ABOUT THE BAND
This show can best be called “sing with a band” because we’re putting a full rhythm section behind the featured artists. There’s piano, organ, bass, drums, guitar, and a full horn section along with special musical guests on violin, percussion, banjo, flute, and even accordion. While the singers themselves have been the main attraction, the band has evolved into a world class group which is showcased at the beginning of every set. One of Michael’s goals has always been to have great players who are attracted to the event – just because it’s so much fun!
Keyboards
Michael McQuilkin
Keyboardist Michael McQuilkin is a multi-talented producer, arranger, and architect of the Family Music Hour. His skills as an accompanist have allowed him to back up singers from the age of 8 to 80 and to organize a band of musicians dedicated to the same cause. One person remarked, “Michael is a great community builder.” That legacy has continued since the beginning and has ensured the show’s success where “Music brings families Together.”
Drums
Howie Cort
Linda “Howie” Cort (Transistor Rodeo) has played drums from an early age. Her musical influences were artists from Memphis, Detroit and Muscle Shoals studios. She’s performed with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Etta James, Dave Mason and Chris Issak and is now recording her first album entitled “Aunt June’s Basement” where she first learned to play. No Family Hour Show would be complete without Howie Cort on drums!
Horns
Tim Cain
Saxophonist Tim Cain (Sons of Champlin) anchors the horn section at the Family Music Hour. In addition to founding the popular 60s rock group The Sons of Champlin, Tim has produced a number of children’s albums and performs regularly throughout the Bay Area. His love of music and people of all ages makes him one of the most popular people at our shows.
Tony Petroccitto
Trumpet player Tony Petroccitto grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional drummer and he learned how to read and write music at an early age. Tony plays 1st trumpet in the show and also helps transcribe and arrange the horn charts for the band which has never sounded better!
Bass
David Russ
Bassist David Russ (The Fabulous Titans, The Shakers) has roots in Reggae, Caribbean, Latin, and many other musical styles including Jazz and Blues. He has toured with Max Priest and Soul Syndicate and has played alongside such luminaries as Elvin Bishop, Harold Jones and the Blue Devils. David is also a studio technician who has engineered audio and video recordings for the Family Music Hour. He has been and will continue to be an integral part of our show.
Electric Guitar
Jeff Miller
Jeff Miller (New Monsoon, The Contribution) is a veteran guitarist and a regular at the Family Music Hour. He has been teaching guitar and bass in Marin County for over a decade and has also been producing summer music camps (Fairfax Rocks) for over seven years. Jeff has just released a new album “Upon the Wing” debuting a new collection of original songs
Acoustic Guitar
John Cunningham
John Cunningham (Johnny Vegas & The High Rollers) has played guitar, bass, piano, drums and ukulele since he was 12. Born to a musical family, he has released three original music CDs and recently performed alongside his son Zeke at the Family Music Hour.