Meet The Ronald Reagans
Becky
Female Lead Vocals

Becky takes center stage in The BIG ’80s Show as lead singer and frontwoman “Beckie Gibson”. Becky has trained professionally in musical theater, pop, jazz, and gospel vocal styles. After winning 1st place in WBLI radio station’s “Long Island Idol” competition, she performed as the opening act of Summer Jam 2004 on the Jones Beach stage. Like several of her band mates, Becky has also received her Master’s Degree in Education. She has taught music and theater classes in several NYC middle schools, and is currently a NYC elementary school classroom teacher. Off the stage and out of the classroom, Becky enjoys traveling, having spent months backpacking through Thailand and New Zealand, volunteering in Costa Rica, and living and working in Australia.

Becky’s favorite part of The BIG ’80s Show: “What’s awesome about performing songs our crowds know so well is how every tune we play instantly becomes one big sing-along. I love when fans dress up, dance all night, and totally get into it with us. I especially love our youngest fans – kids love ’80s music just as much as we do!”

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James
Male Lead Vocals, Bass

James sings male lead vocals and plays the bass guitar as “Jimmy McFly” in the BIG ’80s Show. He has studied with world renown bass players including Victor Wooten, Mike Frost, Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon/Cyndi Lauper/Herbie Hancock/Chaka Khan) and Steve Baily. He was a founding member of original band Off Peak Fare in the 2000s, which toured regionally, opening for George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic, Ari Hest and Toubab Krewe. James has a Bachelors Degree in mass communications and a Masters Degree in education. When not rocking the stage James enjoys teaching his elementary school students, coaching lacrosse, visiting the Caribbean, and cooking.

James’ favorite part of The Big ’80s Show: “I love a lot about this act: getting to meet new people, visiting and playing new places, but seeing familiar faces at each show time and again, it’s a real honor and compliment.”

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Paul
Keyboards, Keytar

Paul plays the keys and sings backing vocals as “Paul Cougar Mellencamp” in the BIG ’80s show. Paul’s musical background is diverse and exemplifies his passion for music of all styles. As a classical pianist, he has won competitions as a soloist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist. Paul played guitar and accordion as a founding member of the Flatland String Band, a folk/bluegrass group. He has also studied jazz composition. Most recently, Paul’s musical interests have turned to the cover band scene where he has taken the stage in a number of successful cover bands playing keyboard, guitar, harmonica, and singing backing vocals. Paul has a bachelor’s degree in music education, a Master’s degree in piano performance, holds educational leadership certifications, and recently completed his doctoral degree. When not on stage, Paul teaches music in the public schools, and loves skiing in the winter, and sitting on the beach in the summer with his wife and four kids.

Paul’s favorite part of the BIG ’80s Show: “A genuine love for the music and fads of the ’80s surrounds this band… and it’s contagious.”

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Dave
Drums, Samples

Dave is the drummer and plays your favorite ’80s music/movie/TV and video samples on his Roland sampler during the show. Onstage he is know as “Diamond” David Lee Wilson. Studied with Joe Nevolo (Mahogany Rush, Pat Travers, Shadow Gallery). His first true ’80s band opened for the likes of Skid Row, Manowar, White Lion, Obsession and EZO. Dave has 30 years of experience on the stage and studio and continues to record with several independent artists. When he’s not keeping the band rock solid onstage, Dave loves spending time with his family, watching hockey and constantly being inspired by other musicians and new music.

Dave’s favorite part of The BIG ’80s Show: “I love playing music that consistently puts a smile on everyone’s face in the audience. The 80’s were a fun time and you can see how music from that era truly transcends through the generations”.

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Rob
Guitarist

Rob plays the guitar as “Heartthrob Rob” in the BIG ’80s show. Rob has trained with guitar legends Carmine D’Amico, Paul Bollenback and Wayne Krantz in addition to completing a Masters of Music in Jazz Performance at the top-ranked Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Over the years, Rob has played in successful cover bands on Long Island including Kid Gloves, Glue, and Twister. In addition to rocking Long Island, Rob has played with national acts such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, LL Cool J, Vince Neil and Andy Cooney. Rob is a middle school music teacher in New Jersey and teaches private music lessons. When he’s not welding his axe, Rob enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing hockey and live jazz. Rob’s favorite part of the BIG ’80s Show: “I love being able to share the music I grew up with and melting people’s faces off with my epic solos.”

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