Mike Lacki – Keyboards, Vocals, Songwriter, Arranger, Band Leader
After performing in local Buffalo Rock Clubs, and years of touring in the late ’70’s, Mike came home and formed the original JOYRYDE band in the Fall of 1981. The group quickly gained popularity, and Mike earned Top Keyboardist awards in1985, 1986 & 1999 performing Rock, Blues, Pop, Country, or Jazz. Personal musical highlights include co-producing, writing & performing on the JOYRYDE CD “AT LAST”, recording sessions with regional artists, piano engagements at New York City’s Rainbow Room, and receiving the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame induction for JOYRYDE in 2004.
Dick Bauerle – Guitar, vocals
A 20 year member of JOYRYDE, Dick played his first gig at age 14. Through the years, he has performed in many successful WNY bands & also enjoyed a lengthy career as a session guitarist, producer, & arranger at Select Sound Studios. Two of his solo recordings under the name Dick Bauerle Group (DBG) were released internationally on the MCA & Atlantic Jazz labels, with the latter recording reaching as high as #5 on many Smooth Jazz Charts. The music from both recordings were also used frequently on the syndicated show “Entertainment Tonight”. He also co-Produced two songs on Gloria Loring’s hit “Friends and Lovers” CD & and excerpt of one of his original compositions can be heard in the Mel Brooks movie “Spaceballs”. Dick is also a member of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.
Steve Truisi – Bass, vocals
Steve is a longtime veteran of the WNY music scene, joining JOYRYDE in 2014. His versatility with Rock, Blues, Pop, Country has established a solid following among fellow local musicians. Steve spent his early years touring and now entertains WNY audiences or performing on local recording sessions.
Al Hury – Drums, vocals
Originally joining JOYRYDE in 1999, “Everyone knows” Al Hury is back after a few years away to complete a music degree & some freelancing with some of Buffalo’s top musicians. Al has performed on commercials & many recording sessions throughout his long career that began as a child. Al was voted “Top Blues Drummer” in 1997, 2000, 2001, & 2002. Currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Music Awards, Al was voted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
DeeAnn Tompkins – Vocals
JOYRYDE welcomes it’s newest member vocalist DeeAnn Tompkins, a local favorite, who has been entertaining Western New Yorkers for over 20 years. DeeAnn’s smooth romantic vocals have graced small clubs to large big band venues. Her versatility reaches blues fans, jazz and country audiences as well as church worship services. DeeAnn was twice voted “Best Female Vocalist” in the Buffalo Music Awards, and has opened shows for major artists such as George Jones. One of her favorite past times is singing with her father, Frank DiMeo, a well respected jazz singer in his own right.
“Tompkins is a powerhouse, a sultry and soulful vocalist with a beautiful tone” Jeff Miers Buffalo News Pop Music Critic.
Paul Wos – Hitmen Horns
Paul Wos – Trumpet born in Tonawanda currently living in Niagara Falls N.Y has played trumpet for most of his life and currently has been with The Hitmen Horns for the past 11 years.He started teaching Music in the Niagara Falls schools for 31 years and just recently retired.Paul has received several awards Teacher of the year in 2005,Excellence in education 2012 just to name a few.Paul also has performed with several well known musicians such as Tony Bennett,The Temptations,The Four Top’s The Spinners and many more.
Bob Meier – Hitmen Horns
Bob Meier – Trombone born in Buffalo N.Y currently living in Cheektowaga is the Musical Arranger and leader of the Legendary Hitmen Horns for the past 25 years.Bob has performed with many National acts such as: The Four Top’s,Professor Louie and the Crowmatix’s, Cortez Greer,and Elvis Wade just to name a few and has played with many local bands as well. Bob also has received numerous awards for best Horn Section and has recorded over 20 Cd’s but his biggest accomplishment came in 2014 when Bob was inducted into Buffalo’s Music Hall of Fame.
Al Monti – Hitmen Horns
Al has been a member of the award winning Hitmen Horns since 1993. Outside of the section, wether it is performing live or recording, he is one of the most sought after saxophonists in WNY achieving 6 Buffalo Music Awards (’81, ’85, ’86, ’94, ’03, 04) and was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Soul Invaders (Billy McEwen Band). Al is associated with multiple bands that were inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame and during his 8 years with the legendary “Stan and the Ravens” he performed with artists such as Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Paul Butterfield.