Bill Owens
– Keys – Vocals Bill Owens grew up in Sulphur Springs, Texas, banging on the old piano at his Granddad’s house. When he was five, his Aunt June showed him how to play church hymns. He had a few piano lessons between the ages of eight and ten years old, but it just wasn’t as fun as playing whatever he wanted. As he listened to Johnny Cash, Eddie Arnold, Hank Williams on the family’s big cabinet stereo record player, he taught himself to play the popular music of the day. “One Sunday night he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. My Dad told me to never be anything like that, but right then I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do. Later a cousin gave me some records I got into, like “Time of the Season” by the Zombies and “Woodstock” by Crosbie, Stills, Nash, and Young. Then I got into In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf, Led Zeppelin, and Santana, especially all the cool keyboard parts,” said Owens. He started jamming with his best friend Larry Barney when he was in 7th grade, and forming his first bands when he was 14. In the early days he had a group called Psychedelic Soul. His first legit band with Larry was called the All Fingers Band, which came together when he was 18. They gained popularity in Commerce Texas, then the home of East Texas State University, and played every bar and community center in town. Their defining moment was playing after hours at Mother Blues in Dallas in the mid 70s, which opened the doors to signing with an agent who booked them at big venues from Texas to Oklahoma. In the early 80s he and his band Lightning recorded with bassist Joe Schermie and percussionist Floyd Sneed of Three Dog Night at Michael Allsup’s studio. He has played for several rock bands, and has opened for Garth Brooks, Exile and other big names along with country artist Robert Joe Vandegriff. More recently his stage performances have been with a Styx Tribute called Renegade. Owens was referred to Chicago Tribute Authority guitarist Marino Stathakis by his friend Thomas Chaney, former drummer for The All Fingers Band. After a few conversations and adjustments, he joined CTAT. His first time to see Chicago perform was at the Dallas County Convention Center in the early 70s.
Jeff Robbins
– Sax, Flute, Alto Sax –
Harrison Calhoun
– Bass Guitar – Harrison was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. His earliest musical exposure came from sneaking into his older brothers’ rooms and listening to their albums. Favorites at the time included Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath but once he heard The James Gang “Rides Again” he was hooked. “I knew I wanted to be a musician at that point. They just sounded like they were having so much fun.” When he was 12 his parents got him a classical guitar for Christmas. A month later, he bought his first bass guitar with money from his birthday. Later that year he had found a group of guys and was in his first band. In high school, the band director introduced him to jazz, fusion, classical, and even bluegrass. “I’m most thankful for that experience. He opened my eyes and ears to so many musical influences.” After a few years in Silicon Valley starting his engineering career Harrison moved to Dallas and never left. He has been in bands playing everything from classic rock, country, a Blues Brothers tribute, a Tom Petty tribute, yacht rock, and most recently in worship bands at churches. His first real exposure to Chicago came around 1984 when he saw the video for “Stay The Night”. He got to see the band live at the Oakland Coliseum Arena in 1985. “I feel that I missed out on quite a lot by having Chicago 17 as my first Chicago experience. I remember seeing the cover to the Chicago IX album at our house when I was young and it probably belonged to one of my brothers or sisters but that’s as close as I got.” Fast forward to 2022 when a call from one of the earlier CTAT keyboard players finally set things in motion. The plan was to have a backup for every position in the band who would be able to fill in on short notice. After getting the set lists and charts, Harrison started listening to the music closely. “Peter Cetera is an incredibly underrated bass player. His parts are challenging and fun to play. I still find subtle things of his I missed when I listen to Chicago songs. Learning the old catalog has been a blast.” “I’m really looking forward to playing with these guys and meshing with everyone. Big bands like this are the ultimate example of teamwork when you nail songs that are as challenging as these are. What makes it even better is that the songs resonate so powerfully with the audiences. I think there are a lot of people who have such fond memories associated with the music of Chicago. I really enjoy helping them connect to it and I’m so grateful to be with such a great bunch of guys.”
Dave Von Blohn
– Trumpet – Vocals Dave Von Blohn grew up in the northeast, around Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His father, who was a high school trumpet player, gave him his first formal lessons. He came to Texas for graduate school at the University of North Texas and never left. He holds three Master’s Degrees in Music Education from UNT. He studied with a very good freelance performer in New Jersey, whose studio walls were lined with pictures of him performing with Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Carol Channing. “I spent too many lessons staring at those pictures when I should have been paying better attention,” said Von Blohn. He first became aware of Chicago through their records around 1975 and saw them live in the 90s touring with Earth, Wind and Fire. His first group was The Basement Band, formed in high school in Wentzville, Missouri. “We were quite the thing in our little town. That’s when I got bit by the live performance bug,” said Von Blohn. He played lots of one nighters with a variety of groups while attending college in Kansas and Texas. His first steady gig was with legendary sax player Bill Tillman and the Horns from Hell, from the late 80s to early 90s. Since then he has played over 2500 weddings and events in the DFW area. He was referred by the former trumpet player from Chicago Tribute Authority about 18 months ago, and now he is an integral part of the horn section. “I like the physical challenge of performing this music. It’s a BLOW for a brass player to play 20 Chicago songs in a row. But as the song says I’m feeling stronger every day,” said Von Blohn.
Rod Hawkins
– Lead Vocals – Guitar Rod Hawkins grew up in Howe, Texas, about 60 miles north of Dallas. “Music was always all around me. My Dad is a chronic whistler of all things musical, and I suspect my love of music grew from there. When he first started as a drummer, he took me to see Buddy Rich. I was also active in church, and a huge part of that was acapella singing, which helped me train my ear and allowed me to harmonize so easily,” said Hawkins. He credits Howe ISD for their band program, which represents the sum of his formal training. Beyond that, he is self-taught. He was the youngest of three, and his older siblings were a huge influence musically. The first time he heard Chicago, it was blaring off an 8 track player in his sister’s room. “I remember being blown away by the intricacy and power of the horns. It was unlike anything I had ever heard,” said Hawkins. The father of one of his childhood friends was an incredible guitarist and singer, so anytime he was able to visit, he was scoping out the guitars and soaking up everything he could. His first band was a country and western group called Summit when he was in junior high. His first real gig was at Iron Springs Christian Camp playing with the early lineup. His band lasted until he left for college, playing opries, PTA meetings, banquets, and music shows all over North Texas. When he attended Texas A&M, he jumped right in and helped form a band called None of Your Business with Chicago Tribute Authority Texas lead vocalist Benny Pendergrass. After college, he stayed actively musically, but predominantly in isolation in the music room at his house. During that time he wrote and recorded an original song and threw it out on bandmix.com so that a buddy could hear it. He didn’t think about it again, until someone from CTAT found him on the site and reached out to invite him to join. “When CTAT came knocking in 2019, I hadn’t been in a band in over 30 years, but I was itching to find a project to get into,” said Hawkins. “At least once a show, I have a moment to pause and reflect on how lucky I am to be in this band. Some shows, I fight back the tears in my eyes and the lump in my throat during that moment. As long as I get chills at least once during a show, I know that we’re doing something right that is also affecting the crowd in a similar manner. Every show makes all the hard work worth it,” said Hawkins.”
Greg Gauntt
– Drums – Greg Gauntt grew up in a very musical family in Ft Worth Texas. He is primarily a self taught drummer who took a few formal lessons. His early influences in music are very diverse, like the wide tapestry of genres that began to unfold in the 70s. He first heard Chicago as a child on the radio in the 70s and early 80s. “Neil Peart (Rush) was a major influence on the more progressive side along with Steve Gadd (Steely Dan) and Jeff Porcaro (Toto) more from the pop/jazz pocket groove emphasis, and Danny Seraphine (original drummer for Chicago) with his unique ability to make the song groove just right.” said Gauntt. His first real gig came around with a rock band at age 13. He played with older musicians in the early years and went on to play in formal school symphonic and jazz band concerts from middle school to college, with rock and roll on weekend gigs. Gauntt’s success playing with local bands and studio work led to playing for Johnny Nitzinger’s band in the 2000s. He helped form Chicago Tribute Authority Texas in 2010 because the complexities of Chicago’s music had always intrigued him. “You gotta love those horns,” said Gauntt. I stay inspired by Chicago music because it is timeless in its connectivity with people over many decades. It always seems fresh, yet it brings back memories from the early years, which is sure to bring a smile to your face.”
Marino Stathakis
– Lead Guitar – Vocals Marino Stathakis grew up in Gary Indiana listening to his uncle Jim’s collection of 45s and albums from the mid to late 60s. His first purchases were supported by his Mom, taking him to the record store to get the latest Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5 and The Temptations. He was in 6th grade listening to a band at Bailey Junior High School when a friend budged him and said “we could be doing that next year.” That’s when his inner musician came to life. He took every music course possible through public education and studied brass horns of all kinds. He eventually picked up keyboards, then bass guitar, drums, and guitar, applying the knowledge he attained from studying theory and harmony. Early teachers who made an impact on Stathakis were his band director Mr. Chilson and Dominic Argostino an young accomplished guitar player, who could capture rock classics when they were freshly released and there was no online help to learn the chords. He was exposed to the band Chicago in the early 70’s. “Even though I was focusing on guitar at the time, the horn section really hit my radar because I was in tune with the horn parts. My good friend Vasil, who I played music with back then, we would sit and spin those albums for hours,” said Stathakis. He started his first garage band in 1977. He became a state champion in brass performance, earning a scholarship to DePaul University, the alma mater of original Chicago founding member Walter Parazaider. “Chicago is a jewel of a musical experience. Not only are they still touring together after more than four decades, they produced hits that became part of our musical culture,” said Stathakis. Instead of pursuing a civilian degree, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and taught himself guitar while stationed in California. In 1978 he became part of a band called Truxx with four other trained musicians USMC. Their first real gig was April 1979. He still has the press clip from it. They played at the Enlisted Men’s Club in 29 Palms. There were at least 500 Marines that gave us an roaring response. They played fine restaurants and some of the largest clubs in LA, focusing on a top-40 set list from the early 80s. They were signed by an agent and tasked with writing Peter Cetera style ballads. At the height of their fame, the lure of rock stardom faded away as the grind of touring took its toll and he realized his family needed him more than the public. The relocated to Texas and Stathakis joined a band named Sabrina and Gypsybleu. Formed in 2008, they’ve played most everywhere in the metroplex and still joins them when schedules allow. He was recruited by Chicago Tribute Authority Texas five years ago. “I was referred by their trumpet player Bobby Manson, who I had played with in a group called Neon Lights,” said Stathakis. “I truly love love love the music of Chicago. It offers the full spectrum of playing in a tribute band. The music has a range of simple chord progressions to very complex time signature changes. It has a romantic era and an edgy rock expression. The fact that nine of us play together and depending on the song, any one of us individually can make the song happen with a signature lick. This project is a shared experience. It is truly a team effort and the applause go to the entire band.”
Benny Pendergrass
– Lead Vocal – Guitar Benny Pendergrass was born in Dallas and grew up in Longview, Texas in a very musical family. His Mom was an alto, his Dad was a baritone, and both brothers sang bass and tenor. His Dad and middle brother played guitar, and his oldest brother was an excellent trombone player who began college on a music scholarship. “I grew up in a church setting of acapella,” said Pendergrass. “Music is part of my DNA.” He learned vocal parts by ear by the time he was six. He loved to sing, and grew up practicing songs from country acts with great harmonies. Groups like the Statler Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, and Restless Heart. He added in his own personal taste with the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, and of course, Chicago. “To this day, my favorite record of all time across all genres is Chicago X. Hands down. My oldest brother had a sweet ‘73 Camaro, and he would blast out Chicago X while I rode along. I was a young kid at the time and just enjoyed the music. It wasn’t until some years later that I realized how insanely talented Chicago was and is,” said Pendergrass. He played trombone all through high school, but had no formal vocal training. His brother got him into guitar by showing him a few things and he just kept going from there. He formed his first band, None Of Your Business in his junior year of college. His first real gig that gave him the true “I’m in a band” vibe was playing for 2000 people on the Texas A&M Campus, for a parent’s weekend talent show. They slayed with “Sweet Child Of Mine” by GNR and “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin. He’s played guitar as a solo act, part of an acoustic trio, and in several full bands. But singing has been the foundation of his musical life journey. He is a part time worship leader at his church. He joined Chicago Tribute Authority Texas two years ago. His “brother from another mother” lead vocalist Rod Hawkins told him the band was looking for a new singer. Before he could finish the sentence, Pendergrass said “Yes, I’d love to audition. What songs and when?” Pendergrass is still inspired by every show and every rehearsal. “Without fail, I have moments where I get completely absorbed in the moment and look around the room or the stage and think how cool it is and how blessed I am to be part of CTAT. The music connects me with the earliest memories of my life, and it’s an honor and privilege to get to share the stage with this band,” said Pendergrass.
Barry Harrington
– Trombone – Barry Harrington grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas with parents who were active church musicians. He started learning piano from his Dad when he was in the first grade, and took lessons for ten years. He played trombone in his junior high school band, where he was first inspired by his band director Mr. Martinez. His talent continued to flourish under the mentorship of his high school band director Mr. Deisher. His first paying gig was at the Mineral Wells Rodeo with guys from his high school stage band. As UIL amateurs they couldn’t get paid directly, so they donated the money to the high school band program. In turn, the band director took them all out for steaks. This set the tone for his future in music. “I’ve loved the music since the first time I heard those horns,” said Harrington. I never thought I’d be playing all the hits. It’s just a lot of fun to play, especially when you can tell the crowd is really enjoying the music. It’s especially great that we’re all good friends,” said Harrington. After attending the University of Texas in the late 70s, he left to tour full time with a Christian band called Eternity. Harrington’s first time to hear Chicago was on the radio in his mid 20s.He has played with the UT Jazz band, in church orchestras, worship bands, swing bands, and cover bands all over the Dallas Metroplex. He was playing with a cover band called Neon Lights when he heard Chicago Tribute Authority Texas was looking for a full-time horn section. They were referred to the band leader by a mutual friend and were hired after the second audition, almost a decade ago.