Tommy Brunett is a dynamic musician/songwriter who’s known for his legendary live performances intertwined with storytelling and musical tight rope style deliveries.
Blending elements of rock and Americana, Tommy is known for his powerful stage presence and distinctive voice. Brunett’s musical journey includes his time as the touring guitar player for the iconic band Modern English. (Melt With You)
As a singer, songwriter, and showman, Tommy and his band Tommy Brunett Band, have opened for such acts as ZZ Top, Lumineers, George Thorogood, Ted Nugent, Cracker and other musical icons. Tommy’s national television appearances include the Today Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and more.
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Lou Gramm
Lou Gramm was born in Rochester, New York, and began his musical career in his mid-teens, performing in local bands including St. James Infirmary (later The Infirmary), PHFFT, and Poor Heart. He later became frontman for the hard rock band Black Sheep, the first American group signed to Chrysalis Records. After releasing their debut single “Stick Around” in 1973 and playing clubs throughout Rochester and Buffalo, the band signed with Capitol Records and released two albums: Black Sheep (1974) and Encouraging Words (1975). While opening for KISS, a crash involving the band’s equipment truck ended their tour on Christmas Eve in 1975 and stalled the group’s momentum.
Earlier, Gramm had met guitarist Mick Jones during a Spooky Tooth tour stop in Rochester and shared Black Sheep’s album with him. In early 1976, Jones invited Gramm to audition for a new band he was forming. With the support of his Black Sheep bandmates, Gramm accepted the invitation, won the job, and helped form what would soon become Foreigner.
Gramm’s powerful voice quickly became the driving force behind Foreigner’s success. Circus magazine once wrote that he had a voice “Robert Plant might envy.” He co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits and sang lead on classics including “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Juke Box Hero,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which became a No. 1 hit in both the U.S. and U.K. Foreigner’s first eight singles reached the Billboard Top 20, with four hitting the Top 10 — a milestone previously achieved only by the Beatles.
While continuing with Foreigner, Gramm launched a successful solo career. His 1987 debut album Ready or Not featured the Top 5 hit “Midnight Blue,” and his follow-up Long Hard Look included “Just Between You and Me” and “True Blue Love.” He also contributed “Lost in the Shadows” to the Lost Boys movie soundtrack. In 1990, Gramm formed the band Shadow King with longtime collaborator Bruce Turgon and released a self-titled album in 1991. Though short-lived, the project was well received.
Gramm returned to Foreigner in 1992 to record new songs for The Very Best of … and Beyond and brought Turgon into the band’s lineup. That same year, he became a born-again Christian and continued to perform with renewed focus and perspective. In 1995, Foreigner released Mr. Moonlight, which found success in Europe and produced the adult contemporary single “Until the End of Time.” In 1996, Gramm recorded backing vocals for Tina Arena’s cover of “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which became a European hit.
In 1997, Gramm was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. Though surgery was successful, recovery affected his stamina and voice. By 1999, he had returned to touring with Foreigner and resumed an active schedule. He departed the band for the final time in 2003 and has continued to tour as a solo artist across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
In 2013, Gramm published his autobiography Juke Box Hero: My Five Decades in Rock ‘n’ Roll and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Mick Jones. A revised paperback edition was released in 2019. In 2022, he launched a new project, Lou Gramm Allstars. In 2024, Lou Gramm and Foreigner were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Andy Kim
A true architect of pop music history, Canadian icon Andy Kim has penned and performed some of the most beloved hits of the last half-century. Born in Montréal to Lebanese immigrants, Andy carved his way into music legend with perseverance, grit, and undeniable talent.
At just 16, Andy boarded a bus to New York City with $40 and a dream. Days later, he was in the Brill Building, playing songs for famed producer Jeff Barry. That bold move launched a career that would see Andy co-write the global sensation “Sugar, Sugar” for The Archies, which became Billboard’s Record of the Year and the top-selling song of 1969. Just a few years later, he struck gold again with “Rock Me Gently,” a self-produced anthem that hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Andy’s impact on music is staggering:
- 2 Billboard No. 1 singles
- 9 Billboard Top 40 hits
- Over 30 million records sold worldwide
- Juno Award winner
- Inductee of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canada’s Walk of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Twice honored by SOCAN with the Cultural Impact Award
- Inductee of Billboard’s Hit Parade Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame
- Named to the Order of Canada
- Recipient of the Key to the City of Toronto and namesake of “Andy Kim Day” (Dec. 8)
Andy’s annual “Andy Kim Christmas” concert, now in its 20th year, has raised over $2.25 million for children’s charities, showcasing his commitment to giving back.
A revered songwriter and performer, Andy continues to collaborate with artists like Ed Robertson (Barenaked Ladies) and Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), pushing his craft forward while honoring his roots. His 2015 album It’s Decided earned praise from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Uncut, and he performed on The Late Show with David Letterman in one of the show’s final episodes.
In 2024, Bryan Adams captured Andy’s enduring spirit in a magazine cover photo shoot—a tribute to an artist who has never stopped evolving.
Andy Kim’s story is one of heart, hustle, and timeless hits.
Dennis Casey
Dennis Casey is the longtime guitarist for Flogging Molly, the Los Angeles-based Celtic punk band known for blending traditional Irish music with punk rock. He joined the band in 1999 and has been a driving force behind their energetic live shows and distinctive sound ever since. A seasoned performer, Casey has toured extensively with the band across the United States and internationally, contributing to multiple studio albums and festival appearances. Known for his raw guitar style and spirited stage presence, he remains a core member of one of the genre’s most enduring and influential acts.
Katy Eberts
Katy Eberts is a musician, advocate and public figure whose journey reflects resilience and hope. Before a devastating car accident in the summer of 2023 left her paralyzed, Eberts had built a vibrant career performing across the region. She shared the stage with local artists and opened for national acts including Eddie Money, REO Speedwagon and Little Feat. With her bandmates, she headlined festivals, played to sold-out crowds and earned recognition for her powerful voice and commanding presence.
She is also known as a talented baker who channeled her creativity into both traditional and inventive treats. Her new storefront was set to open just weeks after the accident.
In the wake of her life-altering injury, Eberts has transformed her story into a source of strength—not only for herself, but for others. By sharing her experience openly, she has forged a deep connection with the community and demonstrated that disability can amplify one’s abilities. She is now a passionate voice for accessibility, inclusion and empowerment, and has returned to both the stage and the kitchen.
Eberts remains committed to encouraging others to reclaim what they love, no matter the challenges. Her voice continues to inspire and empower, on stage and beyond.
