About After Dark

Dennis Carelli, Harmonica & Vocals

Growing up in a small coal-mining town in eastern Pennsylvania, Dennis was not exposed to much music. Neither his parents or his brother and sister played any instruments. Occasionally someone played a record, which was usually an Italian singer crooning a version of "Volare". In high school he was interested in playing the drums, but there wasn't money for lessons or even a cheap drum kit.

It wasn't until he went away to college that he got exposure to a constant stream of a variety of music. Someone playing R&B over here, someone playing Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin over there. But Dennis' ears gravitated to the sound of 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 in Sacramento, California, they went to the California State Fair. Not exactly what Dennis had in mind when he went to visit his brother. 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 he 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 in a music store south of where Dennis lived. Not only teaching harmonica, but blues harmonica. How lucky can it get? From there Dennis went forward studying the harp, the blues, improvisation and eventually voice, so he could sing in 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.

Carlos Velasco - Drums and cowbell

"My (drumming) idols are Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Chick Webb, Max Roach, my brother!"

"Greatest influences (musically) YOU GUYS! I've learned everything from you two and my brother. Since playing with Frank De Rose, I'd have to say him, too! Yeah, I'd say that I've learned everything ... with me and generous with your knowledge of music."

"I bought my first drum set in August 2001. My first gig was July 4th 2003 with the Harris Fulbright Revue. Played with Blue Chance for a few months. Started After Dark with Dennis shortly after that."

Clark Sykes - Bass

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Clark got hooked on music at a young age. He learned to play guitar and bass and played in various bands starting in junior high school. He studied and played, especially the blues, in various bands until he laid his instruments down in 1984. Clark stayed involved with the music as an audio engineer working the next 20 years on concerts and performances around the country working with everyone from gypsy guitar players to blues bands and everything in between. A couple years ago Clark got the urge to play again and started practicing to rediscover his blues grooves so he could hook with other blues loving musicians. Next thing you know, he's playing bass in After Dark!

Chris Brown - Guitar

Born and raised in Northern California Chris has played guitar for a lot of years with a lot of people. Starting in his teens, he played guitar in a variety of bands playing different types and styles of music. About the age of 25 Chris decided that the blues was the music for him. Today he has over 25 years experience of study and of playing the blues. During that time he has shared the stage with many well-known guitar players including Joe Louis Walker, Kenny Neal and Charlie Baty of Little Charlie and the Night Cats.

Guest Artists - the Bill Chapin Memorial Substitute Chair, Miscellaneous Instruments

Early in its public performance career the band invited local guitarist, luthier, and composer, Bill Chapin, to join in the fun. His participation was memorable and in his memory - he's passed on...moved to Oregon - the Bill Chapin Memorial Substitute Chair was established. Local guitarist and all-around good guy, David Kelly, has been a frequent participant. Bassists, including South Bay mainstay, Frank DeRose, and Rick "Dr. Rick" Kienle have joined in to hold down the bottom. After Dark welcomes horn players, vocalists, and other instrumentalists, too.