John Speziale & His Bands!
Photo courtesy Patrick Kirker | Knickerbocker - Westerly, RI
SWEET MERCY!
Sweet Mercy! is comprised of multi-instrumentalists who play Americana-influenced originals and covers. They perform as an acoustic trio or quartet, and sometimes as a full out six-piece featuring electric guitar and drums.
The core members include John on guitar, keys, and harmonica; musicologist Craig Edwards on fiddle, mandolin, and accordion; local legend Sandy Allen on lap steel, mandolin and percussion; and jazz great Jaime Duquette on acoustic and electric bass. At any time there might be a dozen instruments on stage – and the guys will play all of them!
Sweet Mercy! has opened for prestigious acts, including The Hoolios and The Carleans. And they’ve shared stages with such talented song writers as Dan Blakeslee and Haunt the House.
Recently the band’s hot licks and harmonies earned them a New London, CT Whalie Award for Best Roots Rock Band.
To Book Sweet Mercy! use the CONTACT FORM
Photo: Kori E Rathbun
Photo: Doreen Cellerino
Ken Serio
MEN WITH GUITARS
MEN WITH GUITARS is a jamming, retro-rocking trio specializing in classic rock, folk and rock and roll music. Three men. Two guitars. One keyboard. A harmonica. Some percussion toys. Armed only with these few instruments, MWG. has been creating dance- and applause- inciting music for five years.
The group includes seasoned musicians John Speziale on acoustic rhythm guitar, piano and vocals; Geno “Kozmik Riffs” Parise on shredding Stratocaster; and Ken “The Cat” Serio on congas and tambourine. They provide an unbelievably big band sound, without taking up the floor space most bands require. Use the extra room for dancing!
To Book MEN WITH GUITARS use the CONTACT FORM
photo courtesy Susan Ryan | Knickerbocker Cafe - Westerly, RI
photo courtesy Keith Cowley - NESI ROCK & ROLL XMAS SHOW
SPEZIALE & THE FRIENDS
Every year Speziale & The Friends band provides the music for the Speziale and NESI-produced Rock and Roll Christmas Show, which benefits Stand Up for Animals, Westerly, RI’s humane animal shelter. Thousands of dollars have been raised thanks to this show, which has become the area’s go-to Christmas bash. The Friends, a Westerly, RI “super group”, play classic rock, blues and country. They use a rotating lineup of musicians from some of the area’s most popular bands!
To Book SPEZIALE & THE FRIENDS use the CONTACT FORM