Lenny Longo
After years of performing with The Main Street Cruisers, Lenny has decided to take some much needed time off to concentrate on health issues. We were so fortunate to have him share his innumerable talents with us. We wish him well in his recovery efforts. Lenny…you will be sorely missed!
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.
Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
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.
Vocals
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 was also a vocalist in Bill Haley’s Comets and the Comets Rock & Roll Show. She is also a member of JUCC Praise Band, which leads the contemporary service at Jerusalem UCC, Trachsville, PA. 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.
Vocals
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.
Vocals & Lead Guitar
Bob Melchiorre
Bob started playing guitar at the age of 11 and has been a lead vocalist and lead guitar player in bands since 8th grade! Bob has been a member of working bands in the Philadelphia area in the 70s and early 80s and the Lehigh Valley since 1987: Heartwood, Boomerang, Helm’s Deep, American Dream Band, Counting Stars Band, Flirtin’ With The Mob, and now The Main Street Cruisers! Having a wide range of musical influences from hard rock, funk, and country, Bob enjoys the high energy and vocal focus of The Main Street Cruisers where he can add his tenor vocals and tasteful to searing leads on his guitar. He formed Helm’s Deep in the Lehigh Valley to explore the raw and basic sound of a power trio where they even dared to cover Bohemian Rhapsody! He played Caesars Palace in Las Vegas a few times for corporate events. Bob enjoys playing different styles and loves to get the crowd excited about the music and seeing them dance the night away. Can’t wait to see you at our shows!
Bass Guitar
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.
Keyboard
Esteban Mendez
Welcome to our newest Main Street Cruiser, Esteban Mendez! Esteban, originally from Peru, now hails from Shoemakersville, PA. He has an associate degree in database administration and is currently working full time as a calibration technician for East Penn Manufacturing. He has been playing music for about 20 years as a hobby, and does not consider himself a pro, but he does enjoy playing keyboards and is inspired by many different styles of music. He is hoping to contribute as much as he can to our repertoire and we couldn’t be happier to have him!
Sax
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.
Drums
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.
