Generations Benefit Show

Don Quixote's

Rio Rockers

The Rio Rockers Bio One Fall day in Aptos, an elementary school teacher had a vision for a school rock band. They would play for their classmates the classics from the 70s, 80s, 90s and some modern rock. His concept was to have a band, in a few short months, learn five songs in time for the Winter holiday program. And so Mr. Martin Sweet, of Rio Del Mar Elementary, gave an all call for the 2008 school talent to come out and show off their stuff. To his surprise, he found there was so much talent, he couldn’t pick just one player. He gathered up these talented kids, brought them together and inspired them. A few short months later these 8, 10 and 12 year-olds learned ten songs and something magical happened—the Rio Rockers were formed. Together these young musicians are just getting started so keep an eye out for The Rio Rockers! ***************************************************************** The Rio Rockers are comprised of Band Leader Martin Sweet, Lead Guitarist Sean, Lead Vocalist Nick, Vocalists Angela and Faith, Rhythm Guitarists Zak and Jeremy, Bass Player Cassie, and Drummers Jackson and Eric. Now, four months later, they are playing gigs and bringing out Rio families as their biggest fans. The Rio Rockers are inspiring kids of all ages to yearn for music and follow their own dreams of being a star. They may be kids but they are not new to RocknRoll! Once they discovered music, it became a big part of their lives... ********************************************************* Lead guitarist Sean Sean amazes with his guitar, garnering emphatic cheers from the adoring crowd. The Rio Rockers may be his first band but Sean has been playing most of his life. His mother, Debbie, will tell you, “Sean’s been playing the guitar since he was two.” Musical talent runs in Sean’s family. His biggest influence has always been his big brother Josh, who is also a musician. Sean continues to train with Devin Avey to keep learning and growing his musical talent. ********************************************************** Rhythm Guitarist Zak Sports have always been the main focus at Zak’s house until he started taking guitar lessons from Mark Sveen. He liked it so much he asked for a guitar for Christmas. Two years later, Zak is playing his guitar, his mother’s acoustic and he is eyeing his father’s classic Ibanez guitar. His father, Tony, stands firm “He’ll get that guitar when he’s old enough to take care of it and he has shown the passion for music that shows he is serious.” Zak is doing that now, playing with the Rio Rockers has been a great experience for the whole family. They still have two very athletic boys, but now they have two accomplished musicians as well. ********************************************************** Rhythm Guitarist Jeremy As a sixth grader, Jeremy is the oldest member of the band. He took piano lessons for three years, but when he got a little taste of guitar last year in the Afterschool Program with Devin Avey, he was off and running. He is now taking private lessons. His Mom, Mimi, says “Being in the Rio Rockers is an incredible experience we will never forget! It’s been a blast.” ********************************************************** Bass Player Cassie Cassie started playing piano at six years old. About a year ago Cassie thought that it would be “cool” to learn the bass. Her music teacher, Matt Pinck, agreed and off they went. Cassie has had several gigs at Cayuga Vault, however playing with her peers at school has been “totally awesome for her.” Cassie is also amazed that she is the only girl playing an instrument in the band, and hopes that this inspires other girls to pick up an instrument. ********************************************************** Lead Vocalist Nick With a strong voice, Nick has been singing most of his life. Around school he is known for always singing softly in class to himself, Rock’n’Roll, of course! The same qualities that get him noticed at school, distinguish Nick onstage. He’s energetic and playful and really rallies the crowd. His mother recognizes his musical talent as part of his heritage. Nick has been playing both acoustic and electric guitar for four years and now studies with Guy Cantrell to fine tune his passion to play. Nick is strongly influenced by Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Freddy Mercury, and Brian Mays. Nick is now blending his skills with the guitar, and Bass, playing and singing together. ********************************************************** Vocalist Angela Angela is very comfortable on stage. She is well known around school for her good cheer and charisma. She can really get the crowd going with her strong voice. She loves the energy the crowd gives off. Her mom, Charmane, says “Angela has always had an interest in entertaining. Every holiday, Angela and her sister Kristen, put on a show for the family–it’s tradition now! This experience has been the most satisfying though sharing it with her peers”. ********************************************************** Vocalist Faith Faith had been singing with Cabrillo Youth Chorus when she left that for the band. “It’s hard to compete with RocknRoll.” her father, Mark admits. “Faith was always such a loud child, we wondered what this meant until she channeled it into her singing voice.” Faith’s voice packs a punch when she lets it go. She is largely influenced by Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne and Fergie. ********************************************************** Drummer Jackson The steady beat and pounding cymbals are drummer, Jackson. Before the Rio Rockers, Jackson played constantly to music on his own. His parents thought he might eventually lose interest but his drive to play never waned. When he first had the opportunity to play in the band, he became even more determined. His father, Jason, explains “It’s great for Jackson to play with other kids. He really gets into it.” ********************************************************** Drummer Eric Eric discovered rhythm early on when he found that he could put himself to sleep by banging his head in his crib. His parents turned to music for help, giving him a drum set and lessons for his fifth birthday. He is now ten and practices drums up to three times a day. Eric has learned from four very different drum teachers, and has studied a wide range of music styles, including Samba, Reggae, Jazz, Rock, and Disco. Being in the band has been a dream come true for him. He is inspired by John Bonham, his favorite drummer of all time.

By, Mary Zimmer