UNCOVERED – OMG

If you’ve spent any time at all following the local music scene in recent years then you’ve undoubtedly heard of The Funk Evolution Entertainment Group. Owned and operated by Stephen “Rocco” Christman this musical conglomerate offers everything from its flagship 8 piece horn band Funk Evolution to a full on DJ service, an acoustic duo or trio, sound and lighting, and – new for this year – a 5 piece party band known as, “The OMG! Band”.

The OMG! Band was founded by Rocco in 2017 and initially performed under the name “EVO 2”. Rocco formed the band around lead vocalist and Berklee alumni Gianna Robustiano whom he had seen performing on social media. Rocco surrounded Gianna with a group of rock solid local musicians – Dave Teta on drums, Mike Lemme on guitar, Tim Fiato on keys, Joe Benevento on bass. The band performed extensively at local clubs and private events throughout 2017 and 2018 before deciding to re-brand itself under the current name.

The OMG! Band aims to present an image and perform material that will appeal to the 21-30 demographic, something that Rocco felt was missing from the local scene. The OMG! Band will be performing a packed schedule for 2019 bringing its’ catalog of hits from the past 3 decades mixed with current pop, rock, and country tunes to local venues such as Spare Time in Clifton Park, Firestone 151 in Schenectady, and Gaffney’s in Saratoga.

Keep up with The OMG! Band on Facebook or their website at www.theomgband.com.

Mike Shudt is a veteran of the local music scene and can currently be seen performing across the Capital Region as the bass player in The Refrigerators.