Dennis Carelli, Harmonica & Vocals

Growing up in a small coal-mining town in eastern Pennsylvania, Dennis was not exposed to much music, at home except the occasional Italian singer crooning "Volare." It wasn't until he was at college that he had an opportunity to listen to some jazz and then on to blues. Oh, how sweet it was. He found the music but as yet didn't try to play anything. Years later a friend who knew he loved the blues gave him a harmonica and an instruction book. And as is so often true of so many, he started and then put it aside as work and business travel took over his time. Until one fateful day.

While visiting his brother and his family in Sacramento, they went to the California State Fair. At the fair they split up and went their separate ways for a few hours. Dennis went past the main stage and stopped cold. Playing that day was Little Charlie and the Night Cats with Rick Estrin on harmonica. With his brightly colored suit and playful stage presence, Rick was having his usual good time playing harp and entertaining the audience. That looked like so much fun that Dennis decided to dig out his harp and instruction book and get serious. That motivation also prompted a search for an instructor. And here he got lucky! Through a friend of a friend he found David Barrett teaching blues harmonica in a music store. From there Dennis went forward studying the harp, the blues, improvisation and eventually voice, so he could sing and start a band.

He identifies Bay Area players Gary Smith and R.J. Mischo, the late, great William Clarke, Little Walter, of course, and his harp teacher and excellent player in his own right, David Barrett, as strong influences.

Dale Hymes - Bass Guitar and Vocals

Back in Annapolis, Dale started out playing almost every instrument in grade-school orchestra. While taking drum lessons at 13, his teacher said "why don't you learn bass and you can play with our band?" So, he complied. Turned out to be what he was most drawn to. Dale played music with his brother and close friends, and the original progressive band "Ours Again" was formed. They made some great recordings, some of which are still out there on Facebook. That association is where he met Paul Reed Smith. Started by working as his apprentice, building and repairing guitars, and more importantly, played in his band, "Jude." It turned out to be an amazing learning experience playing along side pros like Paul, Kevin Whisman, Mike Ault, Stanley Whitaker, Mike Fath, Rick Whitkowski, David Glaser, Music Room, and many others.

His influences include Victor Wooten, James Jamerson, Michael Manring, Chris Squire, Tommy Shannon, Jaco Pastorius, Jimmy Haslip, Roscoe Beck, to name a few.

Dale and family moved to the west coast where friends formed "The Fabulous Jammies," including Lisa on drums. Played around a bit, recorded a few things, and had a great time. It opened up a network of new styles and aquaintences that make lugging the gear well worth it! Met Dennis at a Blues Jam in San Jose. The regular jam sessions sparked something very interesting and produced the opportunity to join After Dark.

Jim Bobey - Guitar

In the late 70’s, each pushbutton on Jim’s rockin’ power-boosted FM car stereo was programmed to a Detroit rock station. A Pinto never sounded better! Only friend Mark McCormick’s Catalina with an 8-Track player and bookshelf speakers made Ted Nugent’s Double Live Gonzo become more alive. Jim knew guitar players were cool; they always made cool sounds and looked like they were having fun. Years later The School of the Blues in San Jose provided an opportunity for Jim to pursue that guitar coolness. After deciding to get “factory trained and certified” at The School of the Blues Jim started studying with guitar instructor/master John Garcia. Thanks to John Garcia’s instruction and Jim’s desire to play, he became part of one of the School’s house bands. Fun and good music in the house band led to his goal to play well enough to be part of and play in a regular gigging band.

Lisa Rutta - Drums and Percussion

Lisa wanted to play the drums from a very early age. There's a picture of her at age 4 behind her brother’s cool red sparkle kit. Back then she made a racket every chance she could; pots and pans, the dog, whatever... Not taking the hint, her parents started Lisa on the piano (SIGH). After a while, she lost interest and went away from music altogether for a long, long time. One day she was at a BBQ with friends/musicians that wanted to start a band and needed a drummer. They convinced her to go back and pursue the drums. And thus began Lisa’s drumming life -- and her first band, The Fabulous Jammies, which consisted of friends from that fateful BBQ! In pursuit of her musical passion she has studied with some top-notch players - true pros who take music and their teaching very seriously. She was part of a number of bands playing covers and creating original music before she reunited with her friend and former band mate, After Dark bass player Dale Hymes. Some of her past and current music projects can be heard at www.myspace.com/drumdarling.