THEY’RE BACK!
PERFORMING THE BEST OF THE 60s – 80s
YOU’LL ROCK. YOU’LL DANCE. YOU’RE GONNA LOVE THIS BAND!
NEWS FROM THE BAND
THE KNIGHTCRAWLERS ARE BACK!
Hello from The KnightCrawlers! It’s been a while, but the band is starting to book public appearances once more and are looking forward to seeing you all – our amazing friends – again!
First and foremost, the band reluctantly announces that both Dirk Vuijst and Steve Duva, members since 2006, have stepped down from their respective roles in the band. (For more information, see “Former Members” below). Both men dedicated a tremendous amount of time and talent to a band they truly loved. For that, we are forever grateful. They were an integral part of the overall chemistry of the band that made us much greater than the sum of it parts.
With losing two long-time members, it would have been very easy to simply shut down the band permanently. However, after receiving many offers to play private affairs (and public gigs), it became obvious the band was still very much in demand in the post-pandemic era. To say ”yes” to these offers, the band would need a drummer and bass player up to the task – people who not only had the talent to perform the band’s repertoire but, most importantly, had the right chemistry with the existing members.
Fortunately, the band wouldn’t have to search too far. In 2009, for a brief period of time, Mark was in a second band with two excellent musicians that fit the bill – drummer Tom Nagle, and bassist Ed Noone. Again, fortunately, when Mark reached out to them, they were both interested and available.
Tom came aboard first to help the band fulfill commitments for private affairs in June and July of this year. Afterwards, Tom expressed interest in continuing on as The KnightCrawlers’ permanent drummer. Tom has the same encyclopedic knowledge of the material the rest of the band has, having played much of The KnightCrawlers’ repertoire in former bands.
After Dirk’s departure, Ed had to learn over 40 songs in just a few weeks to debut at another private affair earlier this month. Like the rest of The KnightCrawlers, Ed strives to faithfully capture the spirit of the material and to perform it true to the originals. Besides performing with both Mark and Tom in 2009, Ed and Tom had previously performed together in several bands. They now bring their experience as a solid rhythm section to The KnightCrawlers.
Mark and Ed’s personal history extends back much further than 2009, as they were childhood friends having first met in the same Kindergarten class! They attended elementary and high school as best friends, and started their musical journeys together in their very first of several bands. Coincidentally, Alex and Ed also share a history having worked together many years ago in their professional careers, with neither Mark, Alex, nor Ed making this connection until years later.
Please join The KnightCrawlers in welcoming Tom and Ed! We know you’ll quickly appreciate their contributions to the band.
– Ron Damato, Mark Scala, Paula Newman, and Alex Stecyna (November 2023)
SCHEDULE
PUB 17 & LOUNGE
1315 NJ-17, Ramsey, NJ
SATURDAY
JANUARY 13
8 p.m.
The KnightCrawlers return for their first public show since June 2022! Mark your calendars for this much anticipated return. Pub 17 is a new venue for the band so please come show your support!
THE DOG HOUSE SALOON & GRILL
270 PASCACK RD., WASHINGTON TWP., NJ
SATURDAY
MARCH 9
8 p.m.
The KnightCrawlers return to The Dog House after last appearing there in June of 2022! The Dog House is renown for its LARGE portions of excellent food. The band is eager to make their return at this CLASSIC NJ roadhouse!
PUB 17 & LOUNGE
1315 NJ-17, Ramsey, NJ
SATURDAY
APRIL 13
8 p.m.
The KnightCrawlers second, of hopefully, many more appearances at Pub 17 in Ramsey, NJ.
Listen to The KnightCrawlers LIVE in Ramsey, NJ
Click the button below to listen to a LIVE public performance by The KnightCrawlers as it was recorded from the mixing board. Enjoy!
THE BAND
RON DAMATO Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar / Harmonica
After being chased for years by women who thought he was Johnny Depp, Ron decided to cut his hair and join a Rock and Roll band. Quite remarkably, they still chase him (ah, the power of fronting a Rock and Roll band). Ron’s unique showmanship is surpassed only by his ever-changing guitar and amp collection. And what’s truly amazing is Ron never plays the same guitar once, let alone twice! Member since 2006.
PAULA NEWMAN Lead Vocals / Percussion
Hailing from the ”other side” of Bergen County, Paula is ”the new guy” (er... gal) in the band. While she never met a microphone that she didn’t like, Paula has found singing to be a solution to her mid-life crisis (and she hasn’t even hit her mid-life yet!). Paula’s vocal range has added a new dynamic to the band – opening up some exciting new possibilities into previously unchartered musical waters. Member since 2014.
MARK SCALA Lead Guitar / Vocals
Mark prides himself on being taller than both Angus Young of AC/DC and Jon Anderson of Yes, and is equally happy he’s younger than both. Although “altitudinally challenged”, Mark‘s guitar tone makes him sound larger than life. Mark cites his early musical influences as ”anything you couldn’t possibly dance to.“ When The KnightCrawlers are offered a gig, Mark’s usual reply is, ”just tell me where to stand.“ Member since 2006.
ALEX STECYNA Keyboards / Vocals
Alex has a last name even his bandmates can’t pronounce. He can usually be seen hopping like a crazed mad man singing Ramones songs at the end of the night. Alex would love to own a real Hammond B3 Organ, but would rather have a healthy back instead (you need a fork lift to move them!) Alex's favorite quote in rehearsal is ”I think we should do it one more time”, to which the band replies in unison ”NO!” Member since 2006.
FORMER MEMBERS
DIRK VUIJST Bass Guitar / Vocals
After 17 years with The KnightCrawlers, Dirk has relinquished his role as the man holding down the bottom end for the band. Dirk’s contributions to The KnightCrawlers cannot be overstated. Having seen many of the original bands perform the songs The KnightCrawlers cover, Dirk lived the music he played and was able to bring his unique experiences to everything he performed. The KnightCrawlers would like to thank Dirk for his nearly two decades of dedication to the band!
STEVE DUVA Drums
Steve had been with The KnightCrawlers since the fall of 2006, but recently relocated to sunny southern California, where he is already making music with a new band. The KnightCrawlers would like to thank Steve for the countless hours spent honing his craft to be the very best he could be. Throughout the band’s history, Steve also generously provided the band with their rehearsal space (at three different residences!). We wish him all the best as he pursues his new musical ventures out west!
