Kid Charlemagne - A Tribute to Steely Dan
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Bio

Kid Charlemagne - A Tribute to Steely Dan

Brainchild of Travis Rose, Kid Charlemagne began as a simple conversation between friends over a couple of beers. Travis and Tim (both long-time Dan fans) conversed at length about the ultimate coolness of a tribute to Steely Dan and amassed a list of some of the area's most talented musicians to tap for the band. Considering the project to be no more than idle conversation and absolutely convinced that the proposed cast of players would be much too busy to sign on, Tim went home and promptly forgot about the entire conversation. Travis, however, persevered..................

Two weeks later, Tim received a surprising phone call from Travis.
Travis: "Dave Hawkes, David Dow, Kevin O'Connor, Johnny and Kelly are in."
Tim : "In what?"
Travis: "They're down for the Steely Dan thing."
Tim: "Damn............."
Travis: "What?"
Tim: "Now I’m gonna have to start practicing."
Members

Travis Rose - Vocals
The leader of Kid Charlemagne, Travis has sung in bands ranging from death metal to pop and has performed up and down the valley. He is also a manager at Skip’s Music in Modesto, Ca.

Kelly Ramirez - Vocals/percussion
A talented multi-instrumentalist, Kelly plays guitar, bass, percussion and drums with other local (and not so local) acts. He also arranges Kid Charlemagne’s vocal harmonies and horns.

Tracy De La Mora - Vocals
Longtime dancer, classical pianist/vocalist in several performing arts acts/dance bands in Northern California, she became fed-up with the local music scene and formed her own new age jazz instrumental trio in 1995 and joined two opera companies. Fresh off of performing several musicals and operas, she was thrilled to be tapped to be the first female voice of the group.

Amy Arreygue - Vocals
Amy studied for several years with renowned vocal coach Polly Vasche. Amy rounds out KC's vocal section.

Dave Hawkes - Drums
Probably the most sought-after drummer in the area, Dave has worked with such names as Mic Gillette (Tower of Power) and Cornelius Bumpus (Steely Dan). Dave performs in a number of other bands as well as teaching drums at Skip's Music in Modesto and Hendrickson’s Music in Turlock.

Johnny Valdez - Guitar
A true student of guitar and more musically knowledgeable than any human has a right to be, Johnny's jazz chops and complete understanding of the music of Steely Dan are a cornerstone of Kid Charlemagne. He currently studies under Jazz icon Mimi Fox and performs three to four nights per week.

David Dow - Keys
No stranger to the local music scene, David keeps busy teaching at Modesto Junior College, running a very successful recording studio and teaching keys at Skip's Music in Modesto.

Tim Quinn - Bass
Tim teaches both guitar and bass at Barker's Music (the arch-enemy of Skip's), runs a small recording studio and performs with Kid Charlemagne, Lacquerhead and an acoustic duo yet to be named.

Marty Martinez - Tenor Sax
Martin currently performs in the central valley and also teaches at Gottschalk Music Center (Modesto, California), and Tracy Music Center (Tracy, California). Acollades includeThe Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, The Clovis Jazz Festival's Outstanding Sax Soloist Award, The Quill and Scroll Award (jounalism), and a nomination for The Shield Award (art).

Andrea Hawkes - Alto Sax
Andrea is a professional freelance musician who performs regularly throughout the valley, including the Stockton Symphony, Valley Concert Band, Camraderie, and of course, Kid Charlemagne. Andrea currently teaches woodwinds at Gottschalk Music Center.

Ernie Bucio - Trumpet
A well-known figure in the local music scene, Ernie is involved in so many musical endeavors, we can't even keep track. He is also a successful instructor and performs with Ernie Bucio's Little Big Band.

Chris Convery - Trombone
Originally from Fresno, Chris has been a Modesto native for several years now while playing in bands throughout the central valley. He is well versed in many styles and has been honored to play with some of the world's greatest musicians, from Bill Watrous and Maynard Ferguson to Jon Faddis and the Temptations.

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