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original members of the "Shy Lads" are back together!!
Featuring Our Friend Johnny Thier! Party Dance Rock! The Best of The 60's, 70's & 80's
UPCOMING SHOWS!! Friday, July 17th! 9:00pm to 12:30am
Thanks to Web Master Wayne Rudnick for all his hard work!
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The Band Ken Januszyk Keyboards, Lead and Backing Vocals
Tommy Cline Drums, Percussion, and Director of Our Complaint Department!
Check for new video footage in our Pictures and About Us sections!
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| Read up on the Lads of RicoQuinn! | |
 The Bruce
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At birth, Rico was given the Irish Gaelic name of Conradh (poor kid) by his mom. He always went by Bruce because no one could pronounce it or spell it! He was born of 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 and keyboard guru and Tommy Cline was the drummer) and also a little later with the eight piece R&B group, "Friction". 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. Following his musical dream, he worked with the Irish group "Bluestack" for three years as their piper, guitar, bodhran, and bass player. In September of 2006, he finally formed the group he always wanted, RicoQuinn. He is currently the Pipe Major/Music Director for The Pipes And Drums Of The Emerald Society, Chicago Police Pipe Band. Bruce's 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, Bruce 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!"
1969 |
 Johnny
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John "J.T." Thier, Our singin' bass player, is known as the “Quiet Man” of the group. He was born and raised on the South- Side of Chicago with memories of listening to the old WLS radio station when they still played Rock N’ Roll. He remembers not being exactly sure what instrument he was listening too but knew he wanted to play it. 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. J.T. 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. Johnny joined with friends Roger and Don to form the Blues/Rock group “Blues For Ziffel”. J.T. was now a “Singer in a Rock N’ Roll Band” Home at last, Home at last! Currently J.T. 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! |
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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.
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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!! |
Welcome Tommy Cline! Percussionist from two legendary Chicago band's THE SHY LADS and FRICTION!
So it began! 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 girls 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 till 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. In the mid 60’s, Tommy started going on jobs with them 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 |
| Contact Us | |
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For Booking, Pricing & Information Contact RicoQuinn Management: Bruce "Rico" Quintos 708-642-9862
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! |
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 This is Padraig, the Vicious Doberman who guards our practice area at RicoQuinn Productions! |
With our Friends Tim and Tadgh |
  Rico Doin' the SRV' "Thang" Then and Now! What's with that guitar strap? |
 Our friends Chris, Cousin Bill and Chris' better half, Pattie! |
 Tommy is welcomed by our friends Glenn, George and Krissy, our own Johnny Thunder and Debbie! |
Our friend Bill Harr at The Rhino Bar!
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Ken sings the "Righteous Brothers"
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Ken, always thinking ahead, has his escape route ready in case J.T. screws up the harmony parts |
 Tommy welcomes our friends Eileen and Dave to Gilhooley's |
 Emerald Society piper Clint Wagner stops in at Gilhooley's for a cold one! |
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Our friend Chuck tells Debbie, George and Chrissy that he's gonna go up on stage and "Tickle the Ivory's!" |
"And now for your listening and dancing pleasure, Direct from Las Vegas, one of our favorites, I hope he's one of yours!" |
 Liz congratulates brother Chuck on a stellar performance! |
 Rico's daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Kyle |
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Tommy ROCKS at TC's Pub. Johnny, where's your shorts dude! |
Tommy and our friend Debbie at Gilhooly's |
 Our friends Jackie and Arturo |
 Could this be the start of another new group!! Yikes!!! |
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Johnny singin' the Blues! |
Johnny and Rico need beards and sunglasses for that ZZ Top look! |
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Rico with Jay Leno on the Tonight Show |
Pinky Ring Gang! |
 Can you spot Ken at St. Jude's? |
 How About Now! |
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One more time! |
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 Rico in his spare time! |
 Johnny Thunder in his spare time! |
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Ken and Johnny at RidgeFest 08
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Playin' to a full house at Grove's! |
 Ken celebrates after getting his very own Rico Shirt! |
Johnny Workin' it at Ridge Fest! |
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THE SHY LADS, June of 69'. 40 years ago! Jack Simon, Tommy, Rico, Ken, Gary Biscan and Lloyd Ottenstroer |
Look for Rico to appear on their next CD with the song INTO THE FLAMES AGAN!!
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 Rico's Police and Fire Motorcycle Club The Renegade Pigs |
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Some Brothers from different Mothers! |
 Bruce at Desmond's |
 Steve took my Sash!
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Mike, Bruce, Brian and Kevin on stage at Ridge Fest 07' |
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Michael "Shagnasty" singin' with RicoQuinn! |
Rico's inspiration, James Burton with Ricky Nelson |
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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! |
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Johnny singin' Slowhand's CROSSROADS! |
Ken at Bourbon Street |
 Rooster and Johnny Thunder battle over who the real "RICO" is! |
 "For the last time Thunder, loose the banner. It ain't funny!!" |
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Words fail us.....
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 Rico and his son-in-law Kyle |
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With the "SHY LADS" Circa 1969 |
38 Years later on stage at the Ridgefest! |
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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 with "Tonight Show" conductor Doc Severinsen |
 With Mr. Gerry Adams in Dublin "Tiocfaidh Ar La" Gerry. |
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Johnny Thunder and JUST OVER YOUNDER. "Johnny, You Da Bomb!" |
 What's with the Les Paul? |
 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" |
Our First Poster! |
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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) |
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Who would think our own Tom Cody could find a new friend in Dublin with the same hat size! |
Now this is an interesting picture taken at Desmond's. Bruce is watching in-coming DARTS aimed at the dart board! |
 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. |
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 |
 Young "Johnny Thunder" at an early "Gig" Woo Hoo Johnny! |
 Boy Rico, I wish I could play like you! |
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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'! |
Grove's Sports Bar & Grill, 8:30AM, Sunday Morning! Seriously! 8:30AM!!
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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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 Microphone: $145 Case: $4.95 "J. Thunder" shirt: Priceless! |
 Ken at Desmond's for the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run fundraiser! |
 "I never use my Les Paul!" Ya right! |
 Ken at RidgeFest 08 |
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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' |
| Our Schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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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