Members of The Retreads

AL

Al’s passion for music has kept him active, both in recording, performing and writing. Al has been playing guitar for 30 years, gigging for 23 of those years, and writing and recording for 20 years.  He loves to play all styles of music especially Funk, Rock, Blues and Pop. Al has been  a member of the Retreads for 20 years, where he plays  rhythm guitar and lead. He also sings lead and back up vocals.

Al says that the reason why the band’s always fresh and full of energy is because of the wide spectrum of songs covered and because of the personality of the band.  You’re always guaranteed a great time!  The experience and challenge of the diverse set list and innovative sounds have been exciting and rewarding, and Al is looking forward to playing many more gigs with the band in the future.  By day, Al is a high school Physics teacher.

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BARRY

Barry grew up in a musical family.  Both of his brothers, who were 5 and 10 years older, played in bands.  Barry formed his first band with a group of friends in 1971, called the Morning Blues Band.  Despite the name of the group, they played the popular rock of the day, including Beatles; Badfinger; Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; Led Zepplin, etc.  Barry played bass guitar in his first few bands, which included Franklyn Crane, Smokey Rainbow, and Rockit.  In 1975, Barry bought a Fender Rhodes and switched to keyboards.

He played with Urge, and Revolver from 1975-1976.  In 1977, Barry became primarily a studio musician and record producer, working out of his Patchogue recording studio, Kno Studio.  In 1978, Barry released a 45 single on Death Records called Baby Don’t Give Up with I Just Want To Make You Happy.  Both songs were written by Barry and produced with his musical partner, Bill Kern.  In 1979, Barry  & Bill started an independent record label called Beat Bad Records.  Barry co-produced, and played bass and or keyboards on almost every release,  including  2  singles by The Badbeats, a group that Barry formed with Bill to record unreleased Lennon/McCartney songs.  Among the groups produced by Barry were Jimi Lalumia & The Psychotic Frogs, Neck Tie Party, The New Youth Front, and The Hand Grenades.  Barry continued to record with Bill Kern until his death in 2005.  In 2006, Barry was asked by lead guitarist, Al Levik, if he would be interested in playing with the Retreads.  The timing was perfect, since Barry was looking for a new musical outlet.  Barry’s keyboards and vocals have added a new dimension to the Retreads sound.  By day,  Barry is a retired high school Vocal Music and Theatre teacher.

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CHRIS

Chris started playing drums at any early age and has played for a number of bands. While still in high school, he played in a band called Pegasus. Later, Chris met Al ( the band's lead guitarist ) while they were both working at Sears 25 years ago. Since then, Al and Chris have collaborated on writing and recording original music. He has also played in an originals band called Quixotic while he still played with the Retreads. Chris believes that the group's chemistry is the main reason for it's longevity. Chris always looks forward to playing live and being around everyone in the band. He says, “ We have such a great group of people to work with. Everyone loves what they do, and you can see it when we play.” Chris believes that this is why the band has lasted this long and will continue to thrive. By day, Chris is a high school Math teacher.

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DEBBIE

Debbie has had a life long interest in singing.  She began her musical career as a vocalist back in the seventh grade at Sayville Junior High when she decided to try out for chorus and was chosen for a solo.  She earned a degree in Music Performance from Fredonia University, and then taught elementary vocal music for many years in the William Floyd School District.   Debbie is currently the Assistant Choir Director for St. John Nepomucene Church in Bohemia where she cantors at all weddings and funerals for the parish. 

Debbie was a vocalist in various wedding and club bands on Long Island before joining the Retreads a number of years ago.  She then took an extended hiatus to raise her two children.  Debbie's return to the Retreads has allowed her another musical outlet for her vocal talents. Debbie is an elementary music teacher.

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DENNIS

Dennis has played the bass guitar in various musical venues ranging from jazz ensembles, classic rock bands, oldie bands, wedding bands, to southern rock bands.  He now finds himself playing with a guitar player ( Al ) who he played with 30 years ago and ..... that old magic is still there! Good music and great people make for a great time.

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JOE

Joe is a founding member of The Retreads and has been part of the band since it first formed in the late 1980’s.   Joe plays rhythm guitar and sings both lead and background vocals (not at the same time!!) with the band. Joe is also the defacto manager of the group, coordinating practices, setting up bookings, public relations, etc..

Having taught both special education and sixth grade students for many years, being part of a rock band has been a wonderful avenue for “switching gears” from his teaching career.  It has also allowed him to actively enjoy his love of music and just have fun with a great  group of people.

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RENE

Rene joined the Retreads in 2010 after a friend recommended her to the band.  She has been performing for over twenty years both as a soloist and with various Long Island bands.  Rene has performed in venues from Manhattan to Montauk including many years at Gurney's Inn, Chateau Briand, Pindar and Duckwalk Vineyards.  She has also been on stage in both musicals and dramatic theatre.

Rene's voice can adapt itself to many styles of music from standards to hard rock and everything in between!  Her charisma and energy have been an exciting addition to the group.  By day, Rene is a full-time mother and part-time music instructor.

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