featuring Jim Vignato on Lead Vocals
Celebrating the Sound & Hi-Energy of "STYX" Live in concert...with a few surprises!
Band Bios
Jim Vignato
Frontman/Lead Vocals
Mr. Vignato has has built his voice over the years performing in rock cover bands and rock musicals building up his rock n roll repertoire. Starting in his teen years through today, Jim has been playing in cover bands and the main stream circuits. As a Lead Vocalist Jim has an uncanny ability to totally assume the roles and antics of rock's greatest icon's.
In his band “Rockin' The Paradise Tribute to Styx”, Jim combines his on-stage mannerisms and vocal tone and mirrors Dennis DeYoung & Tommy Shaw's vocals and delivers an exceptional version of the Classic Styx Sound. Today, Jim and his band mates are featured perfomers on Royal Carribean ships, They play Casinos across the USA and headline at summer concerts, theaters and festivals.
Michael Baranski
Lead Guitar & Lead Vocals
Started playing guitar at age 5! He was in 5th grade when he started a band.
Throughout his years, Michael has played in many bands. He got to play with Trent Reznor right before his Nine Inch Nails days.
Michael got into a band with A&M Artist Glen Burtnik. They toured supporting his Heroes and Zeroes album. Glen then got the offer to replace Tommy Shaw, and later, Chuck Pannozzo in Styx. Through his referral, Michael got the gig of guitarist/vocalist/ songwriter with James Young from Styx in his solo project, The James Young Group. They did an album Raised by Wolves. Baranski also got the offer to tour with Styx as a backup singer.
Baranski later got a referral from Hank Horton, who had played with Dennis DeYoung of Styx to join Rockin' the Paradise.
Baranski says "It's a great honor to keep the great music of Styx alive".
Michael Whelan - Multi-Instrumentalist
"Melody walks through the door and memory flies out the window and nobody knows what they want 'til they finally let it all go But don't cut your losses too soon 'cause you'll only be cutting your throat And answer a call while you still hear at all 'cause nobody will if you won't" - Kevin Moore "Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines Hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way The time is gone, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say" - Roger Waters "Be true to yourself and confident in your talents. Push yourself out there and don’t be afraid to tell people, ‘Yep, I’m a chick and I fucking shred!” - Simone Dow
Michael Gavrizescu
Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
There’s no man on earth who bares as uncanny a resemblance in voice, stage presence, and guitar wailing to the mighty godfather of Styx, James JY Young, as Michael Gavrizescu. Michael is the singer and guitarist of the international-touring group Burning Red, and he has lent his talents to several tribute bands over the years. Michael is also a recognized music producer and audio engineer under the alias of Fanoti Productions.
Mike Hetzel - Drums
Born in Milwaukee, WI in 1992, Mike Hetzel’s initial interest in music was sparked by his piano/organ playing father (also named Mike). Mike began his musical journey at the age of 3 playing the piano. At the age of 6, he discovered his true musical passion, drumming!!! His dad, banker by day, musician by night, was able to present him with many opportunities to play with experienced musicians in the Milwaukee area.
After attending a local drum competition in 1999 called “Thundering Drums,” Mike began taking private lessons from Bob Lalko. Mike entered the “Thundering Drums” competition the following year and took 2nd place in his division. After a year or so Mike switched teachers and studied with Jim Kube throughout junior high school.
Mike started going with his dad to wedding/party gigs when he was eight years old and became the de-facto sound man/“roadie.” This sparked Mike’s fascination with audio which eventually led to the Hetzel’s building a full-service home recording studio in 2004. Over the next several years they would record countless demos and EP’s with local Milwaukee artists, most notably producing two jazz LP’s with Rick Aaron, and two gospel LP’s with Elliot Hughes.
From grades 6-12 Mike took part in the percussion section in the school band program. In 2010 Mike was the recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz award from Menomonee Falls High School.
In 2010, Mike started a YouTube channel that features his drum cover/performance videos. Today that channel has over half a million views and several thousand subscribers.
Mike studied funk/R&B drumming with Jim Payne in 2012, as well as studying Pro Tools mixing and mastering with Jeff Baust through Berklee College of Music.
In 2013, Mike moved to Los Angeles to attend Musicians Institute where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Drum Performance. During his time there he also received the “Outstanding Student” award. Mike had the opportunity to study with Devin Kelly, Tim McIntyre, Jason Harnell, Rob Carson, Chuck Silverman, Ian Robbins, Russell Ferrante (of Yellowjackets fame), and many others.
While Mike was at MI, he became one of the go-to jury/recital drummers and played on 30+ juries during his 4 year LA residency, which allowed him the opportunity to play all styles of music with hundreds of different musicians.
Chris Iazzetta
Lead Guitarist/Lead Vocals
Born and raised in good ole Brooklyn , NY , yes, that’s right the best pizza and bagels in the world. From my early days of playing in garage bands to presently playing with Rockin the Paradise , I have always felt a necessity for music in my life. From the first time I heard the Beatles play, I knew my guitar would always be my best friend. I play keyboards, and drums, however my passion remains with the guitar.
Playing with many bands throughout the years, such as The Trend, The Crybabies, TR Touch and Mammoth, I have played all types of genre. Rock, Funk, Blues, Swing, and Southern Rock are just a few examples. Inspirations have been acquired from many famous artists such as Deep Purple, Foreigner, Journey, Bon Jovi and of course Styx . Current artists include Rascal Flats, All American Rejects, and the Fray just to name a few. There are so many talented musicians out there contributing to the music industry that it is hard to say all that I have drawn from. I played with recording artist Alive -N- Kickin, who boasts a gold record for their famous hit, “Tighter and Tighter”, for many years as their lead/rhythm guitarist and second vocalist. During these years I toured with many great acts such as Blue Oyster Cult, Brooklyn Bridge, Jay and The Americans, and Tommy James just to mention a few.
Having the opportunity to play in this Styx project is extremely exciting. Styx music and the influence they have had upon my life makes this project, and the line-up of musicians I am working with seem to be faith at its peak. Not very often do you get together with a group of musicians and know that it was “meant to be”. Time to Rock the Paradise !
George Terranova
Bass & Vocals
My musical interest started at age 8 playing guitar with my father and brothers. At age11, I picked up my brothers Fender Precision Bass and never looked back.I remember coming home from school everyday playing bass to all the songs I heard on the radio.Growing up, I was influenced by Louis Johnson, Anthony Jackson, Victor Wooton, and James Jamerson learning dance, funk, and motown music. My rock and roll influences were of The Beatles, David Bowie, Billy Idol, Brian Adams and more. I became well known for bass,vocals,and stage presence at live venues. As time went on, I was asked to play bass for" Alive-n-Kickin" with their hit record "Tighter" written by Tommy James and performed with them for over 10yrs. Along with performing came writing and co-producing records. Later in my career,I met the "Rockin' the Paradise" band and enjoyed the diversity it brought to my bass playing and backround vocals that I still use today. I enjoy working with these musicians, they are all great with an abudance of talent. In closing,"My own talent and music is to bring happiness and joy to people all around me."
ELI PETE
BASS/LEAD VOCALS
Having performed in over 40 states and 10 countries, music has brought Eli all over the world. With a vast range of styles from Metal to modern and classic country, his experience and stage presents make him an excellent addition to the energetic stage show RTP is know for.
Scott Conner
Drums & Vocals
Christopher Scott Connor (Known as Scott) is a professional percussionist and vocalist.
Specializing in drums and percussion, Scott is based out of the Southern California area. His
specialties are rock, contemporary and progressive rock music. He is a veteran of the Los Angeles
music club scene and has toured in the United States as well as Europe with super group Yoso
(with Yes bassist Billy Sherwood, Toto's Bobby Kimball and Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye) as well
as Sherwood's band, CIRCA (Billy Sherwood, Tony Kaye and Ricky Tierney.) Connor was the
live drummer for actor William Shatner's 2013 record Ponder the Mystery album, produced by
Billy Sherwood.
In addition to these, Scott has been a member of bands paying tribute to: Styx, Genesis, Foreigner,
REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and Steve Hackett, as well as several dance bands.
He is currently playing local shows in Southern California and travels as needed for out-of-town
dates.
Jared Cannata
Lead Guitar
Jared was born and raised in Long Island New York. By the age of 10 he had a guitar, and his journey in the music industry had begun. Eventually he would go on to study guitar further at the Berklee College of Music. He has become a go-to guitarist for many artists such as Soulex, Nina Lee, and most recently the billboard charting band Madame Mayhem. For a number of years he cut his teeth with the band J.Rad, having toured with many successful national acts and recording with Grammy nominated producers. In 2018 Jared made his broadway debut on “Summer” - The Donna Summer musical. Since then, he has had the opportunity to do two national tours for both Summer, and Tootsie, followed by other regional theater shows like the world premiere of “Mystic Pizza” , “Rent” (Adam Pascals directing debut), and Kinky Boots.
HANK HORTON
Bass & Lead Vocals
Bassist, Vocalist, Arranger, Producer, Composer
Acoustic Bass, Fretless and Fretted 5 String Electric Basses
Biography:
Hank was born in North Carolina, and migrated to Michigan where he first attended Central Michigan Universit and received a Bachelor's of Music in string bass performance. Next, he attended Michigan State University and earned a Master's of Music in string bass performance. Over the years he has performed in myriad venues, with a wide variety of artists, spanning numerous styles. Being schooled, both academically and in the real world, in wide ranging types of music, has been one key to success....rock, pop, jazz, country, classical, blues, latin...and anything else you can put in front of him. Needless to say, he is a great reader. Currently he is based in Chicago where he performs and records with various artists, as well as keeping a touring schedule through the US, Canada and Mexico.
Partial list of Credits: Hank Horton has performed and/or recorded with: Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Styx, Dennis Deyoung, James Young, Todd Sucherman, Peter Noone, Michael Ingersoll, Mark Colby, Kalii Palmer, The Brass Tracks Jazz Orchestra, The New York Pops Orchestra,The Saginaw Symphony,
Bill Watrous, the College of Dupage Jazz Band,Peter Graves,Epicycle, Mark Vickery, Due West, TNT, the Jacksonville Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Omaha Symphony, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles...and on and on...truly a variety.
Recent Theater credits include
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Mean Girls: The Musical
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Phantom of the Opera
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Beautiful: The Carole King Story
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Pippin
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The Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder
ADAM PERI
Keyboards
Born and raised in Israel, Adam is a prodigious musician who started playing piano when he was 5. He made it into the music industry when he was selected to play the keys in top television shows, “Our Song” and “We Won’t Stop Singing” (Israel’s “American Idol”); he also played in hundreds of live concerts, recorded albums and received award nominations.
In his 20s, Adam became part of the band HaYehudim, the most influential and successful rock band in Israel being on the top 10 of the radio charts, HaYehudim won a golden record with their album “Forte”. Simultaneously, he co-wrote music and lyrics for Israeli artist Maya Avraham, taking her song “Lama” to the Israeli Emmy Award nominations in 2007; he also worked with other top Israeli artists including Shlomo Gronish, Yossi Banai, & Shiri Mimon.
He moved to California to pursue a dream and quickly became an active part of the fast-paced music business in Los Angeles, expanding his career as a producer and sharing the stage with many well-known “Grammy Award -winners” and Billboard artists, including Eric Johnson, Scott Underwood (rock band Train), Alien Ant Farm, Puddle of Mudd, Paulina Rubio, Berlin, and Daniel Powter, known for his huge world hit “Had a bad day” (with whom he also produce and co-wrote one of the albums); he also played the keys for recognized producers like Michael Wagener, & Warren Huart (James Blunt, Aerosmith, Daniel Powter, Colbie Caillat).
Adam was the keyboardist at the Vegas show “The 27 Club” (a tribute to all rock musicians who died at the age of 27).
He has also composed music for TV shows such as “The Real Housewives” and “911 Crisis Center”,(Bravo).
He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
RICH KENNEDY - Bass & Vocals
Rich Kennedy embodies the essence of a true rock ‘n’ roll bassist—cool, steady, and deeply in the groove. His musical journey started early, sparked by the larger-than-life theatrics of KISS and fueled by a relentless passion for playing. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, he was already forming bands in elementary school, proving that rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t just a phase—it was his calling.
Kennedy’s bass playing has thundered across some of the East Coast’s most legendary stages, earning him a reputation as a rock-solid, road-tested musician. His career includes sharing the stage with guitar virtuoso Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Cher, TSO) and powerhouse vocalist Constantine Maroulis (American Idol, Rock of Ages). He also left his mark on the NYC rock scene as a member of The Brats, one of the city’s most iconic and influential bands.
Performed, toured, and recorded with Dennis Deyoung for 23 years(1986-2009). He played bass and sang on 'Dennis DeYoung: The Music Of STYX' with a 40 piece orchestra live at the Chicago Theatre, which went double platinum. Performed on Soundstage(PBS) with Dennis and a 40 piece orchestra, and the DVD went triple platinum. Hank played bass and sang background vocals on the studio CD '100 Years From Now' as well. The title track went to number 1 on the adult charts. On the bonus track 'Goodnight My Love' on the live Cd, Hank sings with Dennis as a duet.
He also performed, toured, and recorded with James 'JY' Young from 1993-1998, and recorded the 'Raised By Wolves' Cd with him, and is featured on lead vocals on some of the tracks, as well as harmonies on all of the tracks.
On the STYX album 'Brave New World, he is on of two guest bass players, recording "What Have They Done To You', 'Heavy Water', and 'High Crimes'.
He also has a history with Todd Sucherman, playing and recording with Todd and the band 'Another Language' from Chicago, which wrote and recorded the song that turned into a hit for Van Halen...'Right Now'.
Hank continues to write, record, and perform with some of the best players in the industry. Most recently finishing a second Cd with Donny Brown, drummer, writer and vocalist of The Verve Pipe fame.