THE BAND
Montello North is a 2 to 8 piece band, harmony-driven with an acoustic soulful sound. Their original music is overflowing with fierce authenticity and a passion for storytelling, but somebody's gotta pay the bills.... Cover song selections span from 1920's jazz to today's hits with a unique take that makes the old feel new.
MUSICIANS
LISA HOGAN
// lead vocals, percussion
Lisa has been singing and writing all her years. She was born and raised listening to the life-changing records of Aretha Franklin, Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Prince, Beatles, Tracy Chapman, Whitney Houston... Later finding comfort in her teenage angst years, and then adulthood wearing out cassettes/cds of Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette, Dr Dre, Snoop, Pearl Jam... far too many to mention. Music is in Lisa's bones - It surrounds her. Writing and singing songs is when her spirit is at rest. Music makes all the moments that create the journey -worth- all the moments that create the journey. Oh, and she's a pretty badass egg-shaker, just sayin'.
NICOLE MARIE GARCIA
// vocals, guitar
Nicole has been a singer-songwriter guitarist for the past 30+ years. She grew up in a musical family heavily influenced by 80's rock and 70's easy listening/folk music. Early on, music became a source of expression and safety for her; the place she could go to express her experiences and feelings unapologetically to herself and others. Music became not just an act of making sounds but a way to journey her way through life. Nicole favors the music of the Roaring 20's, funky jams, and acoustic heartfelt tunes.
DAVE CLEMONS
// keyboards, synth, percussion, vocals
Dave has been a musician for three decades. Born into a family of musicians, he developed an ear for melody, harmony and rhythm very young, learning piano and later drums/percussion. Over the years, he has performed in settings ranging from classical and jazz, to ska and funk. Favorite artists include The Beatles, The Who, The Doors, Elton John, Billy Joel, Sam Cooke, Beck, The Wood Brothers, Sara Bareilles, Portugal. The Man, Mutemath, Snarky Puppy, Soulive, Noah Gundersen, Lake Street Dive, and The Lesson GK.
BRIAN CALLAHAN
// drums, vocals
Brian has been playing drums and percussion since 1995. He was greatly influenced by his teachers Marc Roscoe, Josh Herbeck, Rob Martin and Doug Kelley. Playing with countless bands and ensembles since 1996, he enjoys incorporating sounds from Latin to Funk, Jazz to Punk into one steady groove. He also enjoys playing guitar, piano and singing harmony.
JULIA ("JULES") L'ESPERANCE
// djembe, guitar, piano, vocals
Coming from a musical family and background, Julia began playing piano at age 7, and percussion at 14. She plays djembe with inspiration from her West African drumming group, and plays some guitar in her free time. Musical inspirations are Andrew McMahon, Mae, The Fray and her father, Joe L'Esperance. Julia enjoys making friendship bracelets, surfing and singing harmonies with Montello North.
ADDITIONAL PLAYERS
JASON VERHOOSKY
// guitar, banjo, percussion, vocals
Jason is a multi instrumentalist (guitar/banjo/percussion/vocals) with a love for a variety of music and an affinity for soulful vocals and a deep groove. Jason is active playing with their bands The Fancy Bassetts, The Birdstreet Ramblers, Nectar, as well as happily sitting in with friends projects. You can typically find Jason anywhere on the East Coast that has a good bluegrass jam, is dog friendly and good people congregate.
KYLE LEE SOUSA
// vocals, keyboards, guitar, harmonica
Kyle received a degree in music in 2007, but his passion for writing and performing began long before playing music as a teen. A multi-instrumentalist who has worked on a range of projects including gospel choir, jazz band, 8-piece funk band, garage bands, acoustic duos, and singer-songwriters, he draws from an ever-expanding list of genres and styles for influence and study. A fan of R&B, rock, soul, jazz, blues, electronic and pop, his melodically soulful performances connect with audiences on a deep level. His passion for music infuses his vocal and instrumental performances with infectious energy.
WILL LOMBARDELLI
// trombone
William "Friendship" Lombardelli is a bass trombonist, beatboxer and vocalist. Friendship has all ten fingers and toes. He loves to laugh, and he has played in varied genres from national Broadway tours to symphonic performances, and live looping hip-hop projects. He loves being involved with his familial friends in Montello North. High five!
