Meet the Band Members
Sum of Talented Parts
Dave Mullen
Founder & Director
A band wouldn't be complete without its leader. Dave has been playing trumpet for nearly 60 years. His experience includes Jackson High School Band, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, Community bands, worship bands, and other big bands in the area. Dave's vision for DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band has brought together an extremely talented and fun group.
Brad Johnson
Lead Vocalist
Brad discovered a natural talent for singing at an early age; and his love for it has lead to performing in many local bands since high school. Besides DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band, Brad is also currently active with the Akron based classic rock tribute band, Eclipse; as well as a Huey Lewis tribute, Heart and Soul. Brad says he is always looking forward to watching everyone dance, get away from their every day stresses, and helping people just have a good time.
Shivaun Frere
Lead Vocalist
Shivaun began singing in front of crowds in 1984. She has been singing and performing in church, school, college, and community theater ever since. Shivaun's love for the big band sound stems from fond memories of standing on her grandpa's feet while he danced to the live band at his favorite Akron restaurant, Sanginitis.
Dr. Tom Freeland
Guitar & vocalist
Tom became intrigued with guitar after seeing The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show; and then later, Jimi Hendrix. He worked summer jobs as a kid to save for his first guitar, which he purchased at age 18. Over the last 45 years, Tom has played in bluegrass, rock, and funk bands, as well as a small rock group called T Free and the Panic Attacks. Tom believes that, "music is the best thing that humans do aside from loving each other."
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Brian H. Hackett
Keyboard
Brian's parents formally enrolled him in classical piano lessons when he was in 2nd grade, which he continued all through high school. After college, he continued to play for churches and special events like weddings, etc. In the 50+ years the he has been playing, Brian has been in various school bands and competitions, weddings and church bands, as well as the Backspin Horn and Rhythm group.
Brian says that his love for music (stemming from his mother's passion) makes performing for others very gratifying. He also says that, "Being a part of DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band, because of it's storied history and musical excellence, is a great source of motivation and pride".
Keith Dyer
Bassist & vocalist
Keith's love for music and rhythm first had him pick up a bass guitar when he got out of the Army. He joined a band with a group of friends, and has been playing in church since 1994. He loves that the bass "helps establish groove and dynamic interplay between the drums and other instruments". Keith says he feels "privileged to play with such a great group of musicians who share a love of music from various genres... especially the 50's, 60's, and 70's".
Bryan Harris
Tenor Sax
After a brief hiatus following high school bands and ensembles to pursue his career, Bryan quickly got involved with many local church and community bands and theaters; starting with his clarinet. Since then, Bryan has built an extensive repertoire playing almost every wind instrument (except the bassoon), and all types of music. Bryan has performed in numerous groups (too many to list here) including the pop/rock groups The Wanderers, and Jimmy and the Soul Blazers.
DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band is honored to have Bryan as part of the team.
John Trembly
Alto Sax
John Trembly started playing alto saxophone in 1999 as part of Walsh University’s Instrumental Ensemble to impress a girl. It worked, and he has been married to her for many years. After graduation he continued his musical endeavors with the Canal Fulton Community Band, later joined Ron Vogelgesang’s Musical Memories Orchestra and then joined DJ’s Rock and Roll Big Band.
Mark Esber
Bari Sax
The only thing that Mark loves more than playing his sax is raising his family. Mark has always liked the sound of the saxophone, which is why he started playing at age 16. He says, "music provides an escape from reality. It brings me joy, and joy to others". Mark still plays with the Canal Fulton Community Band, The Akron Big Band, and The Musical Memories Orchestra.
Andy Pfaff
Drummer
Andy Pfaff has always just thought that drums were cool, and he finds himself in his happy place while he's playing them. At age 15, Andy began his professional career, performing with The Caballeros, Colt, and Natural High; only to name a few. At age 18, he started touring with various bands, not only across the country, but around the world. Over a span of 53 years, Andy has had the privilege to open for MANY big-name artists like Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, and Jerry Reed. He finds playing with DJ's Rock n Roll Big Band to be "a treat". Well Andy...the feeling is mutual!
Kevin Wallick
Trumpet
Kevin is a lifelong resident of Ohio who has been playing the trumpet for nearly 50 years. He has been a member of the Medina County Community Band since 2016, lead trumpet in the Akron Big Band, and now stars in DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band with his amazing ability to hit the highest notes.
Malcolm (Mal) Bartlett
Trumpet
As soon as Mal got his hands on a neighbor's trumpet, he fell in love and never looked back. Mal has been playing trumpet now for over 65 years. In his lifetime, he has played in youth symphonies, college bands and ensembles, circus bands, The Good Year Theater pit orchestra, The Falls River Quintet, and even Akron's own Soap Box Derby Band. In 1970, Mal performed in the International Jazz Fest in Montreux, Switzerland. Mal says that co-musicians have become life-long friends. He loves being a part of DJ's Rock 'n Roll BIg Band for it's unique blend of genres and sound; and reviving great music from the past.
Susan Swab
Trombone
Following in her aunt's footsteps, Sue picked up the family trombone and started playing in the fifth grade. Her love of music had her study music education at BGSU. Sue continues to play in the Western Reserve Community Band & Big Band, as well as the Stow Symphony Orchestra, and has been playing for over 58 years. Sue has great fun playing the music she grew up with in DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band.
Bill Roubanes
Trombone
Bill decided to play the trombone in 4th grade because it "just looked cool". He played all through high school and then spent 5 years with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. After a long break, Bill has joined DJ's Rock 'n Roll Big Band and also plays for the Bluecoats Alumni. Bill feels that being in a band is the only place that the word teamwork rings true.
Keith Koesel
Percussion
Keith started playing drums when he was 5 years old and took lessons for the following 10 years. Besides high school marching, jazz, and rock bands, Keith also accompanied his grandfather at Polka and wedding gigs; and has been a part of many local bands and worship teams. Keith has had the privilege of performing all over the world, including a cable television show in Japan. One of his most memorable moments was sitting in as the drummer for Bob Hope's show at the Carousel Theatre in Akron, Oh.