By Joanie Cox-Henry
Photo by Susie Levin Feinberg
If you want to go see a live rock band and shake your groove thang every single set, Big Rock Band is the answer to your rock and roll dreams. Now nine years into the South Florida scene, this impressive unit is frankly as big as its sound, with an ensemble of eight highly skilled musicians.
Fronted by Alex Lencina, South Florida's own Demon of Screamin', this band delights with Fernando Santomaggio on bass, Jimi Fiano on lead guitar, Scott Sherman on guitar, John "Johnny O" Onderline on saxophone, Ysauro Hernandez on percussion, Philip Bithell on keys, and the O.G. Euvoski Cunningham Sr. keeping the beat on drums.
Each player in this band can take the house down as a solo act, so when you fuse each gentleman's sound together, the planets align, and the rock gods smile down upon them with approval note after note.
The band performed Sunday March 10, 2024 at Cafe 27 and literally had people in the crowd climbing on each other's shoulders and bouncing around the dance floor for three explosive sets of classic rock. Some of the gems from their recent set list included "You Sexy Thing" by Hot Chocolate, "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry, "Hard To Handle" by Black Crowes, "Baker Street," by Gerry Rafferty, "Time" by Pink Floyd, Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance" and Aerosmith's 1975 banger, "Sweet Emotion."
Photo by Joanie Cox-Henry
Fiano leaped onto a table to shred a wicked guitar solo during a cover of ZZ Top's "Gimme All Your Lovin'," while Lencina belted out a flawless rendition of the 1983 hit. Fiano just released a new blues album, Sweat & Pray, and has an official CD release party on March 24, 2024, at Margaritaville Bandshell in Hollywood, Fla. The accomplished guitar player who has performed with members of Bad Company, Foghat, and Night Ranger has been previewing tracks from the album at live shows.
Lencina is honestly one of the most humble and gracious bandleaders around. He not only wants the members of his band to shine as individual artists—he encourages it which is rare.
"I think the most rewarding thing that happens in Big Rock Band is that we feel like brothers, and we're out having fun," Lencina shares. "The smile on people's faces, the connection—I think that's the best part for everyone in the band."
Guitarist Scott Sherman has been tackling more vocal work with his captivating style, while Bithell, Hernandez, and Cunningham continue injecting fresh and vibrant energy into these classic tunes. While 2024 is just three months underway, Lencina says he already has a greater vision for Big Rock Band this year.
"I think 2024 is definitely going to be a year of some transition as we explore more into the depth of what we can accomplish as a band, more complex, arrangement, tunes, etc.," Lencina says. "There is such a high degree of talent in this band that has not been completely tapped so we are looking forward to unveiling those possibilities."
Behind the scenes, Lencina says he protects his powerful voice by warming up before shows and having the proper tech gear.
"On my way to every show I’m doing my vocal exercises," Lencina explains. "But I think the real key to keeping a healthy voice on the stage is having a decent in-ear mix, because it can get pretty loud on the stage. Ear monitors are the key."
When it comes to Big Rock Band's live performances, the band's bass player, Fernando Santomaggio, says he looks forward to the unpredictable energy live shows can bring.
"What I enjoy most about live performance is the unknown!" says Santomaggio. "We play mostly the same songs, but there's always an element of 'surprise!'" He has become a crowd favorite thanks to his chameleon-like ability to adapt to various musical styles, irresistible, funk-infused grooves, and seamless technical prowess.
The seasoned bass ace who drives the bass line with the power and precision of a Ferrari SF90 Stradale also admits he appreciates the vibrant crowd at Cafe 27.
"It's always an eclectic mix of humanity," Santomaggio adds.
For the latest on Big Rock Band's upcoming shows, be sure to check out their social media links at https://www.facebook.com/thebigrockband and https://www.instagram.com/thebigrockband.
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