THE SE ACABO BAND BIOGRAPHY COLLECTION

Billy Fitt – Lead Guitar

        Billy grew up in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania and found himself interested in music at a young age.  Now, a consummate professional, he sings and plays acoustic guitar as a soloist or as part of the Praise Band at New Life Baptist Church. Through the years Billy has performed with local groups, Dissolve, Mystic Realm, Alibi and spent many years as lead guitar for “Cool Ride”. A versatile musician, he can be seen playing flute, acoustic bass or even banjo. Billy’s performances have often been televised on WVIA and he has contributed his talents to recordings by Pamela Clark, Producer Nick Anthony and under his own name as well. He enjoys teaching private lessons and Since joining “SE ACABO”, has been a tireless source of energy and fun.

Buster Baldassari  -  Keyboards

        Buster started to play public appearances with his first Hammond B3 (purchased from a funeral home) in 1968. He played the Holiday Inn Circuit from Bangor Main to Savannah Georgia, all the time performing on a B3. Many times Buster has been heard playing his B3 with “local” acts such as “The Exact Change” or his previous 10 piece group “Nevada”. With “SE ACABO”, Busters’ motto “have B3 will travel” really does carry weight, the average B3 weighs in at roughly 300 pounds. What better way to feature the awesome sound of the Hammond than with the music of Carlos Santana 

Steve Corcoran - Bass

        Having received piano lessons at a young age, Steve began learning guitar at age11. He Studied with teaching greats Dewey Vasquez and Richard Megni. Steve, who considers himself  "primarily to be a blues guitarist" has been heard with the groups "Zootz", "Blue Sugar", "Silver Eagle Band", "Phoenix", "Roadhouse Rockets", "Cinder Brothers", "Prime Time", and "The Exact Change". Steves' endless drive for perfection in his own approach, as well as his humility makes him "THE" man to work with and when the Call went out to find a new bass player for SE ACABO Steve stepped into the role.  

Jim Clark - Drummer

        A lifetime learner who, while in college majored in music, drummer Jim Clark feels that his diverse performing career which has included performances with "the BBK's", "Aerial", "Lex Romaine Band", "East Coast", "Fire and Ice", "FlyBoys", "Which Doctor?", "Nevada", "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood", as well as numerous theatrical and musical productions, has always been energetic and exciting. His artful use of technique, speed and power have enabled him to compliment the sound of every musical situation and one can't but notice the sheer joy with which he performs. Jim feels fortunate to be able to play the music of Carlos Santana and welcomes everyone to experience the "energy and drive" of one of NEPAs top musical acts. 

Gary Franke – Vocalist

        Originally from Huntingdon Valley Pennsylvania, Gary has a long list of stage and vocal experience: He has performed at New York’s famous Copacabana, Dangerfields, also in New York and the PlayBoy Club. Gary’s stage credits include roles in University and Regional theater for such shows as “Kiss Me Kate”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Oklahoma”, “Camelot”, “the Fantastiks”, and more. He has performed on television and has appeared as Ned in “All My Children”. Gary also worked as a professional model doing both print and run-way work. As a resident of North-Eastern Pennsylvania, Gary can be found singing with jazz groups Or on the main stage during Scranton’s own “La Festa Italian” singing tunes made famous by members of the “Rat Pack”. Always a “team-player” Gary has been a welcome addition to SE ACABO.

Susan Lake – Vocalist

A freelance artist Who has worked with some of the finest musicians, it’s been reliably said, Susan started singing before she could talk; with a voice so full of passion and a dynamic stage presence, it’s no wonder that Susan has amassed quite a catalogue of live performances and studio credits. Leading her own group “Sooze & the Kidz” she, as emcee, lead vocalist, costume designer and choreographer, entertained audiences in Philadelphia, New York and Atlantic City; opening for such stellar acts as George Carlin, Sergio Mendez, Kevin James and Howie Mandel. She performed throughout the Pocono Resort region, with groups  "Something Else", "Jahil" Pink Floyd Tribute band, "Witch Doctor" Party Band, "Tony Costa Jazz Quartet”,  "Groove Unit" and more.

Susans’ list of recording experiences include work at Elm st. Studio, Big Zone Recording and Art Institute of Philadelphia, Voice-overs for comedian Big Daddy Graham, Vocals for “Angela Falco” new age recordings. She recorded vocals in Journey Productions “Musical Fashion Show”, for Films “Creed 1 & 2”. She acted in theater productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Tommy” and enjoyed playing “Mrs Claus” for Old City Santa also in Philadelphia Pa. 

Patrick J. Marcinko III  -  Stick-Percussion/Vocals, Music Director

        A Native of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Pat attended Marywood University where he earned his Music degree and gained his state teaching certificate. He attended summer courses at the Manhattan School of Music, KOSA Percussion camps, and attended clinics/master classes with many who are at the forefront of today's music. Pat studied jazz and Latin music/technique with such luminaries as Joe Morello, Jim Chapin, Robert Velez, Changuito. He has performed with musical groups: "The Exact Change", “Lone Duck”, “Tri-Tones”, "Clarence Spady",  Pat has contributed to various CDs, Videos, and DVDs and has been seen performing at the Delaware Water Gap Festival of the Arts, The Pocono Blues Fest, the Briggs Farm Blues Fest, Ohio Blues Fest, Burks Jazz Fest, and many times on television and radio. Pat is honored to be able to contribute to the "SE ACABO" experience and feels privileged to perform such outstanding music.

Richard “Rick” Statsman  -  Congas

        A percussionist specializing in “world-beat” styles, Rick received his formal education from the Berklee College of Music. He has been seen in the drummers’ seat for many “top” bands: “the Indigo Moon Brass Band”.  “Strawberry Jam”, “Big Daddy Dex & the Groove” and “The Godinez Brothers”. Always energetic and fun, Rick really adds a lot of “heat” to the sound of “SE ACABO”, and truly enjoys the challenge put forth by the music of Carlos Santana.