Meet the band
Sandy C.
Lead Vocals
Bringing a Lifetime of Musical Legacy to the Stage
Legendary vocalist Sandy “C” Cannizzaro continues to captivate audiences with a career that spans decades, genres, and generations. From national television to iconic venues, Sandy’s dynamic voice and charismatic stage presence have made him a standout performer since childhood.
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Sandy began his professional journey at just 11 years old, recording “My Prayer” with Bell Records and touring with music legends including The Four Tops, The Everly Brothers, The Young Rascals, and The Four Seasons. By age 12, he had graced national TV stages on Shindig and Hullabaloo, and performed at the Meadowlands.
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At 15, Sandy became the lead vocalist for The Realms, releasing the single “Baby, Let’s Wait.” By 18, he was fronting the original rock band Castle, later leading the Led Zeppelin tribute band Black Dog, and touring alongside Steve Marriott of Humble Pie.
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Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Sandy shared stages and studio time with a diverse roster of artists including: John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, Clarence Clemons, Styx, Joan Jett, Michael Bolton, The Righteous Brothers, Ray Charles Singers, Mama Cass, The Ronettes, and The Crystals.
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In the late ‘70s, Sandy fronted the 10-piece Tower of Power tribute group Aer, featuring Joe Cocker’s horn section, and opened for Earth, Wind & Fire at the Brien McMahon Auditorium in Norwalk, CT.
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The 1980s saw Sandy as the frontman of multiple bands:
• The Orange Group – a classic rock outfit performing from Florida to Maine
• High Society – a high-energy Top 40 rock and disco-funk show band with stops in CT, NY, Maine, and Las Vegas
• Fable – an 8-piece classic rock and soul group playing venues across the Tri-State area
With a voice rooted in soul and a spirit forged in rock, Sandy “C” Cannizzaro remains a force in the music world, known for his powerful vocals, electric performances, and timeless talent.
Roger Twerion
Piano / Keyboards
Roger Twerion is a seasoned keyboardist and vocalist whose dynamic career spans decades of live performance across the U.S. and beyond. Starting in his teens, Roger quickly made a name for himself playing in bands throughout the Northeast before hitting the road with Sandy C. in high-energy show bands that toured nationally.
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He’s played top venues from Las Vegas and Los Angeles to San Diego, performing for audiences ranging from hotel lounges to military bases. A trailblazer in the tribute scene, Roger founded the first-ever Led Zeppelin tribute act, rocking clubs and festivals up and down the East Coast.
Roger later joined an international show band led by Chilean twin vocalists, touring casinos, resorts, and destination stages across Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, the U.S. Virgin Islands—and Playboy Clubs in Omaha, Lansing, and Columbus.
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With his signature blend of rock, soul, and showmanship, Roger brings unmatched energy and experience to every stage he plays.
Joe Sullivan
Drums / Vocals
Joe Sullivan is a veteran drummer and vocalist with a lifelong dedication to live performance. He began playing in bands during his early teens and quickly made a name for himself on the East Coast music circuit.
Throughout the 1970s, Joe toured extensively, performing in clubs and hotels from New England to Florida. His dynamic style and stage presence have led to performances alongside major artists, including Vinnie Vincent (KISS) and the legendary session guitarist Cornell Dupree. With a deep groove, rock-solid timing, and vocal versatility, Joe brings both energy and professionalism to every stage he steps on.
Chuck Ciambriello
Guitar / Vocals
Chuck is a seasoned guitarist and vocalist with decades of performance experience. During the 1980s, he toured extensively, performing across 38 of our 50 United States. His deep-rooted passion for R&B, funk, and classic rock brings a rich musical diversity to the Upbeat Band.
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Chuck's dynamic stage presence, soulful guitar work, and strong vocal ability continue to energize audiences and elevate the band's overall sound. His commitment to his craft and love for live music are evident in every performance.
John Fernandes
Bass / Vocals
A Connecticut native, John Fernandes is a versatile and dynamic bass player whose musical fluency spans a wide range of genres, including funk, rock, blues, jazz, and beyond. With a deep groove and an instinctive feel for rhythm, John brings both technical proficiency and emotional depth to every performance. His seamless ability to adapt to various musical styles makes him an indispensable part of any ensemble.
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In addition to his bass playing, John lends his voice to backing vocals, adding another layer of texture to his performances. His stage presence is confident yet grounded, shaped by years of live gigs, studio sessions, and collaborative projects across the Northeast music scene. Whether he's locking in a pocket with the drummer or taking the spotlight with a solo, John always delivers with passion and precision.