The Story

Super excited to announce returning guest, Chris Keeney, to The Story!

Originally from mid-state Virginia, Chris has lived in Lancaster for most of his life. He earned a BM from Lebanon Valley College as a music and recording major, and then jumped right into teaching and performing.

Over the past 18 years, Chris has taught many hundreds of guitar students, both collegiately and through private lessons. At his height, he was teaching approximately 70 private students a week. Though he doesn’t have much time for independent teaching these days, he does keep a few individual students, but most of his teaching time is devoted to the collegiate world. He is currently head of the guitar program at Lancaster Bible College, and has taken over the program at Franklin and Marshall College in the Fall of 2022. Previously, he ran the guitar program at Albright College from 2005-2010.

As a player, Chris has been fortunate to have had a wide range of gigging and touring opportunities. Over the years, he’s played with many jazz and rock groups, toured in extreme metal bands, played in regional orchestras, and joined backing bands for national and international artists.

Also since mid-2017, Chris has been the head of worship and technology at Saint James Episcopal Church in downtown Lancaster. He runs all contemporary music (which includes the well-known Saturday night secular music mass that St James has run for years), while also running all streaming, video, and technology. In addition, he plays oud for contemplative services and events, including the popular First Friday Compline.

Previously, Chris was the band director and recording engineer for Victory Church of Lancaster for over 15 years. In addition to his music work, Chris is also a mixing and mastering engineer for Immersive Music Media Group, which is an immersive sound studio and post-production house in Lancaster.

When not working, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Amy, and kids Aaron and Julia.

Super excited to announce new guest, Mike Bitts, to The Story!

Mike Bitts is a local Lancaster based multi-instrumentalist. He’s played bass for The Innocence Mission, Solar Federation, The Genesis Show, Naked Eye Ensemble, and Tractor Jerry and the Mud Bucket, a bluegrass/alt country group which won best alt country group by ‘Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame’ in 2021. Mike has released three albums on A&M records plus 9 albums on various independent labels. He has toured with artists Don Henley, Natalie Merchant, and Emmylou Harris. TV/radio appearances include NPR’s Weekend Edition, WXPN’s World Café, West VA Public Broadcasting’s Mountain Stage, and NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. He’s been the arranger and music director of American Music Theater and is currently the Choir Director and organist at St. Mary’s Church in Lancaster.

Mike has been a session musician for over 30 years, currently house bassist at Kinsey Audio in Lancaster. Clients include: Jessica Smucker, Dan Zdilla, Cliff Hillis, Steve Ward, Dennison Witmer, Clarence Spady, Robert Gordon, and Clyde Lucas. Mike has also taught music for thirty years in Lancaster PA. He gives lessons on electric and upright bass, piano, guitar, and ukulele.

Super excited to announce new guest, Brandon Valentine, to The Story!

Brandon Valentine is the President and Founder of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame--a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With the last name of "Valentine," you wouldn't believe that he was not only born on Valentine's Day (February 14th), but he's also from Hershey, PA (the Sweetest Place on Earth), and he married his high-school sweetheart! Brandon is a co-owner of a company that creates customized parody songs and the drummer of the band Cold Spring Union. Since the age of 15, he has performed with over one-half dozen bands; the most successful of which have opened for numerous national acts and played shows in New York City, Nashville, Austin, and more! Additionally, Brandon is a songwriter, who plays multiple instruments. Outside of his commitments involving music, he's a medical sales representative, a baseball coach, and a father of two.

You can find Brandon and his projects here:

Facebook: Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

Instagram & Twitter: @cpmhof

Super excited to announce new guest, Ben Brandt, to The Story!

One could say Ben Brandt was born with a guitar in his hands and this would not be far from the truth. The son of a professional musician, Ben cannot remember a time when the guitar was not a part of his life. As a baby he was fascinated by the instrument and by the time he was three he was picking out riffs on his father’s guitars. In 1999, at the age of 10, Ben started his own band, the Ben “Jamin” Brandt Project and his talents were discovered by a local radio station in NJ, WDHA. They promoted his music and booked him at festivals where he shared the stage with the likes of Savoy Brown and Billy Hector.

In 2010 Ben moved to Harrisburg, PA and started the Ben Brandt Trio in which he was both vocalist and lead guitarist. They played throughout the PA/MD/DC/VA region where they quickly gained a wide fan base in the Blues/Rock scene. Over the years Ben and his band have had the opportunity to open for a number of well known acts such as Jimmy Thackery, Doyle Bramhall II, Gary Hoey, Coco Montoya, The Record Company, etc. He has also been called to the stage to sit in with notable guitarists such as Davy Knowles, Artur Menezes and Albert Castiglia. Ben also is a member of the Central Pennsylvania Blues Society (BSPA) and frequently performs at their weekly jam sessions.

In 2019 Ben teamed up with singer/songwriter Kevin Koa and formed the Soul Miners Union, a roots and blues based project that featured original songs with great grooves and catchy lyrics. Their debut album was recorded and produced by legendary guitarist/producer Josh Smith at his Flat V studio in Los Angeles. The album was released in September 2020. Blues Rock Review wrote, “Brandt brings a gritty, seasoned approach to the songs he captains.” At times Ben provides “crisp licks and understated solos” whereas other songs allow Ben “the space to stretch out and cut into some aggressive playing” with “riff driven rhythm and ominous lyrics.” The album contained “deft playing, seamless transitions and memorable choruses” and was a “fresh take on a few different blues areas.”

Ben’s influences over the years have included a very eclectic mix of Blues, Prog and Rock from Chris Cain, Gary Moore and Eric Johnson to Andy Timmons, Robin Trower, Steve Vai and Alex Lifeson. These different genres and playing styles provide Ben with a broad palette to pull from to hone his craft. Dynamics and phrasing are key components in Ben’s playing where every note has meaning and purpose, and his impeccable tone is sought after by guitarists both young and old.

Ben’s skills are well known in Harrisburg, PA and the surrounding tri-state area where he continues to perform on a regular basis. Ben is not one to be put in a box and always strives to learn new things, pushing himself and the musicians he plays with. At 32 years of age and over 20 years of playing live Ben has acquired a lot of experience yet he has truly only begun to show the world what he is capable of.

You can find Ben and his projects here:

Website: https://www.soulminersunion.com/news

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ezvhPd5zaWyKCWFWAjPSY

Facebook: Ben Brandt & the Soul Miners Union

Super excited to announce new guest, Caleb Stelle, to The Story!

In addition to being a tenured orchestra teacher at Central Dauphin SD, Caleb has served as a Violin Masterclass Instructor and Chamber Strings Coach for Messiah College’s Orchestra Camp and as an Artist in Resident for Jump Street/PA Council on the Arts. Caleb studies violin under Peter Sirotin, concertmaster for the Harrisburg Symphony, and has performed with the York Symphony, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, The National Christian Choir, Totem Pole Playhouse, The Williamsport Live United in Music Pops Orchestra with Broadway’s Michael Cavanaugh, Allenberry Playhouse, and Open Stage of Harrisburg.

He studies jazz improvisation under Grammy nominated pianist Kirk Reese and has collaborated with local bands, Great Northeast, Rascal Revival, and Seasons. In January 2019, his playing was featured in the Lifetime Channel reality wedding show, "Married at First Sight."

In his “spare time” he runs C. Stelle Music (cstellemusic.com), a musician contracting business, that provides a plethora of music groups for weddings, country clubs, political events, and parties throughout Central Pennsylvania. Caleb holds a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Messiah University. Rom. 1:16

Check out Caleb and his projects here:

Website: cstellemusic.com

Insta: @cstellemusic

Facebook: C. Stelle Music - Weddings & Events

Twitter: cstellemusic

Super excited to announce new guest, Alexia Christian, to The Story!

Listen, Imagine, and Melt into Alexia’s rock messages of single life, reality, love, loss and dreams. A rising D.C. Metro vocalist, she is proud to release her third album, For Singles Only.

Alexia embraced a captivating love for music singing in numerous youth choirs, then quickly ascended to private voice instruction. She launched her rock debut as a singer in Sherwood High School’s Rock N’ Roll Revival, the longest running show in MOCO. Her passion for classic rock ignited. Simultaneously, as soprano in Sherwood’s Chambers Choir, Alexia journeyed through England and Ireland, performing in cathedrals and venues. A graduate of Shippensburg University and sustaining member of Madrigal Singers, Alexia gained momentum and versatility performing in state wide venues. All the while, she arduously trained and performed as a rock singer.

What sets Alexia apart is her strong, versatile voice, work ethic and Nothin’ 2 Lose attitude. Whether you’re single or not, these songs have a compelling message for you.

Super excited to announce new guest, Vince DiStefano, to The Story!

Vince's love of music and concerts started early. His bedroom was right above the jukebox in their family tavern, so he loves a good bass line. Every time the jukebox man showed up with the latest singles, he collected all the old ones. His parents gave him free rein over the hi-fi (early favorites included Help and Magical Mystery Tour). His dad co-produced concerts and music festivals in the tri-state area, letting him tag along and get glimpses into the logistics, stage productions, and rock and roll lifestyle. Starting with the Eagles at the Civic Arena in 1979, his best guess is that he's seen about 700 acts over the years. Vince was also fascinated by photography at an early age, poring over album inserts and Rolling Stone magazine covers. His mom gave him her Canon the day he set off for college, and he's been shooting ever since.

A professional writing graduate from Gannon University, Vince moved from western PA to Lancaster county to pursue a career in journalism but ended up working in technology when the publishing company he worked for began developing newsletters and magazines about this new thing called "The Internet." He's been the IT Director for Godfrey, a world-ranked B2B marketing firm, for over 25 years. The shooting continued, though, with side-hustles ranging from weddings to tourism and real estate photography. His 'happy place' - where everything else just melts away- is at concerts with his Nikon in hand.

Vince currently lives in Lancaster with his partner Michele, a marketing professional, and their Golden Retriever, Lucy.

You can find Vince and his projects here:

Website: https://www.focusphoto.biz

Super excited to announce new guest, Quentin Jones, to The Story!

Quentin Jones is a Hall of Fame guitarist who is endorsed by Gretsch Guitars.

Quentin Jones has played and recorded guitar with some of the most important names in rock-and-roll history. Among them are Al Kooper, Graham Nash, Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits, Robert Gordon, Marshall Crenshaw, the Rockats, Linda Gail Lewis, Billy Burnett, Johnny Neel, Dee Dee Sharp, Kenny Aaronson, David Uosikkinen, Liberty Devitto, John Sebastian, and Charlie Gracie, who took Quentin on the road with him when he was the opening act for Van Morrison. Gracie talks about Jones’s talent and musical abilities in the book about Gracie’s life and career, Rock N Rolls Hidden Giant.

Quentin has own unique style and sound. He has gained fame playing rock-n-roll, blues, surf, rockabilly and old-time country and western. Quentin is endorsed by Gretsch guitars and in 2016 he was enshrined in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Nashville Tennessee.

Along with being one of today’s top guitarists, Quentin is a well-known music producer and songwriter. His music appears in movies, network television shows, DVDs and has be recorded by some of the world’s top artists.

Quentin’s music and projects have been covered by publications like Billboard Magazine, Mojo Magazine, Rolling Stone Magazine, Goldmine Magazine, The NY Daily News, the Philadelphia Inquirer...to name just a few. Quentin's musical achievements have gained him mentions in a number of books.

Quentin was featured in the Sept 2021 issue of Guitar Player Magazine in an article about Robert Gordon and the guitar players who helped him resurrect rockabilly music.

He is the founding member of the internationally known cult band the Reach Around Rodeo Clowns. The band has released six critically acclaimed albums that gained attention from fans, press and other artists, including some of rock's founding fathers, British Invasion bands and even author Stephen King!

Today Quentin can be heard and seen singing and playing guitar with his band mates, drummer David Uosikkinen and bassist Kenny Aaronson, as QDK. These three legendary musicians have joined forces to keep rock-and-roll, electric blues, surf, and rockabilly music alive and well into the 21st century. The band is currently producing new music in the studio.

You can find Quentin and his projects here:

Website : https://quentinjonesguitar.com/home

Super stoked to announce new guest, Tony Wayne, to The Story!

As a professional guitarist in the Lancaster area, Tony Wayne, also known as Anthony Pieruccini, specializes in jazz, blues, rock, funk, reggae, gospel, musical theater, and more. Tony has played in professional bands such as The Impact Band, Blues on the Loose, Good Stew, as well as many others. Along with various contemporary genres, Tony also brings experience as a professional pit musician for musicals. The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, American Music Theatre, and Open Stage Harrisburg are just a few of the many theaters Tony has played musicals and shows for. Tony Pieruccini also has managed and played in many of his own groups such as the Anthony Pieruccini Trio (AP3), Tony Wayne Band, Full Circle Ensemble, and more. Anthony holds a bachelor’s degree focusing on jazz guitar from Lebanon Valley College.

You can find Tony and his work here:

Spotify:

Tony Wayne:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mBSd1GrNTpYQWwajf86zv

AP3: https://open.spotify.com/album/2bp5jG8IgeAnYPUHEvHDzX

Super stoked to announce new guest, Geniuz, to The Story!

Geniuz is an independent rap artist from Harrisburg PA. Geniuz has been making music since the age of 14 and has continued to create and pursue his dreams. Realizing that he had an ability for lyrics he has honed his skills and worked at his craft. Performing locally at many different venues ,open mics and show cases Geniuz has grown over the years. He has independently released two mixtapes online via SoundCloud and has released several music videos over his career. His goals are to be heard globally and to tour the world.

You can find Geniuz here:

Insta : https://instagram.com/geniuz717?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCdFYpzqp3RV3YN6pEGzozDQ

SoundCloud : https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/L3t9Wk3MhyX5p69T6

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/geniuz/1584908183

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ZjwjhNN7k1Kz0JccwbsRq...