Jack has been playing music since age 9. His first instrument was the accordion, having grown up in an ethnic enclave in Massachusetts, and played at church events. He started playing bass guitar and flute in his teens. After college and obtaining his R.N. license, Jack studied jazz at the SRJC music department, playing upright bass. He p
Jack has been playing music since age 9. His first instrument was the accordion, having grown up in an ethnic enclave in Massachusetts, and played at church events. He started playing bass guitar and flute in his teens. After college and obtaining his R.N. license, Jack studied jazz at the SRJC music department, playing upright bass. He played the upright in small jazz combos and in a 17 piece community jazz band. He also composes electronic music . Jack continued his bass guitar studies with local teachers, and has played with various outfits until starting the Retrofits with Norm Arslan.
NORM ARSLAN is a Bay Area native who started out playing jazz and classical trumpet as a boy. For the past 50 years he has studied rock, jazz, and blues with a number of teachers, including Tuck Andress (of Tuck and Patty), Bill Schray (Gelb Music), Barry Namm (Berklee School of Music), and Jerry Beltran (Barrelhouse). For 8 years, he has
NORM ARSLAN is a Bay Area native who started out playing jazz and classical trumpet as a boy. For the past 50 years he has studied rock, jazz, and blues with a number of teachers, including Tuck Andress (of Tuck and Patty), Bill Schray (Gelb Music), Barry Namm (Berklee School of Music), and Jerry Beltran (Barrelhouse). For 8 years, he has also attended the California Coast Music Camp. In 1989 he led the effort to gather together several experienced musicians and create a band. After moving to Sebastopol in 2020, he started a new band with several local, talented musicians. In addition, over the past 6 years he has also gone solo, both playing and singing swing tunes from the 30’s–50’s. He continues to study lead and rhythm guitar, as well as lead and vocal harmonies.
Ken Hower is a Sonoma County native who started playing classical and jazz trumpet as a boy, performing in concert and jazz bands from middle school through SRJC. Using his ability to read music, Ken started learning how to play piano first with basic piano course books and eventually playing along with music on a.m. radio. Ken has played
Ken Hower is a Sonoma County native who started playing classical and jazz trumpet as a boy, performing in concert and jazz bands from middle school through SRJC. Using his ability to read music, Ken started learning how to play piano first with basic piano course books and eventually playing along with music on a.m. radio. Ken has played in a light rock band from 1979 through the late 80’s, a blues/dance band from 2000-2010, and a rock band from 2010-2013. He joined The Retrofits in early 2023, continuing to expand his skills on keyboard and vocals.
In 1965 Michael received his first Ludwig drum set denoting his start in the world of music. He played in a variety of bands for school events and parties until he joined the Air Force. Post an honorable discharge in 1972 Michael switched from kit drums to the Congas and Bongos to pursue music once again. He played in a number of band
In 1965 Michael received his first Ludwig drum set denoting his start in the world of music. He played in a variety of bands for school events and parties until he joined the Air Force. Post an honorable discharge in 1972 Michael switched from kit drums to the Congas and Bongos to pursue music once again. He played in a number of bands for gigs in small venues in his home town of Santa Barbara. For the past 8 years Michael has played for bands in Northern California including over a year touring with the Stevie Cornell Group in California and Nevada.
I received my first drum set in 1969. It was purple. I played Wilson Pickett and Creedence at High School Dances with my band, The US Kids. My 80’s percussion interest was Congas and Hand Drums used in World and New Age music. In 2008 I joined the fledgling Hubbub Club, and played marching percussion for over10 years, appearing in Sonom
I received my first drum set in 1969. It was purple. I played Wilson Pickett and Creedence at High School Dances with my band, The US Kids. My 80’s percussion interest was Congas and Hand Drums used in World and New Age music. In 2008 I joined the fledgling Hubbub Club, and played marching percussion for over10 years, appearing in Sonoma County and at HONK music festivals in Seattle and Austin from 2008 . I busk and have played open mics with my duo, Nomadix. The Retrofits is full circle for me, playing classic rock drums on the songs I grew up with! Power to the people , rock on!
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