Genre

Cover band

History

Some guys just go home tired and crash after a day at the office, while others “rock n’ roll”. Such is the case of the Classic Cruisers, a 50’s, 60’s, 70”s and sometimes 80’s band. Three members of the Cruisers have been playing together since 1966 as classmates in Youngstown, Ohio attending Immaculate Conception Grade School and Ursuline High School’s, “Class of 71”.

In 2000, Mike Herchik, Bass/Lead guitarist, for the cruisers, then Principal of Mogadore High School, pulled the group together for a fun performance to entertain the students at the senior talent show. The “Cruisers” opened with “Gloria”, “Taking Care of Business” and closed with “Jingle Bell Rock”. One might ask, “Why ‘Gloria’ by the Shadows of Night”? Because this was the first organized song played on stage by the group at Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Youngstown in 1967. Besides, Mike Herchik (North Canton, Ohio) other original members of the “Cruisers” include Joe Warino (Canfield, Ohio) Rhythm Guitarist/lead and backup vocals, and Drummer/lead and back up vocals Jimmy DeCapua (Poland, Ohio ). The song ‘Gloria’ continues to be a trade mark song of the group and has been performed during all performances to date.

In 2006, Stephen DeCapua (Canfield, Ohio), Lead Guitarist joined the group and Rich Dudones (North Canton, Ohio), vocalist, joined the group also bringing a new Dimension to the Classic Cruisers with great riffs by SD. In 2009, lead vocalist "Sunny Rich" retired which created a huge void on lead vocals. During the winter of 2008, long time friend of the group, Jim Cerenelli joined on and once again the group had a new dynamic. JC plays the keyboards and accoustic guitar, but also has contributed fantastic lead vocals with newly found vocalist Scott Allen. Scott will be performing as one of the lead vocalist with Joe Warino, Jim Cerenelli, and Jimmy DeCapua and will also do percussion.

The “Classic Cruisers” can be seen performing at private parties as well as public venues throughout the year.

Musicians