Brevard Live PHOENIX By Steve LeClair One of the traits of a Phoenix is that it obtains a new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor. It has been written that the powers of the Phoenix include immense regenerative healing properties through blue flames, transforming at will, and being able to warm others through these flames. While that may define the mythical creature, our local cover band Phoenix brings new life into old favorites and can transform the dance floor and its participants into smiling people warming their hearts with joy, friendship and happiness. The band itself was formed in 2018 which included a core that had played together previously in another band. Its members have many years of professional experience along with a history of playing with many Brevard bands over the years. Phoenix has been doing over 200 shows the past couple of years and you can expect to catch them playing clubs, large outdoor shows, private parties, benefits and numerous other venues. The band itself plays in different formations depending on what they are hired for. They vary from two pieces to five pieces and are identified as Phoenix, Phoenix-Lite, ESP, and Ellen and Friends. Let’s meet them! Buddy Luv plays bass and is very well known locally having played in Soultime and the Umbrella Thieves in the past. He got his humble beginnings in church. Since moving to Florida from Irvington, NJ, he has graced the stage with many local talented musicians and has played everything from Soul to Metal. He actually started his musical path on drums. Evan Colas is on guitars and adds vocals. Evan not only has performed on many stages but works as a studio musician and a composer through his company Paradise Sound Arts since 2010. If you watch anything, you are sure to have heard something he composed as he writes TV Commercials, jingles, and music for numerous clients including Chevy, Harpo Productions (Oprah’s company), Real Housewives and many others. He’s been with the band now for over 7 months. A cool thing is that he has played with Santana, Chaka Khan and Luther Vandross! Fun fact- he studied Chemistry at NYU. Sam DeBella handles all keyboards. He’s been playing since he was 5 years old. Sam started playing in bands at the age of 13. He has an extensive knowledge of music, and his playing ability and range is equally extensive as he can play virtually any style of music whether it be classical, jazz, country, or rock. He is a past winner of a Brevard Live Music Award in 2014 for Best Keyboardist while in the Last Chance Band. Peter Sailing is the drummer and has been playing for over 50 years. Peter moved to Eau Gallie in 1978. Well known in the Brevard music scene, he’s played with all the local greats. He teaches drums and when asked about anything special to know about him, he laughed “l boast, but I have the largest collection of Brevard Live Magazines around!” He travels almost annually to Amsterdam and sits in with various bands while visiting there. Ellen O’Neil is the lead vocalist and plays guitar along with percussion. Having sang in church for many years prior to joining bands, it was only 5 years ago when she picked up the guitar. After she stopped traveling for her corporate training life, she decided to try singing at jam sessions. She credits John Quinlivan and his jam sessions for giving her confidence and an outlet to hone her live music skills. She’s paid that back by hosting a jam at the Moose in Satellite Beach with Brian Boggs in the pre-Covid days. Brian was another big part in her musical journey. Besides encouragement and opportunities to sing, he gave her the first electric guitar she ever owned. Brian passed away this past year and the guitar is very special to her. Along the way she’s met so many fantastic musicians and mentors including Yvette LoPrete who had a music studio in Indialantic and played with her in the group Lady Mane and Steve ‘Quinn’ Velten who was instrumental in helping her build continued page 30 28 - Brevard Live November 2022
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