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Four score and seven years ago...oh wait, Lincoln wasn't a Founding Father. Anyway, how did it all begin?

It was a cold November evening in 1996 when Joe Mulcahy (drums), Michael Wasserstein (guitar), Vic Belgiorno (guitar) and Bill Lawrence (bass) got together for a jam session at Long Island Rock rehearsal studio in Massapequa. Joe and Michael had been with "The B Side", which had broken up that June. Vic and Bill were with "Slant 6", but that band had been on hiatus. They all agreed to get together another time, which they did, this time with the addition of Joe Corsito (guitar), a friend of Joe's, and Larry Priola (tenor sax), a fellow "Slant 6" member. It was in the parking area of Long Island Rock that they decided to put a band, still nameless, together.

Rehearsals began in Michael's basement studio. Things seemed to gel very quickly, though the instrument mix was interesting. Three guitarists (Joe C., Vic, and Michael), did not translate well to classic rock, so Michael switched to midi guitar, adding brass, strings, and keyboards to the mix. While it filled a musical void for the band, it created a larger one for Michael, who had been playing guitar since age 11. Time passed and the number of songs the band was putting together increased. Due to creative differences, the band parted ways with Bill Lawrence. Without a bass player, the momentum of the band was in jeopardy.

This was solved by bringing in Phil DePietro (also a "Slant 6" member) to play keyboards and Michael switched to bass. It was also about this time that Joe M. came up with the idea for a name, The "Founding Fathers", alluding to the wondrously democratic way that the band solves all issues (leaving everyone democratically disappointed - just kidding - kind of - ok, I am NOT kidding).

By the end of the summer, 1997, gigs were in sight, but unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Joe C. had to leave the band. Everyone was disappointed, but the band began a search for a lead guitarist. This led to Paul Livoti joining the band (also as an alto sax), and since the fall of 1997, the lineup has been the same.

What has made this band unique is that they enjoy what they do and enjoy each others company. At this stage of the game, they all realize that the music is important, but it has to be fun doing it, because that fun will translate to the audience. The "Founding Fathers" have kept busy throughout 1998 through today.

The band wants to thank everyone in our families who have been supportive of us, and allowing us to continue our passion, even if it means we sleep in on Sundays and forget to buy the milk. Also, a huge thanks to the many friends and fans who have come to see the band. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Keep the music flowing.....