The Band

Lenny Longo

Lenny has a long and varied history as a performer and entertainer. At age 12 his first group The Casuals, received an award from Jerry Lewis for their work to help fight MS. Before entering the Air Force during the Vietnam conflict, he performed with many of the East Coast’s most popular Club Bands including, The One-eyed Jacks and The Silvertones, as well as ghosting on many records for several major record labels. As a solo performer he opened for acts such as, Don Rickles, Steve Landsbury, Joan Rivers, London Lee, Pat Cooper and too many others to mention, from California to Las Vegas, from New York to Florida. Lenny has recorded several records and has also performed with several nationally famous 60’s and 70’s groups.

Lenny has been on the bill with most of the Oldies and Classic rock stars of our time. He has performed in all 50 states, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and too many venues to mention. From outdoor concerts that drew over 100,000 people to indoor venues attracting 10’s of thousands including, The Nassau Coliseum in NYC and The Kiel Center in Germany.

As a writer, he’s been published in Treasure Magazine, Magic, several paranormal publications and was a reviewer of New Age Music for Lightworks Magazine. As an artist and photographer, he has won numerous competitions and has had showings in several galleries. He has degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Hotel & Restaurant Management. Among many other accomplishments, Lenny has held a commercial pilot’s license, has been a guest teacher for NHCC College and has worked for CBN TV. Lenny currently is enjoying life as lead vocalist and guitarist for Bill Haley’s Comets and the Comets Rock & Roll Show and The Main Street Cruisers. Email Lenny at lenny@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Mark Gutman

As founder, leader and manager of the group, Mark has become one of the busiest people in the local music scene. As the popularity of The Main Street Cruisers has grown, Mark not only performs as the rhythm guitarist and bass vocalist, he also books the group, is the road manager, and handles transportation duties, and moving equipment. As “Mr. Bass Man”, Mark is featured on tunes, such as Blue Moon, Duke of Earl, Please Stay, Come Go With Me, and Charlie Brown, as well as lead vocalist on Chantilly Lace and Folsom Prison Blues. Along with The Cruisers, he is also a member of Bill Haley’s Comets and the Comets Rock & Roll Show. Mark has also been featured as back up several times to legendary singer, Gene Chandler. As a final note, Mark likes to remind us that “I Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore!”. Email Mark at mark@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Lynn Mastio Rice

An Easton, PA native, Lynn received a B.A. in Theatre and a Minor in Vocal Performance from Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA. She then continued on to receive an M.F.A. in Acting from the Goodman School of Drama/DePaul University, Chicago. In addition to performing with The Main Street Cruisers, Lynn is also a vocalist in Bill Haley’s Comets and the Comets Rock & Roll Show. She is also a member of God’s House Band, which leads the contemporary service at Jerusalem UCC, Trachsville, PA, under the direction of Pastor Kathryn Foster and Bob Fahringer. Lynn is also a member of the Lehigh Valley Chorale, under the direction of Ed Milisits. Being an actress as well, Lynn has credits in film, theatre and commercials. Her film Children of Invention was an official selection into the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. That same year, her film Counting to Infinity was selected into the Cannes Film Festival. She also played Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, “the mayor’s wife”, in the 1st National Tour of The Music Man, which toured for three years. 687 performances strong and she never missed a show! Email Lynn at lynn@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Stephanie Ryan

Currently residing in the Lehigh Valley, Stephanie originally hails from Lewistown, Pennsylvania. She received her B.A. in Behavioral Psychology from Penn State and then earned her teaching credentials at Eastern University. Stephanie went on to attain her Master’s Degree in Multicultural Elementary Education. She currently teaches in the Methacton School District, where she also directs a student Step and Stomp Dance Team.
Stephanie’s love of music began at an early age in the roots of her father’s churches, and also as a result of her mother’s musical inspiration. As the daughter of a preacher, Stephanie enjoyed many opportunities as a vocalist in church choirs and praise groups, under the direction of voice coach Dixie Goss. Stephanie went on to perform with an acapella ensemble, under the direction of Sherry Swigart. She also played alto saxophone in marching and concert stage bands. Some of Stephanie’s highlights include performing at the White House and on NBC’s “The Ten! Show.” She was also fortunate enough to participate in a vocal talent show in Nashville, Tennessee, with the song, “Roses will Bloom Again,” by Bill Gaither.
Over the last few years, Stephanie has been focused on her career and raising two very musical sons. Now it is time to revisit her musical roots and get back on the Rockin’ and Rollin’ stage. She is thrilled to be doing just that with The Main Street Cruisers!
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato
Email Stephanie at stephanie@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Jennifer Heilakka

Jennifer is originally from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. She studied at East Stroudsburg University with a major in Earth and Space Science. After finding her true passion in Astronomy and Oceanography, she studied for two months on a research vessel at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Chincoteague, Virginia. Along with science, Jennifer also has a passion for music. She is proficient in Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Saxophone. She served as first chair Clarinet in Concert Band and then also section leader in Marching Band for her four years at East Stroudsburg High School South. Jennifer then served as Saxophone section leader at East Stroudsburg University for five years. She also played in the ESU Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. Jennifer has been singing as long as she can remember, singing all through high school including two elite vocal groups. She has been the female lead singer in the praise band at Calvary Chapel Stroudsburg for the past six years. She was also the lead singer at Genesis The Church for five years prior. Jennifer has been recording with several praise and worship bands since she was six years old. Music has always been a part of her life and God has blessed her with the opportunity to be a Main Street Cruiser! She can’t wait to get started! Email Jennifer at jennifer@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Bill Morrison

Bill has been honing his skills on the Bass Guitar for over 40 years. A New Jersey native, he played throughout the North East with well known regional bands including, The Crystal Image and Filet of Soul. Bill rounded out his proficiency on the bass and keyboards by performing with pit orchestras for several musicals. He has also accompanied numerous operatic singers throughout the years, making him a master of many trades. Along with The Cruisers, Bill also plays with Bill Haley’s Comets and the Comets Rock & Roll Show and Dogwood Praise Band, under the direction of Jim Reichard. As a talented musician, Bill has also had opportunity to play with the well known Tommy Mara and The Crests. Keeping alive the drive and bottom that has helped develop the distinct sound of The Main Street Cruisers, Bill is one of the key pieces in the machinery that keeps the band jumping. Email Bill at bill@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Steve Patterson

Steve began playing piano at age 8 with private lessons beginning in 1971. By 1981 he was performing with high school friends in basement bands. He used the skills he learned from his classical music training and applied those skills to his rock band experiences. After bouncing around the 1980’s in some no-name underground bands, Steve emerged in 1990 with an appreciation for blues music. He has played with several different bands in the Lehigh Valley over the years. Crosscut Saw, John Bloys and the Boogie Stew, BC and the Blues Crew, Sky’s the Limit, Guest Appearances with Mike Dugan and Craig Thatcher’s bands, Nick of Time, StoneCat, Where’s Pete Band, Schools Out Band, Cherry Bombs, and Don Cunningham and his Associates, just to name a few. Steve is excited to be working with The Cruisers and look forward to a bright future with the band in 2018 and beyond.
Email Steve at steve@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Bill Lance

Bill was originally inspired to play tenor saxophone by some of the great sax rides that were taken on by The Coasters and Little Richard. He first started playing sax in high school. His most notable musical accomplishment, after playing on the road with Joey Dee and the Starliters, was becoming the original sax player with Jay and the Techniques. He was privileged enough to played on their first album. Bill has a “fat” tone on his tenor sax and plays from the heart.
Email Bill at billlance@themainstreetcruisers.com.

Paul Rice

A self described band geek from way back, Paul has been playing drums since the 7th grade and lists his musical influences as horn bands, classic rock, blues, old school R&B, Motown, 50’s and oldies, contemporary pop, big band, show-tunes, jazz, fusion, new country, concert band, orchestra, marching band, drum & bugle corps, church choir, praise bands, and yes, even polka. He has been in various working bands spanning each of these genres and has played locally (Lehigh Valley) and in the NYC metro area. Paul also performs nationally with the touring band of Bill Haley’s Comets & the Comets Rock & Roll Show. He is proud to have developed many music-related friendships that continue to this day. Today, Paul continues to stay musically active by juggling several projects, studio and fill-in work, and enjoys the local jam scene whenever time permits. Email Paul at paul@themainstreetcruisers.com.