Old Friends Form New Local Band
In the early 80's Nelson Donald and Kevin Wood attended the University of Oneonta - Nelson studied theater and Wood received a degree in business economics and minored in music. Both played in local bands that entertained the students of SUNY Oneonta and the locals, all in the the "the birth years" of MTV Music Television - 1981 to 1985. Fast forward 30 years - where the two have rediscovered their love for that era of music by joining two other musicians to form the band, "Nelson and The Rock-A-Fellas." Wood and Nelson are joined with a rhythm section of similar story, Steve Miller(bass) and Neil Derisi(Drums)
We're all about the same age and all had a yearning to get back out on the scene and just play fun music in not so fun economic times. Nelson and the Rock-A-Fellas played their second gig ever, warming up the Aerosmith tribute band, RAG DOLL at Napper Tandy's in Miller Place on Sat. , Sep 22 before a large crowd of music lovers and friends. The band had played their first gig 2 weeks prior, being asked to join the original music band, LOFI3 in a debut of their new video for their song , "Sisters" the Velvet Lounge in East Setauket.
"I think it went real well, people really enjoyed the show, they kept saying how much they enjoyed our song choice and wanted us to bring more of those songs back", said Kevin Wood the band's lead guitarist and booking agent.
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Drummer Neil Derisi added: " the fellow musicians welcomed us graciously, gave us a strong sense of camaraderie and the event was a big happy party which spilled out to the audience.
The band played the music of the early MTV bands that really gave birth to that media. Songs from bands like: U2, THE POLICE, THE CLASH, DAVID BOWIE, THE RAMONES and more. "You get to a point in life where you want to relive some of what made you happy - and with music (unlike sports) that essentially can be at any point in your life, we are looking forward to collaborating with other bands and gaining new fans!" said the band's bass player Steve Miller of Miller Place.
The band will be playing local venues including Carmody's in Rocky Point on Oct 20th at 7pm. They are also available for private parties as well. You can follow the band online at: http://www.NelsonandtheRockAFellas.com
Nelson and the Rock-A-Fellas is: Nelson Donald(Vocals), Kevin Wood(Guitar), Steve Miller (Bass) , Neil Derisi (Drums)
