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We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to live in such a time and place where the music was Simple, Heartfelt and Timeless. Thank You Rock N' Roll!
The Best Dancin' Music! The Band Vic Rochkus "The Blues Doctor!"
Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Lead Blues Singer extraordinaire & backing vocals Vic's RicoQuinn Blues/Rock Cuts This Friday! Friday, August 27th,
9:00PM to 1:00AM 13415 S. Ridgeland, Palos Heights Il. We Love the Bluestone Baby!
Out Guests at at RidgeFest 2010 Glenn Os, Harmonica Bill Harr, Stephanie Q and Ritchie Z and "Carlos" Carl! Thank You All!
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 The Band Johnny Thier "Johnny Thunder"
Bass, Lead and Backing Vocals. Sound/Recording Engineer 10' RidgeFestPic's The Band Ken Januszyk
Keyboards, Lead and Backing Vocals
Rico's friend,Richie Z!
Thanks to Web Master Wayne Rudnick for all his hard work! \ |
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| Our Bio's! |
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| Read up on the Lads of RicoQuinn! | |
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I am so grateful to have had the chance to live in such a Time & Place where the Music was Simple, Heartfelt and Timeless. Thank you Rock N' Roll!
"I get
off on 57' Chevy's,
The Bruce
The Early Years!!
The Friction Era
Rico is a fanatical Angus Young and Kieth Richards fan! Just ask him when you have an extra couple of hours! |
At birth, Rico was given the Irish (Gaeilge) Gaelic name of Conradh (poor kid) by his mom. He always went by Bruce because no one could pronounce Conradh. (Kon-Ra!) Ar Aghaidh Linn Le Cheile!”
(Let Us Go Forward Together He was born and raised on Chicago's West Side to Irish/Filipino parents and came into this world with a Fender Strat under one arm and Highland Bagpipes under the other. Bruce, who plays seven different instruments, started playing lead guitar professionally at the ripe old age of 13 with the Chicago rock group "The Shy Lads". RicoQuinn's own Ken Januszyk was the lead singer/keyboard guru and Tommy "Rooster" Cline was the drummer. Bruce actually played in 3 or 4 garage bands before this but doesn't even remember the names. How convenient! In 1969, all three went on to form the eight piece R&B group, "Friction". Quoting The Bruce "It sure seemed like a good idea at the time!". After a few years, many gigs, road trips and recording sessions, they went back to their Rock N' Roll roots and reformed The Shy Lads. In 2003, Following his musical dream, he became a founding member of the Irish Rock power trio, "Bluestack", performing all over the United States for three years as piper, guitar, bodhran, and bass player. Regrettably the band broke up in 2006 but the best was yet to come! In September of 2006, he finally formed the group he always wanted, RicoQuinn. After completing 28 years as a career Police Officer he retired from his position as Police Commander of Field Operations with the Cook County Forest Preserve Police and went into politics. Bruce is currently Village Trustee for the Village of Chicago Ridge. He is also currently the Pipe Major/Music Director for The Pipes And Drums Of The Emerald Society, Chicago Police Pipe Band. Bruce is one of Chicago's top Blues/Rock Guitar Players. His vast experience in and out of recording studios and his familiarity with all styles of music has made him one of Chicago's most sought after Session Guitarist, Piper, Boudhron drummer and Bass Player. He can do it all! His musical career to date has provided him with many unforgettable moments. He has performed in concert with Doc Severinson, piped Jay Leno on stage for the “Tonight Show”, piped for Hillary and Bill Clinton at Hillary's birthday party, piped for President Jimmy Carter and lead the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society on stage at Carnegie Hall receiving a standing ovation. He has served as the Midnight Piper at the National Police Memorial in Washington D.C. and as Piper for the Irish Memorial organization, An Gorta Mor. A true musician, he has penned many concert arrangements for pipe band performances. He also performed for 85,000 people at the opening ceremony for Special Olympics in Dublin, Ireland and piped at Arlington National Cemetery for slain Police Officers Gibson and Chestnut . His most treasured and honored memory was playing Amazing Grace at Ground Zero at the one year Memorial of 911. Bruce and his lovely wife Dawn have two daughters, Stephanie and Ryan. Dawn says "Keep Rockin' Rico!"
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 Johnny Thunder!
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The “Instrument” turned out to be the Electric Guitar. Johnny, who is an outstanding self taught guitar player, also plays the drums, bass and mandolin. He has earned his place as a much in demand Celtic and Bluegrass session musician. Johnny's musical journey began in 1985 when he started playing mandolin and guitar in the proverbial “Bluegrass Band”. What followed next was a true direction turn back to the Mother Music. He joined with friends Roger and Don to form the Blues/Rock group “Blues For Ziffel”. Johnny was now a “Singer in a Rock N’ Roll Band”. Home at last, Home at last! Currently he has a full musical plate on the table. In addition to RicoQuinn, he also works with the popular Celtic band “NATCHEZ AVENUE” and the well established Bluegrass groups “FORESTVIEW EXPRESS” and “JUST OVER YONDER”. His musical talents really shine here because he plays guitar, mandolin, drums and bass but not all at the same time. He's working on that! As a side note, we nick-named him "Johnny Thunder" We like it!
For the TRUE story on how
Johnny first met
Rico check out
"RICOISMS!" |
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Rooster Is Back!
This is a "young" Tommy Cline practicing in some unknown forest a long time ago!
Is this Tommy's new set?!?!? Will Dr. Ramon be retained as Tommy's drum tech?!?
Stay tuned for the very true story of how Tommy got trapped behind a Vox Super Beatle, a Selmer saxaphone and a Fender Bassman amp for a full 3 hour gig. Names will be named!!
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Welcome Tommy Cline! Percussionist from two legendary Chicago bands THE SHY LADS and FRICTION!
So it began! (begins? Begun?) Tommy Cline began his musical journey in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was the “Redheaded Irish kid” on the Polish block living directly across the street from RicoQuinn’s own Ken Januszyk. Enter the “MAS” from stage left Eddie Maslowski also lived across the street from Tommy and played drums. This sparked an interest in the young budding musician. While in 3rd grade, Tommy got a paper route and begged his parents for drum lessons. Instead he was sent for accordion lessons on a brand spankin’ new "Red and White Squeeze Box” which really impressed the Polish neighbors. Forsooth Tommy, Forsooth!
Good advice from Mom “Save your money for a rainy day!”’ Tommy’s goal in life was to emulate the drummers on the 45RPM records that he listened too. WLS AM radio was on constantly. Except for a brief period when Tommy and his young buddies would try to meet "chicks" on the WLS “BEEP LINE”, it was Rock N‘ Roll that came first! Soon the accordion was relegated to a corner in the attic. Tommy drowned his sorrows over not “banging on D’ drum all day” with chocolate, magic tricks and comic books. While in seventh grade, a local bully forced him to “Smoke and Choke” on several Lucky Strikes. As chocolate cravings diminished, garbage cans and/or anything available were thumped on more and more. Nicotine and Rock N’ Roll coolness took rise and The Drummin’ Plot was Afoot! Tommy’s vocabulary increased by six words overnight: Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich & Louie Bellison!
Loud Drummers and Pirates. Oh my BuckenEars! Overcoming his “Cheap” gene ,Tommy decided to spend most of his saved paper-route money on a set of drums at Carnavale’s Music Store. (This is the same place where Rico bought his first guitar) For 800 smackeroo’s, he bought a LUDWIG silver sparkle drum kit with ZILDGIAN cymbals. Puurrttyy! But true to his “cheap Gene”, he still uses the same set today with RicoQuinn.
Almost got Maslowski'd! Tommy set up his new drums in the attic and when not delivering papers, played his 45 collection (LOUDLY) trying to copy the drum beatings of true Rock N‘ Roll percussionists. Tommy was playing "Loud and Proud" with windows wide open. The neighbors hated it, especially Eddie Maslowski, who was now trying to study math in college! Urban legend has it that MAS had some heated, "Stop Bangin' On Those Cans!" conversations" with Lil' Tommy!
Oh Tommy Boy, The Drums, the Drums are calling! Tommy went to De La Salle H.S. and hung out with Ken and Rico who were going to St. Rita H.S. Both of the future Rico guys were in a band called THE SHY LADS playing all over Chicagoland. Tommy started going on jobs with them in the mid 60's to help manage (to get in free) and carry equipment. It was at this time he made a life changing discovery: Bartenders gave booze to the band regardless of their age! Tommy was now a full fledged drummer-in-training and Roadie to boot! Fate was heading towards “Tommy the Drummer” and he didn’t even know it.
Tommy’s ticket to “The BIG’s!” In 1967 THE SHY LADS lost their drummer Wayne who was leaving for college. Tommy was the logical replacement since he knew all the songs and had built a strong back from lugging all THE SHY LADS equipment over the years! (Tommy was seen passing out white envelopes at practice. Oh, the Chicago way!) Two strong brotherhoods were being formed. First, Tommy joining the Chicago Police Department as a 18 year old Police Cadet. (later to become a career Police Officer along with Ken who was already on the job) The second was a musical brotherhood starting with THE SHY LADS, then the legendary “Rush Street” R&B group FRICTION and finally with RicoQuinn.
Family Man, Cop, Musician, Magic Clown and Author Tommy married the love of his life Sandi and together had seven kids, one of each! You couldn’t throw a rock in the school yard without someone yelling; "You almost hit one of the Cline kids!“ He perfected his interest in magic, clowning and entertaining as “Rooster T. Magic Clown” to help pay for tuition. Returning to school as a 48 year old student, he completed his BA and earned an MBA and a MAP.
Now for the author part! Tommy penned a side splitting, must read book based on his 40 year experience as a Chicago Police Officer. Coptales Volume 1 "Never Spit in a Man’s Face...Unless His Mustache is on Fire" available at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Cop+Tales%2C+Never+spit&x=17&y=19
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Please tell me that Gibson ES335 was put away safe in a humidified secure place somewhere!
Dr. Vic on stage keeping the BLUES alive!
You thought Rico's got a guitar collection?!?
Vic and his old friend Kevin Cronin. Vic and Kevin used to hang together at the old ALI'S COFFEE HOUSE during the early 70's before the REO Speedwagon
days, many, many years ago!!
Vic with his pal
and jazz guitar great, Nick Colione.
Quote The Vic! "I like to play guitar and sing a lot of different styles of music. That's always been a big part of my life. It is what makes me happy and keeps me content. To me music is the ultimate form of self expression. That's not likely to change for me nor would I want it to. Next I like the outdoors. Being in the beauty and vastness of it puts everything else in perspective for me. It is so very inspiring. It's like being a note in a song that another artist wrote. When I get to put that all together with doing a little fishing now and then I am as happy as I could hope to be!" "Playing Classic Rock/Blues and Funk is fun. That's what I'm doing with RicoQuinn in and around the Chicago area. I like to listen to just about any style of music and the songs I have written so far have crossed over into various types and styles. As a result, I have no plan of direction with my music--I've never had one! Whether that's a good or a bad thing I don't really care. For me in music only one rule applies---"If it sounds good and feels good--PLAY IT!" "All musicians successful or not who are real and know that it's not about the celebrity and the bling. It's about how you can make others feel with your music. " |
We proudly welcome our friend, Blues/Rock singer and Guitar Slinger, Dr. Vic Rochkus "The Blues Doctor!"
This guy ROCKS!
What a year that 1960! Rock N’ Roll was still reelin’ from the deaths of Holly, Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3, of 59’ Eddie Cochran died at 21 in a car crash while the Ventures were creating “Surf Rock” with Walk Don’t Run. The King was discharged from the Army and 7 year old Victor Rochkus got his first guitar! Who would ever think that this connoisseur of fine vintage guitars would start out on a 1960 Sears acoustic Silvertone. Yikes Vic! A self taught musician, Vic concentrated his playing chops on Blues, Rock N’ Roll, Blues, Pop top ten and did I mention Blues? This would not only form his playing and singing style ala B.B. King and Clapton but also give him an opportunity for teaching and studio recording work. The Terry Kath era
January 31st 1946 ~ January 23rd 1978 The Guitar Blazer from Chicago Transit Authority played an important role in Vic’s solo guitar development. You can hear and feel the Kath influence in Vic's Blues/Rock scorching solo's! Vic's view on Kath was even though Hendrix was great, he could not match the speed and accurately produced scale runs of Terry's blazing guitar work. He mixed blues, jazz and rock riffs throughout his playing. After hearing Kath in 1968 at the Whisky A Go-Go in Los Angeles, Hendrix told C.T.A. saxophone player Walter Parazaider "Your guitar player is better than me!" Vic agree's! Getting Quintos'd! Vic and Rico met and formed a life long friendship while hanging around, teaching, selling and soft shoeing at the infamous Carnavale’s Music Store on 63rd St. in Chicago. Rico was playing with The Shy Lads and Vic was playing with “The Screaming Silence” Band.
The late 60’s and early 70’s put Vic in many Chicago based bands and gave him the opportunity to tour the world opening up for the likes of Steppenwolf, The Spencer Davis Group, The Cryan’ Shames, The Ides of March, Buddy Guy (Vic’s friend) and Three Dog Night just to name a few! Enter the "GENO MARTINO"!
In 1971, Vic worked with Rico’s friend and guitar virtuoso, Gene “GENO MARTINO” Strentz in the popular rock band Crossfire. (We have it on good authority that Geno is the only guitar player that Rico is in awe of!?! But can he dance? Can he play pipes? Can he climb trees and crack coconuts while he's drunk? I think not! (Maybe it's the hair!) All three Guitar Slingers are still very good friends to this day and can be found at Geno's PLAYERS Music Store in Worth Il. still talkin' AXE SLINGIN'! In 2004 Vic met PoPo (Police) drummer Bob Park and joined the popular Coppersnake band. Currently, besides working and partying with RicoQuinn, Vic is the General Manager, Studio guitarist/Vocalist for Horse Drawn Productions recording studio in Berwyn Il. where by the way, RicoQuinn records. Ah Cook County. Ya got to love it! Welcome my friend. Now let's Rock till we Drop because "Rock N' Roll is here to stay, it will never die!!"
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Ken
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At
St. Rita
H.S.,
he was introduced to the Hammond organ playing at daily
mass in order to pay for his tuition. While Ken learned to
sing in the school choir, he spent most of his time
playing the snare drum for their championship marching
band that played at an NFL championship game. When a
broken wrist prevented him from a competition, he played
the bass drum with a full arm cast and the band took 1st
place.
Aerie Crown Theater in McCormick Place.
On October 1, 2009, Ken was promoted to the rank of Pipe Sergeant. Congratulations!
Ken is now retired from the Chicago
Police Department .
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| Contact Us | |
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For Booking, Pricing & Information Contact RicoQuinn Management: Bruce "Rico" Quintos 708-642-9862 We make an excellent "Wedding Band" complete with DJ music during your cocktail hour and on our breaks! Need a Piper for a Wedding or Special Event? Contact: Pipe Major Bruce Quintos at 708 642-9862
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Our
Photo Album!
Look for New Video Footage and other Stuff! We are now playing Weddings and Corporate Events! |
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 This is Rico's "Vicious Doberman" Padraig. (pronounced pour-rig) He guards our practice area at RicoQuinn Productions! |
With our Friends Tim and Tadgh |
 Rico's long time friends all the way back to the Bluestack days,, Eileen and Dave. Proud members of the Fire Service! |
Johnny Chats it up with our friends George, Krissy and Liz at Tommy Nevin's! |
 From left to right, our friends Janice, Bill & Cheri & Lee & John join Dr. Vic, Irish Tommy and Johnny Thunder at T.J. Maloney's |
Our buddy Chris from Gilhooley's is the #1 bartender on the South Side! Ask him to make his famous "Rico Long Island Iced Tea"!! |
 Brothers Vic & Glenn from D/4 Reprieve join us on stage at Dugan's! |
 Rico's daughter Stephanie joins Glenn singing Mustang Sally! |
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Rico with his friends from Harold Melvin's Blue Notes. We were honored to perform for them at TJ Maloney's |
Rico and Vic with Larry, the drummer for Harold Melvin's Blue Notes |
 Our friends Tina and Ken with Rico at Gilhooley's. Thanks for all your support and for bringing Robby out! |
 This is Rico's buddy Eric. Proud CPD Southside Irish, fellow member of the Emerald Society and piper in training! |
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Char, Dan "Flames" and Al at Jenny's in Frankfort |
 Stephanie and Vic at Dugan's in Greek Town! |
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Tommy's son Zak sits in with RicoQuinn! "Whoa Man! I'm slip slidin' away!" |
Happy 21st Birthday Jenny! Dave, Rico and Dave's daughter Caitlin help her celebrate! |
 Rico's buddy Carl sits in with the Lads at Grove's! |
 You're welcome back anytime Carl! |
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Our friend Mike from Gillhooley's! |
Rico Doin' the SRV' "Thang" Then and Now! What's with that guitar strap? |
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Gary and Kate Watland with Tommy during one of our 'Short" breaks at Gilhooley's! |
 Rico and his lovely wife Dawn at the 2009 Chicago Ridge Fest! |
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Halloween at the Grove's!
Dr. Johno Death Thunder?!? |
Spooky October
2009!
Desi plays the bagpipes? Eye Carumba! |
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Ah, Well, Ah.......Yikes! |
From left top right we have Johnny Death, George the Easter Bunny, Krissy, Fr. Dan and Stephanie. You can't tell but Fr. Dan is wearing Lederhosen! |
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Tommy welcomes our friends Paula and Steve! |
Tommy "Rooster" Cline throws some fancy hoffin' dance moves on Rico's daughter Stephanie! |
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Tommy and our friend Debbie at Gilhooley's |
 Debbie's husband and guitar aficionado, Gary. Rico and Gary's favorite discussion is "Who really played the solo on Stairway Too Heaven? Page or Beck!" |
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A day at the office recording at Vic's studio, Horse Drawn Productions! |
 Vic and Rico doing some vocal tracks at Vic's studio, Horse Drawn Productions. Nice work if you can get it! |
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Vic can't quite put his finger on it but somehow his stage set up seems to be blocking something! |
 This Rooster guy is smooth talkin' with Pattie, Jenny & Caitlin! |
 Gabriel and Jackie admire the "Ugly Christmas Sweater" that won Rico's daughter Stephanie first prize at Bobby McGee's. GadZooks Girl! |
Rico's son-in-law Kyle and Stephanie |
 Clint Wagner and Danny Young on stage at the 2009 RidgeFest! |
Clint sans kilt and pipes just chillin' at Gilhooley's! |
 The famous Tommy Gillen with our friends Carmel, Fedelma, Tim and Loupe at Quigley's! |
Could this be the start of another new group!! Yikes!!! |
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"I never play a Les Paul!"
Michael "Shagnasty" singin' with RicoQuinn!
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Johnny and Rico need beards and sunglasses for that ZZ Top look! |
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Rico with Jay Leno on the Tonight Show |
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Rico & Johnny in their spare time! |
Vic and his old friend Kevin Cronin used to hang together at the old ALI'S COFFEE HOUSE during the early 70's before the REO Speedwagon days, many, many years ago!! |
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THE SHY LADS, June of 69'. 40 years ago! Jack Simon, Tommy, Rico, Ken, Gary Biscan and Lloyd Ottenstroer. Rest In Peace Gary |
Look for Rico to appear on their next CD with the song INTO THE FLAMES AGAIN!!
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 Rico's Police and Fire Motorcycle Club The Renegade Pigs Rico's the little guy in the middle row! |
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Bruce at Desmond's |
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 Steve took my Sash!
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Mike, Bruce, Brian and Kevin on stage at Ridge Fest 07' |
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A sad Little Rico holding his wine bottle in a paper bag in a Madison St. alley before he got his first guitar! |
The very young "SHY LADS" with Tommy on Drums and Ken on Keys!77 |
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The fun continues at Dugan's! |
 Vic and Johnny singing the Rightous Brothers, Lovin' Feelin'! |
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Ken and Tommy's son Andrew at the 09' Southside Irish Parade. Tell me this guy ain't ready to party! |
Johnny Thunder and JUST OVER YOUNDER. "Johnny, You Da Bomb!"
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With the "SHY LADS" Circa 1969 then 33 yrs. later at the RidgeFest! |
Who would think our own Tom Cody could find a new friend in Dublin with the same hat size! |
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Tommy, Ken and Rico's Rhythm N' Blues Band "Friction" Circa 1970 |
"A bunch a' Gull Durn' Hippies" It was the 70's! |
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Rico, Did you not check the mirror first? Tommy, your hair still looks RED even in black and white! |
A Very Young "Rico". Same hair!! |
 Bruce in concert with "Tonight Show" conductor Doc Severinsen |
 With Mr. Gerry Adams in Dublin "Tiocfaidh Ar La" Gerry. |
 Young "Rico Suave!" 1970? |
A very young Tommy and Rico with caterpillar's under their noses! |
 Rico hoggin' the stage and camera tryin' to look like Johnny in the picture to the right. |
 Johnny and "Harmonica" Bill Harr Jammin' at Grove's! |
 Bruce's Friend and Delta Blues Recording Artist Diamond Jim Greene Bruce recorded bagpipes and Boudhran on Jim's Album, "Snapshoots". Bruce's song "MacCuinn's Dawn" can be heard at the end of "Things About Coming My Way" |
Rico with daughters Ryan and Stephanie at Chicago Ridge Fest 09' |
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"How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" "Join a Pipe Band!" Sir Tom of Cody, 2003 |
Johnny playin' smooth Jazz at the Comoniwannalaya Club in Hawaii! (formerly Happy Harry's Hash House Bar and Grill) |
 Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society members Drum Sergeant Tony Baumann, Founding member Tom Cody and Pipe Major Bruce Quintos play Amazing Grace at Gold Star Memorial and Park, 2008. |
Emerald Society Brother's Bruce, Tony and Tom together again at the 2009 Gold Star Families Memorial |
 Microphone: $145 Case: $4.95 J Thunder Shirt: Priceless! |
Chris, our Director of Security and his crack back-up team, Griff and Elvis Chris quote: "Dudes, we're workin' here. Quit muggin' for the camera!" |
 Rico on stage At the Kerry Piper Irish Pub |
 Is this Young "Johnny Thunder" or "Dr. Vic" at an early "Gig"? Woo Hoo Johnny! |
 Boy Vic, I wish I could play like you! |
Brusaco?! |
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Give it up Tommy.
Rico Wants that shirt! AAAAUGH! He got me! Johnny, you're supposed to tell me when this stuff is happenin'! |
So many guitars, So little Time!
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Our friends Chris, Cousin Bill and Chris' better half, Pattie! |
Vic playin' the "Blues" with his former band COPPERSNAKE. |
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Johnny at RidgeFest 07' |
The famous Bobby Sullivan with Bruce at the Cleveland Police Memorial, May of 1993 Rest in Peace Bobby
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Yep, Still got the logo. Dang, got me again! AAARGH!!!! |
 "When their running ya' out of town, get at the head of the crowd and make it look like you're leading a PARADE!" Rico, 71' |
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Please use the links below to find out where
we're playing.
Check back often as we are booking new shows
everyday. |
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