We’re The Mix
Here are our tales of triumph & tragedy (take note, we’re getting ready to drink)
VIC
Vocals & guitar
Vic picked up his first (Danelectro) guitar when he was 8. He took lessons for 6 years until a jazz book hurt his brain. Thus, a pop/rock cover band avocation (obsession?) soon ensued.
His first band journey came with Fox-Chase-based Hot Ice, which marked the start of a long collaboration with guitarist/singer Bill Mecaughey which resumed decades later when they started The Mix.
Guitar lessons were followed by voice lessons. His singing influences include Kenny Loggins, Edwin McCain and longtime Chicago band member Bill Champlin, who he has known since the late ’80s.
Vic has fronted bands in the Lehigh Valley (Out to Lunch), at the Jersey Shore (Full Tilt), Wilmington (University of Funk) and Bensalem (Stealin’ The Covers).
A personal highlight was his leadership of Clayton, NJ-based Shady Characters, which had a run of five years in the late 90s, playing venues from Philly to the Jersey shore.
Some of his most rewarding work came as the original lead singer and primary booker for Countdown to Ecstasy, an 11-piece Bensalem-based Steely Dan tribute band that played such notable Philly venues as World Cafe Live (main stage) and the venerable North Star bar.
BILLY
Drums & Vocals
Billy’s musical endeavors started at the wee age of 3, as he drove his mother crazy playing on pots and pans until he got his first drum set that Christmas.
He played in the drum corps throughout high school. He also was in the band Spontaneous Creation, which played several high school concerts and dances.
The last 25 years have been spent working with groups including Magic, Reactor, 101 Central, Forecast and Spellbound, with which he still plays.
His drumming influences include Buddy Rich, Simon Phillips and Billy Cobham. Other influences are Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Yes and Styx.
He also enjoys listening to jazz and any great vocal harmonies. The latter is not surprising, given the great ear he has for backup vocals.
Pam
Lead & Backup Vocals
As a young girl, Pam joined Young Voices of America performing solos and group choreographed numbers at malls and community events in the Bucks County area. She also was very involved in musical theater during high school with lead roles including Oliver in Oliver, Guenevere in Camelot, Sandy in Grease and Laurie in Oklahoma.
Her early performing wasn’t limited to singing and dancing. When she was 8, she began taking piano and flute lessons. And throughout high school she played the flute and piccolo in the concert band and marching band, as well as learning the oboe and bassoon to perform in the orchestra.
Pam’s love of music lead her to pursue a career as a music teacher. She attended Westminster Choir College where she was a voice major and piano minor, earning her bachelor’s of music in music education. She is now in her 30th year of teaching general and vocal music to public school children in New Jersey.
While in college, Pam met some friends who were in a cover band in the Doylestown area, and joined Escapade in performing at local bars and clubs. This led her to Best Impression and then to Gruvtyme, playing clubs and private events throughout the tri-state area for over 15 years. Best Impression played twice a month for two years at Caesar’s in Atlantic City.
After taking a few years off from performing to raise her children, Pam is excited to be singing again. Some of her early influences are Madonna, Whitney Houston, Heart, Pat Benatar, The Go-Gos and The Bangles.
Dennis
Lead Guitar & Vocals
Self-taught from his early teens, Dennis was a founding member of Charade and Purple Reign, one of the biggest Philly bands of the 70s. Dennis has also played with Philly Rock & Soul, Mag 7 and Masquerade.
In the 70s through 90s, he played about 50 weeks a year, hitting just about every Philly area nightclub and casino.
He also sang with several acapella groups.
His influences include Earth Wind & Fire, Steely Dan & Tower of Power. Among his favorite players are Larry Carlton, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Joe Bonamassa.
Chris
Bass
Chris is a graduate of The University of the Arts and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz and contemporary music studies. He has been working in music since he was teenager, and has performed in rock bands, blues bands, jazz and world music ensembles.
Chris also has done studio and theater work, and has played for such productions as “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Legally Blonde.”
He has spent more than 20 years working in music education and has had articles published in Guitar Player magazine.
In 2001 Chris was inspired to learn flamenco guitar after hearing the music of Paco de Lucia. For more than 10 years he fronted the flamenco fusion ensemble Tres Compradres.
Before joining The Mix, Chris performed with Lehigh Valley harmonica virtuoso James Supra and the Philadelphia area Motown-inspired cover band Cloud 9.
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