Bios Kelly Curran Vocals/Keyboards Roots: I’m a true Washingtonian, having been raised originally on the rainy peninsula in Long Beach, WA, my family returned to the Eastside in 1986. Though my musical endeavors and other artistic passions have led me coast to coast and quite literally, around the world to Tokyo, Japan, home is where the heart is. I currently reside in Bellevue with my darling husband Steve, and my two adorable children, Zach and Natalie. Music Background: I come from the classical realm of music. Growing up watching all the old Broadway musicals and playing piano since age 5, music was embedded in my soul. I was awarded a music scholarship to Florida State University School of Music, one of the top three most esteemed vocal institutions in the country. There I pursued classical music and opera. Though a music education benefited me immensely, I found myself lacking the freedom of artistic expression. I became so learn-ed in music that I lost touch with how to feel music. I decided to cross over to the other side: the pop world. Thus after graduation, my zeal led me to Los Angeles, where I had the honor of playing with such world-renowned musicians as Harvey Mason, Freddie “Boom-Boom” Washington and Jeffrey Osborne. I began studying under the industry’s top teachers and though my love of performance led me to L.A., my love and devotion to family led me back to Seattle. I began teaching voice in 2001, and continue to teach in Bellevue. My students can be heard in professional productions at the Fifth Ave, Village Theater, Renton Civic Opera, and local Seattle bands. Interests/Influences: Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, CeCe Winans, Whitney Houston - a little from every decade! In My CD Player: Guns N’Roses, Tim McGraw, CeCe Winans and I’m embarrassed to admit it: Celine Dion. Hobbies: Spending time with my husband and kids, music!, eating, reading, watching Seinfeld, home improvement projects. Kevin Williams Vocals Roots: I am originally from Glendale, CA, but moved to the Seattle area with my family in 1979. The East Side has been my home ever since. I graduated from Bellevue Christian High School in 1984. Music Background: From early church through Jr. High and High School, I always enjoyed singing in the choirs as well as acting in the drama prudctions, such as Shakespeare's "A Comedy of Errors" and the Bellevue school's production of "The Sound of Music" performed at Bellevue Community College. Participating in the choir programs is where the basics of singing harmonies took root in me. In addition to Anything But Hip, I am also singing with classic rock band, "Trilogy". Interests/Influences: The most important musical influence on me growing up was my father. He is now almost 80 years old and still has the most beautiful tenor voice I've ever heard. Additionally, I have been influenced by the following artists: Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Moody Blues, Styx, Neil Young, George Thorogood, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. In My CD Player: All the songs we are performing for Anything But Hip and Trilogy! Hobbies: Camping and fishing in Eastern Washington. Sam Castillo Guitar/Keyboards/Vocals Roots: I was born and raised in the Land of Enchantment: Albuquerque, New Mexico. I completed my college education at the University of New Mexico and promptly moved to Oregon to get my dental degree from the U. of O. School of Dentistry, which I completed in 1978. I moved to Redmond, WA and have been a dentist in the city of Duvall ever since. I have two grown children and a lovely wife. Music Background: I have been playing music since 8th grade which was a long time ago. I have played in numerous bands since then, primarily in the Albuquerque area. I recorded a 45 RPM in the 70's, which was distributed through Gremlin Records and was fairly successful. Interests/Influences: Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton and The Commitments. In My CD Player: Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Bob Seger, Paul Simon, Big Head Todd and the Monsters and of course the newest CD by Anything But Hip. Hobbies: Golfing, boating, going to concerts, traveling and making wine. Look out for an ABH Cabernet or Lemberger wine in the near future! Neil Mintz Guitar/Background Vocals Roots: I was born and raised in New Jersey and briefly lived in Chicago, IL and Brooklyn, NY before moving to the Seattle area in October of 1997. Music Background: I started with trumpet when I was 10, but that only lasted 1 year. Then I picked up my first guitar when I was 12 and have played it on and off ever since. My most recent foray back into guitar playing started about 1999. Interests/Influences: Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King. In My CD Player: Van Morrison, Los Lonely Boys, Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia, Donavon Frankenreiter, String Cheese Incident, Animal Liberation Orchestra, Tea Leaf Green, Assembly of Dust, Strangefolk, Addison Groove Project. Hobbies: Other than playing and listening to music and running the marketing machine that is Anything But Hip, I enjoy golf, skiing and snowshoeing. I am a fanatical sports fan, enjoy fine wine and dining, and with the time that's left, keep an eye on the local music scene in bars and clubs around the Seattle area. Tony Monte Calvo Trumpet/Keyboards Roots: I am originally from Portland, Oregon and moved to the Seattle area in 1969. Music Background: I started playing piano at the age of 5 and trumpet at 10. I played trumpet all through school and beelined it to LA when I was 19 to study with an NBC studio trumpet player by the name of Claude Gordon for 5 years while playing in several jazz & horn bands. I then got away from music for quite a few years up until 7 years ago when, believe it or not, I had my first HIP REPLACEMENT. I have since had a total of 3 hip replacements and have spent the last couple of years in search of a band that would prove to be a good fit. I think I'm there... Interests/Influences: Tower Of Power, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson and Jimmy Smith. In My CD Player: Bobby Shew, Santana and Jimmy Smith. Hobbies: Music, Music and more Music. Glen Leff Saxophone Roots: A Bothell boy from the beginning, I have lived only in the Seattle area. My wife Kristin, daughter Emma and I now reside in, of course, Bothell. Music Background: I have been playing sax from the 5th grade through college and with the church orchestra. Interests/Influences: Sax Influence: Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn, Stanley Turentine, Branford Marsalis, Gerry Mulligan, Joshua Redman and James Carter. Other: Brian McKnight, Four Play, James Brown, Sting, Pearl Jam, and of course, Metallica In My CD Player: ST7, Boney James, LSG, Santana, Dr. Dre/Snoop Dog and Audioslave. Hobbies: Sax restoration and mountain biking. Darryl Jackson Bass Guitar/Background Vocals Roots: Originally from Sacramento, CA, I grew up in Las Vegas, NV and spent most of my life there. I left the desert of Las Vegas in the early 70’s, bound for other parts of the county through the years, finally making Seattle my home in 2001. I live in Renton and love the south sound area. Music Background: I have been involved in the music industry as a semi-professional for over 35 years. I started my first band when I was 16 playing guitar and expanding my talents to electronic keyboards. In my early 20’s, I toured the Midwest club circuits playing Keyboards with many Rock and Show bands through the years. Then I decided to study Bass Guitar in 1980 while continuing with my Keyboard studies. I have been playing Bass Guitar and playing and performing with numerous Rock and Jazz bands for the past 20 years. Interests/Influences: Great Bassists like: Stanley Clark, Victor Wooten, Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Chris Squire, Getty Lee, Ray Brown, Christian McBride, Jimmy Haslip, Jaco Pastorious, Kim Stone, Anthony Jackson and others in contemporary Jazz and Rock genres. In My CD Player: Various artists within many genres of music of Jazz, R&B, Rock, Classical, progressive, cultural and obscure music that no one has heard of. Hobbies: Performing and playing music is my number one serious hobby. I enjoy composing, recording and producing my own music. Other hobbies include riding my motorcycle to events and outings, cooking, fine dining, wine tasting, writing short stories and reading philosophy and the study of time concepts and theories. Website: http://home.comcast.net/~jacksond1/ John Condon Drums Roots: I was born and raised in the Seattle area and currently live in Edmonds. I own and operate a construction company when not keeping time for ABH. Music Background: I started playing music professionally at the age of 18 and have been a member of several bands since that time. I have played everything from country to metal, gospel to originals. My passion is still good ol' rock and roll, and that will never change. Interests/Influences: Ian Paice, Don Brewer, Billy Cobham, Neil Peart and Gary Peterson (to name a few). In My CD Player: Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Beatles, The Guess Who, Robin Trower and Grand Funk Railroad. Hobbies: Playing rock and roll, sports and all outdoor adventures.