Meet The Band
"America's Party Band"
NICHOLAS CASCIANO LEAD VOCALIST, GUITAR, PERCUSSION, HARMONICA
BAND LEADER
Nicholas Casciano formed The Heartbeats in 1990. Nick is multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. He has an extremely wide vocal range and a unique ability to sound like the artists that he sings. Nick is an accomplished drummer and also plays guitar, bass, piano and harmonica. Nick has been performing professionally since he was a child and with over 40 years of experience in the entertainment business "He Knows How To Run A Party". His creative vision and tireless hard work continues to guide The Heartbeats, as he handles every aspect of this incredibly successful band.
PATTY BALBO LEAD VOCALIST, ACOUSTIC GUITAR
Patty Balbo is The Heartbeats longest tenured female vocalist. She is an incredibly talented vocalist and musician. Patty is our "Rock". She has an extremely versatile vocal style which allows her to sing any style of music. She is also an accomplished acoustic guitarist and is The Heartbeats vocal arranger. Patty has sang and recorded with such artists as Shawn King & Marie Osmond as well as sang on numerous jingles and commercials. Patty's talent and entertainment experience is vital to the success of The Heartbeats.
TRICIA RODIO LEAD VOCALIST
Tricia Rodio started her singing career at Rowan College where she was classically trained. Her first professional performance was at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, where she was featured for a 6 month period at Tango's Lounge. She joined the Heartbeats in 2006 and has been traveling and performing with them for the past 18 years. Tricia is an integral part of the bands front line with her extremely versatile vocal range and her infectious high energy personality, she just connects with audiences.
ELIZA VITALE LEAD VOCALIST
Eliza Vitale is a graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and a Concentration in Musical Theater. Eliza has stared in numerous theater productions such as West Side Story, Wicked and A Chorus Line. Eliza yields a regal and commanding stage presence and with her amazing range, rich tone and powerful soulful voice she brings her youthful talent to The Heartbeats Stage.
ERNIE McANDREWS KEYBOARDS, VOCALIST
Ernie McAndrews is one of the founding members of The Heartbeats. ​Ernie is a classically trained pianist. He is technically very proficient on his instrument and his advanced knowledge of keyboard programming plays a large part in giving The Heartbeats their authentic sound. Ernie's lead and back round vocal ability adds to the harmony of The Heartbeats and his behind the scenes producing abilities keep The Heartbeat's sound fresh and on the cutting edge.
JIM BOWMAN BASS GUITAR, VOCALIST
Jim Bowman was the first and only bass player in The Heartbeats and has been with the band since 1991. Jim has been performing since elementary school and is well versed in all styles of music. His consistently solid bass playing lays the groove for The Heartbeats infectious sound. Jim also has a wide vocal range. His deep bass harmonies and lead voice fill out the vocal section of the band. Jim is also one of The Heartbeats music arrangers. He brings an energetic quality to the stage that keep The Heartbeat performances Fun & Energetic.
BUGZY GUITAR, VOCALIST
Bugzy joined The Heartbeats in 2007. He has performed and acted in numerous television and radio commercials (Coors Light, Matchbox, Pizza Hut, Guess Jeans), and has toured the U.S. with his own group "Bugzy" which was signed by Iguanua / Interscope records. Bugzy has composed music for film, (HBO's "Deep Blue"), as well singing and playing on several other independent films. Bugzy is also very active in promoting music education. Bugzy's stage presence, flawless guitar playing and strong vocals give The Heartbeats their Rock n' Roll sound.
JOSE DIAZ DRUMS, VOCALIST
TONY BETHEL TOMBONE, VOCALIST
Tony Bethel joined The Heartbeats in 1999. Tony started performing professionally in High School. A music major from Temple University, Tony toured the country with the band Blue Magic and has performed and recorded with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire & Donnie Hathaway. Tony's trombone playing gives The Heartbeats horn section it's "Big Sound". His inviting personality and smooth vocal style bring a soulful element to the band that just makes you wanna get up and danc
JAKE LANE TRUMPET, FLUGEL HORN
Jake Lane has been performing since he was a child. He is an accomplished Trumpet & Flugel Horn Player. He has performed over the years with many of the "Philly Sound" bands. The high tones that come from his trumpet give The Heartbeats horn section it's "Punch".
JASON O'MARA SAXOPHONE, FLUTE
Jason O’Mara is a Philadelphia-based saxophonist and woodwind doubler. He performs and records in a wide variety of musical contexts including regional orchestras, jazz ensembles, musical theater productions, salsa bands, and pop bands. He has performed with the likes of Frankie Valli, Natalie Cole, Wayne Newton, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Teddy Pendergrass, The O’Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and The Temptations.
