisters, so we formed The Company Bees. After four years with C-Sides, I knew I wanted to perform more often, so when I saw that CarTune Heroes was auditioning singers, I gave it a shot. I'm so glad I did!
CHRIS - Keyboards, Vocals
I started playing piano over 30 years ago, then moved into playing keyboard (and keytar!) with CarTune Heroes back in 2007 – when the band was still in its infancy! As a fan and child of the 1980s, the rock and pop songs from that decade are probably my favorite; joining this band introduced me to songs from the 1970s, and I enjoyed learning them plus the newer tunes we perform from the 1990s and even today. I also have a great time singing backup harmonies and lead vocals. In March 2007, I found the group (which we later named CarTune Heroes) totally by chance after reading a “keyboardist wanted” ad and thinking, “I love all the stuff this band covers!” The chemistry in this group is great – it is the first (and only) band I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I know I’m lucky to play with such a fantastic group of professionals who are also my friends. I do this because I love performing awesome music with other like-minded musicians all while putting on a fun show for you!
I started playing piano over 30 years ago, then moved into playing keyboard (and keytar!) with CarTune Heroes back in 2007 – when the band was still in its infancy! As a fan and child of the 1980s, the rock and pop songs from that decade are probably my favorite; joining this band introduced me to songs from the 1970s, and I enjoyed learning them plus the newer tunes we perform from the 1990s and even today. I also have a great time singing backup harmonies and lead vocals. In March 2007, I found the group (which we later named CarTune Heroes) totally by chance after reading a “keyboardist wanted” ad and thinking, “I love all the stuff this band covers!” The chemistry in this group is great – it is the first (and only) band I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I know I’m lucky to play with such a fantastic group of professionals who are also my friends. I do this because I love performing awesome music with other like-minded musicians all while putting on a fun show for you!
BRETT - Drums, Percussion
I started playing drums at an early age. I took lessons from elementary school until the end of high school. After graduating, I found myself still wanting more. I studied privately for years, but needed to learn more to satisfy my expectations. I decided to enter Berklee College of Music to expand my drumming and musical creativity. My music vocabulary grew, and I was on my way to experiencing new ideas musically. After I graduated Berklee College of Music in 1991 with a degree in music education, I had the privilege to play music all over the world with various artists. My drumming influences range from Jeff Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Steve Smith, to Carter Beauford, Steve Gadd, and many others. I am looking forward to playing a wide selection of music with a great group of musicians in CarTune Heroes. This will be a fun ride that nobody wants to miss! Look forward to seeing you there!
I started playing drums at an early age. I took lessons from elementary school until the end of high school. After graduating, I found myself still wanting more. I studied privately for years, but needed to learn more to satisfy my expectations. I decided to enter Berklee College of Music to expand my drumming and musical creativity. My music vocabulary grew, and I was on my way to experiencing new ideas musically. After I graduated Berklee College of Music in 1991 with a degree in music education, I had the privilege to play music all over the world with various artists. My drumming influences range from Jeff Porcaro, Simon Phillips, Steve Smith, to Carter Beauford, Steve Gadd, and many others. I am looking forward to playing a wide selection of music with a great group of musicians in CarTune Heroes. This will be a fun ride that nobody wants to miss! Look forward to seeing you there!
KARSON - Guitar, Vocals
I was born and raised in RI and it wasn't long until I began to develop my interest in music. I started to learn how to play the guitar at age four, with some simple instruction from my father. After a few years learning the basic chords and simple songs, I branched out into learning online through YouTube. A good combination of how to play videos and music theory instruction has been the back bone of my music education over the years. I was in school talent shows and bands throughout school. But as I approached my 20's I began to play out more at restaurants and clubs. Playing in a band was the next logical step and I'm so glad to have met the crew here and continue to improve being surrounded by other extremely talented people. I'm looking forward to rocking out with you!
I was born and raised in RI and it wasn't long until I began to develop my interest in music. I started to learn how to play the guitar at age four, with some simple instruction from my father. After a few years learning the basic chords and simple songs, I branched out into learning online through YouTube. A good combination of how to play videos and music theory instruction has been the back bone of my music education over the years. I was in school talent shows and bands throughout school. But as I approached my 20's I began to play out more at restaurants and clubs. Playing in a band was the next logical step and I'm so glad to have met the crew here and continue to improve being surrounded by other extremely talented people. I'm looking forward to rocking out with you!
PAUL - Bass, Vocals
Paul Giammarco is Rhode Island born and bred and started playing Bass and singing when he was 12 years old. Paul went on to study bass with legendary instructor Carl Belmont who at the time also taught some of the biggest bassist in New England including Ben Orr from the Cars, Danny Klein of the J. Geils Band and Carl Adamo from Beaver Brown.
Paul has also shared the stage and has worked alongside of several popular 60’s & 70’s bands including the New Mama’s and Papa’s, Question Mark and the Mysterians, Dennis Youst and the Classic’s Four, the Outsiders, The Dells, The Coasters, Tiny Tim and many others. During the 80’s & 90’s Paul also played regularly at the Warwick Musical Theater opening for major acts and backing many more. Paul’s musical story was featured in a segment from the 2009 film about the Warwick Musical Theater “The Tent, Life in the Round”.
Paul’s strong groove and funk foundation comes from many hours of listening and playing along with his bass hero’s as a kid and includes Motown great James Jamerson and Tower of Powers, Rocco Prestia. His rock influence comes from Jack Bruce of Cream and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan. When it comes to Jazz Jaco Pastorius was a huge influence along with Stanley Clark, Victor Wootin and Jeff Berlin. Other Bass players that had an influence on Paul were Stax records great Duck Dunn, Larry Graham, the Who’s John Entwhistle and of course Sir Paul McCarthy.
Paul Giammarco is Rhode Island born and bred and started playing Bass and singing when he was 12 years old. Paul went on to study bass with legendary instructor Carl Belmont who at the time also taught some of the biggest bassist in New England including Ben Orr from the Cars, Danny Klein of the J. Geils Band and Carl Adamo from Beaver Brown.
Paul has also shared the stage and has worked alongside of several popular 60’s & 70’s bands including the New Mama’s and Papa’s, Question Mark and the Mysterians, Dennis Youst and the Classic’s Four, the Outsiders, The Dells, The Coasters, Tiny Tim and many others. During the 80’s & 90’s Paul also played regularly at the Warwick Musical Theater opening for major acts and backing many more. Paul’s musical story was featured in a segment from the 2009 film about the Warwick Musical Theater “The Tent, Life in the Round”.
Paul’s strong groove and funk foundation comes from many hours of listening and playing along with his bass hero’s as a kid and includes Motown great James Jamerson and Tower of Powers, Rocco Prestia. His rock influence comes from Jack Bruce of Cream and Mr. Big’s Billy Sheehan. When it comes to Jazz Jaco Pastorius was a huge influence along with Stanley Clark, Victor Wootin and Jeff Berlin. Other Bass players that had an influence on Paul were Stax records great Duck Dunn, Larry Graham, the Who’s John Entwhistle and of course Sir Paul McCarthy.
