CNY Songbirds

“Tighter than three coats of paint” harmonies…

Something special happens when voices blend in harmony. When the CNY Songbirds blend their voices, their “tighter than three coats of paint” harmonies create magic! Backed by a rock-solid rhythm section, and often featuring the "Heart of Gold' horns, the Songbirds leave audiences happy. Every. Single. Time.

The Songbirds have been entertaining enthusiastic Central New York audiences for years, breathing new life into classics by Steely Dan, CSN&Y, Linda Ronstadt, and more at venues including The Ridge in Chittenango, Syracuse's Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Chevy Court at the NYS Fair, and the Center for the Arts in Homer. Their outstanding musicianship and sophisticated interpretations always leave audiences cheering for more.

The band includes many names familiar to the CNY music scene:

Maureen Henesey (vocals) has been singing throughout CNY over the past 20 years. She was a long-time member of local party band Mere Mortals and the SAMMY award-winning original bluegrass group, The Easy Ramblers.

Tom Hillenbrand (guitar) brings the same craftsmanship to his guitar playing that he brings to his day job as a goldsmith. Tom currently performs with Prime Time Horns, Monkey Fever, and is a featured performer at venues across CNY.

Brett Hobin (bass) is a 30-year veteran of the Syracuse music scene. He has owned and operated Hobin Studios for 25 years, playing on hundreds of records and producing dozens of others, to critical acclaim.

Joanna Jewett (vocals) has been performing throughout Central New York for over 30 years, as lead vocalist with a variety of bands, including The Critics, a party/wedding band that played across New York State. Currently, Joanna performs with Dangerous Type, Radio Floyd, The Mix Tapes, and the CNY Songbirds.

Liz Strodel (drums) has been playing locally since 2001. Whether it’s blues, country, hip hop or rock, she prides herself on backing artists of all different genres. She stays busy with both live and studio performances. Liz wrote and released an EP of original songs entitled “Nights & Weekends”.

B Kelly Wilcox (keyboard) is best known as the keyboardist and co-singer with the progressive rock group Cold Sweat, as well as opening for Marillion on their first US tour with Steve Hogarth. He has been a key figure on the Syracuse music scene, participating in rock tribute shows, most notably alongside Earl Slick and Bernard Fowler for “Ruby Tuesday: Music of the Rolling Stones.”

Jerry Tarolli (guitar) is the newest member of CNY Songbirds. Jerry has been playing for nearly four decades. He is a founding member of one of CNY's most beloved rock bands, Under the Gun. Jerry currently plays with Dangerous Type, Radio Floyd, The Barn Dogs Plus, The Rambling Gambling Band, and is known for his impeccable approach, delivering flawless and passion-filled performances.

The Heart of Gold Horns - Featuring Brian Burke (trumpet), Don Williams (tenor sax), and Rod Zajac (baritone sax), this horn section is the perfect complement to the Songbirds' magic!

“I see a lot of shows and there are precious few that leave me wanting more, but when I heard the Songbirds I really could have listened all night. I really think that’s about as good as it gets in this town for “local musicians”... I was really, truly impressed with the singing, the playing, and the whole presentation.” --John Cadley

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