Garage Bands or Radio City

well, that is just fun for all those in the room. Why? Because music is one of those attributes which can touch everyone's soul.

On Saturday evening, I had the opportunity to go to a local pub here on Long Island. I was transported back through time while listening to what we would now call a "60s British Invasion Band". This term now would define so many of us in the 60’s and 70’s who would pick up an instrument and hang out with friends to play the loud music we loved, while dreaming of fame and fortune and maybe a break or two to come our way.

The six music men compromised the band called "Joseph and Friends" and you could tell they enjoyed what they were doing, enjoyed the company and talent each brought to the stage. The lead singer was Joseph Felicetta and the co-lead was Bob Arndts. On lead guitar we heard Scott Malcolm through the use of a synthesizer which made his guitar sound like a flute, organ, trumpet, or saxophone as well as a guitar, depending on the song. Glen Scott played an electrified acoustic guitar while Vic Fusco played the bass. Finally my friend and former coworker, Nick Miceli was masterful on drums. And, they all sang; boy could they sing!

The harmonies were phenomenal, no matter the song, or the style. It was, at least on Saturday, mostly classic 60’s and some 70’s rock and roll. They covered songs by

Cover of Badfinger

Randy Bachman, Guess Who, early Bee Gees, The Stones, The Turtles, The Beatles and even Badfinger. No disco, no 80’s or 90’s here, but, The Thunderbirds, Neil Diamond and Elvis were right there in the mix, along with Chuck Berry and The Eagles!

There are many guys and gals who get together to enjoy a passion for music and try to play it well all throughout this land of ours. Many will never be recognized but trust me, they are out there and are as talented as “Joseph and Friends”. Like these guys, most will play from their heart knowing they will not have that shot at the brass ring.

As with anyone with a deep passion to share their soul reaching abilities with even one person, let alone a bar full of music lovers, it all started in the garage or the basement. Then to take it to a stage at a local pub, in Springfield, Milford or here on Long Island, it is the fulfillment of a life-long dream.

Thank you Friends, for at least reaching this soul and giving those in attendance a reason to smile, to stay and enjoy the gift you have that you shared so willingly, for a

couple of hundred dollars and a cheeseburger. It was well worth the time spent until 1AM Sunday.

You and your music inspired me to stay out later than I have in several years. Thank you for touching something in me to share your gift, and the gifts of others like you with so many like me.

Continue to play like your cut of the gate is in the millions, you certainly sound like you do!