Band Biographies
Tony Aquino - Lead Vocalist
Tony Aquino started his career in 1963 as a guitarist and lead singer in various groups in New York. He joined and performed in an A Capella group for 10 years with UGHA in the 90’s. Then in 2018, he became lead singer of the Mello-Kings for 1 1/2 years where he performed on many Marquee stages as well as performing in Italy’s Sha Boom festival in 2019. In 2020, he became 1st. Tenor with the Excellents. In 2022, he joined the Step by Step Tribute Band as their lead vocalist.
Joe Noto- 1st Tenor
Joe Noto started his venture in 1966 when he joined Michael and The Continentals. This then led him to a number of groups along the way. He finally landed with The Excellents (of Coney Island Baby fame) in 1999 which he experienced a successful run. He has recently joined the Step by Step Tribute Band as first tenor.
Lou Orrichio - 2nd Tenor
Lou Orrichio started playing guitar at the age of eight. He grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Growing up during the sixties and seventies, he was influenced by groups like the Beatles. Lou joined several bands while attending high school including a 50's & 60's band called the O.B.G.’s. They were the opening act for many oldies shows and performed at clubs throughout the tri-state area. They even did some recording and performances for the legendary, screaming Jay Hawkins. As a member of an oldies band, Lou was introduced to vocal harmony and loved the sound. Over the years he switched from a guitarist that sang, to a singer who played guitar. As his vocal abilities grew, he became a solo vocalist but never stopped singing harmony with several vocal groups. Lou was part of the cast of the Sinatra birthday bash at the Count Basie theatre. Currently, he entertains at dozens of adult communities in New Jersey and is honored to have become a member of the Step by Step Tribute Band.
Frank DiRobella - Baritone, Falsetto
Frank started his Music career listening to his father play Keyboards and also to family members listening to the 50s and 60s music. This influenced him to be an entertainer by age 5. He then began to play piano and accordion studying under Joe Sano. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, focal harmony was huge and always present. He started singing under railroad bridges with family and friends. He began playing drums at age 9. He began performing in School and Garage Bands by the age of 13. He has performed in various Bands from Oldies-Doowop -Disco Funk and Wedding. He formed Street Corner Band in the 80’s. Now performing in Sounds of the Street and Step by Step celebrating the Music of Johnny Maestro.
Bob Marriner - Bass
Bob studied music with jazz bassist Richard Davis and attended Glassboro State. He has performed with the Monmouth Symphony and various oldies groups including the Duprees and teaches at the Peddie School.
Bud Brewer - Keyboards, Background vocals
Buddy started playing piano at the early age of 4. As time went on, he went on to the accordion at age 11, and then over to the organ. Soon after graduating high school, Buddy formed his first band “The Silvertones” which had a long career on the club scene. Buddy has had the pleasure of being the opening act for such legendary groups as the Duprees, Jay Black and the Americans, The 5 Satins, Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge just to name a few. Buddy has always enjoyed Oldies music and vocal harmonies.
Anthony Sergi - Drums
Anthony Sergi was the drummer and first tenor for the Capris. He also sang lead vocals on a few of their shows.
Anthony has performed with the Teenagers, The Drifters, The Harptones, The Chiffons, The Toys, The Dubs, The Elegants,
Freddie Cannon and the Eternals. Recently he has been performing with Midnite Rose, a classic rock group he formed with his daughter - lead vocalist, Denise. Anthony's drumming style is a great addition to Step by Step.
Mike Cetinich - Guitar
Mike Cetinich began playing guitar in his teens, drawing early inspiration from the timeless sound of The Beatles. In the 1970s, he played rhythm guitar and sang backup harmonies with the Cruel Brothers Band. In the 1980s, he performed with The Four C Notes, continuing to develop his skills as both a guitarist and vocalist. Since 2003, he has been a member of Brookwood, where he sings lead and plays guitar, bringing decades of experience and passion to the stage.