Johnny Vargo- Lead Guitar, Vocals
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Johnny grew up in Southern California. He started playing guitar at the age of five under the tutelage of his older brother, Michael. Johnny has been influenced by many differnt music genres. He started performing in high school as part of the Punk Rock and Ska scenes of the early 80s. He founded The Legion of Doom and Me and the Idiots during this period. Through his 20s Johnny became captivated by R&B music. He covered a lot of classic soul and funk during that period. This culminated with the formation of Johnny Vargo's Soul System. This fantastic 4 piece group also featured synth master Dread Neck. Through the years Johnny has been part of several projects. He has also done studio work for various local recording artists. In recent years he has led The Johnny Vargo Band with a mix of classic rock and soul. He combines blistering speed and soulfulness on guitar along with gritty vocals.
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George Mauro- Bass Guitar, Vocals
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George was born in NYC and at a young age was very interested in music. He explored Flute, Violin, Trumpet and Cello. In high school he fell in love with Rock and Roll and began learning the guitar and bass. George joined the orchestra and jazz band in college where he minored in music and majored in Television. He was the pit player for the musical theatre department and played just about everything with strings. It was in theatre he found he enjoyed singing and acting and held various roles in plays and musicals.
From high school on he has had several bands, including touring briefly with the 60’s band Classics IV. He worked in television as an editor/director and video producer his entire career. Music has and will always be the constant sanity in his life.
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Michelle Myers - Keys, Percussion, Flute, Vocals
Music has been a huge part of Michelle's life. She started piano and dance lessons at age 6, was active in church and school choirs as well as musical theater. She has played in, and directed handbell choirs for over 10 years. was in an all request/cover band for several years, and has played in various praise and worship bands. Michelle has been invited to record with various local musicians. She DJ’s and coordinates events on the side. Michelle also brings a variety of musical “toys” and sounds to add flair to the music. Her influences are musical theater and her dream would be to inspire, help and heal others through music. Michelle enjoys learning and playing all kinds of music and being a part of this amazing fun group.
Amanda Morden - Horns
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Originally from a small town near Montclair New Jersey, Amanda moved to the West coast to pursue her music career near the mountains. She graduated from Montclair State University with a Masters in Multiple Woodwind Performance in 2022, but has been doubling and building a collection of woodwinds since high school. Having a particular soft spot for world flutes, Amanda collects and performs with flutes of all kinds such as Irish Whistle and Indian Bansuri.
Amanda has played dozens of musicals from every genre building a diverse repertoire with everything from classical solo flute to rock and roll bari sax. They play with The Beatles cover band The Weeklings when they visit home on the East coast and are slowly building a catalog of performances near Portland, including playing oboe with the Portland Wind Symphony and playing reed 1 for Lakewood Theater’s production of Funny Girl.
Marcus- Drums, Percussion
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Grew up overseas in Japan where I took guitar lessons in 1965. Switched to drums in 1966. Moved to California in 1970. Joined junior high and high school marching band and orchestra. Learned trombone as a high school freshman because the percussion section was 'led. Played in the orchestra for the Sweetwater High School District Summer Musical until I graduated in 1974.
Attended San Diego State University as a music major. Played in various cover bands around the San Diego County area in the 80s and 90s. Had an opportunity to play with Jake Williams in his Teaser band for 4 years. Jake later joined Ozzy Osborn’s band to replace Randy Rhoads after his untimely death.
Moved to the Temecula/Menifee area in 2014 and played with several group in the San Diego North County Area until moving to Gresham in 2022. Currently playing with the Big Dave band, Ron Stephen’s Sleeper band and Will E Black and Blackstone in addition to the Studio 99 band
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