Meet The Band
Gus Garelick
(violino e mandolino)
Gus began studying classical violin as a child in Detroit, but soon discovered the beauty of the mandolin, listening to his relatives from Eastern Europe, and visiting Italian and Greek cafes in Detroit, New York, and finally San Francisco. Since the early 70s, he has played Bluegrass, Country, Cajun, and jazz violin with such diverse groups as Dan Hicks, Queen Ida, Jim Boggio, Hank Williams Jr, Tommy Thomsen, and many others. He was also a member of the Berkeley Mandolin Ensemble in the early 80s, where he revisited the joys of mandolin music and Italian Ballo Liscio. Gus works at KRCB Radio in Santa Rosa, an NPR affiliate station, where he produces programs about traditional fiddling, mandolins, accordions, and world music.
Dennis Hadley
(fisarmonica)
As a child in San Leandro, California, Dennis had two musical mentors: Frankie Yankovic and Hank Williams. When Rock music drove the accordion deep underground, Dennis discovered Cajun and Zydeco music and kept up his chops until accordion suddenly became popular again, even in Rock music! In the meantime, Dennis expanded his interests on the accordion, including Italian and Gypsy and French styles of music. He plays a Bugari accordion and still likes Frankie Yankovic, but with a touch of Clifton Chenier and a dash of Italian flavors.
Don Coffin
(chittara e mandolino)
Don was raised in an Italian/Irish household in Petaluma, California. He has been performing music for international audiences for several decades. From 1971 to 1978, he recorded and toured with his wife, songwriter Kate Wolf. In the 80s, he toured Europe with The Eclecticatz, an acoustic trio playing Celtic, Cowboy, Country, and Swing. Since then, he has continued to explore both his Irish and Italian roots, and plays with numerous groups in Sonoma County and his new home in Lake County.
Sam Page
(bass)
One of the North Bay’s most requested bass players, Sam’s musical interests are truly eclectic. For over ten years, he and singer Allegra Broughton have led the popular group Solid Air, performing and recording original material and current covers. Sam also performs and records with numerous groups throughout the Bay Area, including Elvin Bishop, Laughing Gravy, and the Wild Catahoulas. Originally from Bishop, California, Sam now lives in Petaluma.
Photos by Michael Garelick, Petaluma, California.
You can reach the Hot Frittatas
in Santa Rosa at (707) 526-7763
or in Lake County at (707) 995-0658.
Or find us on the web at www.hotfrittatas.com.
For more information contact:
Don Coffin don@hotfrittatas.com
Gus Garelick gus@hotfrittatas.com
