'Day job' lets them chase dream

Santa Fe is one of the area's most in-demand bands.
By MILAN PAURICH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
"We played our first job at Virgil's in Meadville, Pa. At the time, we only knew 30 songs, so we'd have to repeat some of them just to get through our four-hour set," Santa Fe lead singer Sue Theofilos said with a chuckle. "Nobody seemed to mind, though."
Since those inauspicious beginnings, Santa Fe -- the group Sue started with her guitarist husband, Gus, in 1982 -- has grown to become one of the busiest and most in-demand country western bands in the tri-state area.
"We just keep learning new material all the time. Our rule is to always stay current on the music scene," Sue said.
"If you want to be a popular band, you have to play popular music," Gus added. "And there's just something about keeping up with new material that makes it fresh and exciting."
In addition to his guitar-playing and vocal duties with Santa Fe, Gus maintains a full-time Youngstown law practice. Of course, everyone else in the band (Phil Jones, bass guitar; Gary Cole, guitar, keyboards; Ken Ruscitti, drums) has a "day job," too.
Family time
Although Santa Fe performs on the average of two weekends a month, sometimes as far away as Seven Springs and Jameston, N.Y., family remains the Theofiloses' top priority.
"Saturday morning baseball games used to be tough because we'd get home at 3 or 4 the night before. But we were always there," Sue said. "The other members of the group have families, too, so it's the same for them."
Gus and Sue have two sons: YSU graduate Ian, 22, works in the computer tech support division at General Motors; and 18-year-old Tyler will be attending Yale University this fall.
Unlike many area musicians, Gus' legal career meant that the Theofolises never had to struggle to pay their bills.
"Sue and I really have the best of both worlds. We sleep in our own beds most nights, see our kids every day, and get to stand on stage doing what we love on weekends," Gus explained. "For the band to continue on a successful track, it's important for everyone to be happy and satisfied, both personally and professionally."
Santa Fe has performed as far away as Sandusky; Weirton, W. Va.; and State College, Pa., opening for such national acts as George Jones, Willie Nelson, Ronnie Milsap and Gary Allan. According to the Theofolises, the main reason Santa Fe performs out of town as much as they do is the lack of opportunities locally for live bands, especially ones that play country and western.
"Santa Fe has a loyal country fan base in Youngstown that follows us from Erie, Pa., to Lisbon, and they're the best," Sue said.
"Youngstown is a tough crowd for a local band, but I think that's probably true in most places," Gus continued. "We can generally win them over by playing the current hits and keeping it fun, though." Keeping it fun -- and fresh -- is a challenge for any group that's been together for more than two decades, yet Santa Fe has consistently managed to pull it off.
"It's an absolute high to nail a solo and connect with your audience. It can keep you buzzing for days," Gus said.
"We opened up for Blackhawk once and during our last song everyone was on their feet. It was amazing!," Sue added. "I don't think we've ever thought of giving up performing. It's such a part of who we are, and it still really makes us happy."
XSanta Fe will be opening for John Michael Montgomery and Phil Vasser at B & amp;B Backstage (1247 Boardman-Poland Road) on Friday. For tickets or information, call (330) 758-1557.