Meet the Band

 

Greg Crawford - Bass, Rhythm, Lead Guitar, Harmonica, Piano, Vocalist

First guitar at 10 years old and played country/western. Joined my first rock band at 13 years old. Formed a concert band named Tramp at 15 years old and wrote originals, cut 2-45’s, played concerts only. Performed with many famous artists like Alice Cooper, Bob Seger, etc. Studied music at WMU graduated in music and business management (education financed playing night clubs). Started a music publishing company and production company. Quit playing, married Sher and we raised 2 great kids who just graduated college. Decided to start playing again and came up with the idea of a Blues Brothers Tribute Band. Hit some dead ends along the way but have finally found the right personalities and great musicians. We call ourselves: Kalamazoo Avenue (a Rock, Rhythm and Blues Revue).

Blake Driver – Trombone, Trumpet, Guitar, Keyboard, Vocal

Blake Driver is the trombonist for Kalamazoo Avenue. He started playing horn in high school at the age of 11 as part of the school band. His experiences in school led him to his career as a public school band director. He’s performed with classical orchestras, jazz big bands, and chamber ensembles. He always thought it would be great to play in a rock group with horns like his favorite band Chicago, and now with Kalamazoo Avenue, that dream has become reality.

Terry Marlatt – Bass, Guitar, Flute, Vocals

In 1964 I was eighteen, I heard the Beatles that was it. I was hooked, (even though I had piano lessons when I was a kid, didn’t everybody?). I didn,t realize how much music was apart of me until I heard the Beatles. My first music gig was with a band at a club called the Diamond Club. I sang Twist and Shout twice a night for $50.00. After a few weeks my dad took an accordion on trade for a car at his lot, and I traded it in to a music store for a bass guitar and amp. My brother and I formed a band after the Club Diamonds ran out, and started playing in band battles all over Orlando, with teen clubs in between. In 1967 I joined a band from Washington D C. called A Bit Of Alright. My brother Craig joined us a couple of months later and we played up and down the east coast for the next for years in D C. Boston, Maine, Orlando and Virginia. In 1971 we broke up after having written probably 100 songs at least. In 1974 I played in a band with my cousin in Michigan for about a year. In the eighties I played in a few bands in Florida, but nothing very promising. I had a studio and recorded my own music for a few years. Played in a country band in Orlando Florida in the late eighties, in 1990 moved back to Michigan. Recorded music through the 90,s. Met Greg in May of 2005 = Kalamazoo Avenue. My top five bands are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Moody Blues, and Bubble Puppy. My code name is piderwebhead73. Thanks.

Sam Rastoskey - Drums, Harmonica, Guitar, Vocalist

(Sam is too modest to write a bio, so I’ve written it). I met Sam in my second band, (we were approx. 13 years old.). Since that time Sam and I have performed literally hundreds of gigs from fraternity parties to sharing a stage with Bob Seger and many other famous people. Our most serious band was Tramp, a concert band playing only original music. We cut 2 – 45’s that hit the top 10. We were the top billed band to packed auditoriums throughout the 60’s. Then tragedy struck our friend and fellow band mate. The band dissolved. Sam and I picked up a few years later doing the nightclub scene, top 40 and country music. We both quit playing had our families and now several years later are together again. Sam is a good drummer and probably the nicest person I’ve ever met. Sam’s friend, Greg.

Leonard Duke – (The Duke) Plays: guitar, bass, tuba, flute, trumpet and keyboard.

Extemely talented musician.  But his main instrument is trumpet, which he plays very well and his solos and adlibs are beautiful.

Phil Nager - Saxaphone (alto, tenor, soprano, bari) and tenor vocalist

 

but you should hear him wail on the clarinet. Started playing clarinet in elementary school. His musical experiances in the school music program led him to National Music Camp at Interlochen then on to Central Michigan University playing with both the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Has performed with classical orchestras, jazz big bands, chamber ensembles and community theater productions. He always thought it would be great to play in a blues group with a “good” horn section and now with The Kalamazoo Avenue Band, that dream has become a reality.

THE ZOO’S MOBILE – Plays all music, (primarily The Blues Brothers) and is a PA

Is availiable with The Kalamazoo Avenue Band for your venue, party or parade. Has a cop motor, cop shocks, cop engine, and The Zoo’s Brothers.