MONKEY BUS

            The Monkey Bus is coming so you better "Hop" on!  Hailing from Media , Pa , Monkey Bus has been rocking audiences in the Philadelphia area for over 12 years. Many years of musical expertise has made them THE band to see as they are always the life of the party!  If you are already a fan of The Bus, you may know that recently the band has made a few personnel changes. Although the band was apprehensive at first about the alterations, the response over the first month has been marvelously overwhelming.

            New members to the band, Tony "Hopper" Costello and George Malin, bring with them years of experience and a slightly different sound to The Bus. Hopper has been involved in the local music scene for over 12 years and played with the band "The Interns". In Monkey Bus, he provides great, strong vocals and is a real presence on stage. George, on bass and also providing vocals, has also been in the local scene for sometime having been a part of the band "ClokWork". Other members of the band include Rob Groden who started his musical career at a very young age, he remembers, "I saw Ace Frehley playing guitar in a Kiss video when I was 12 and I knew that was it". Rob not only plays lead guitar but also sings in the band. AJ Chinici, rhythm guitar, keyboards, and vocals, has been on The Bus for over 3 ½ years and his resume includes the band "52 Pickup". Last but not least, Rob Walters, the only original Monkey member, started the band many years ago with friend and former band member, Cheeze. Rob, also known as "T-Bone", rocks out on the drums.

            As far as what you can expect from the new Bus, Rob G. explains, "It's opened the door to a different style of playing, new songs and new fans. I think Hopper described it best when he said, "We're throwing a party and I'm the host."" Old fans as well as new will definitely not be disappointed as The Bus has been getting great reactions to the new material they have added since Hopper and George have joined the band. "The one song that gets requested the most", says Rob G., "is Purple Rain by Prince".

            Hopper and George are also thrilled about the union. Hopper expresses, "I've loved it so far and every show is exciting. It feels like my first band, like I'm a kid again." George adds," I couldn't put into words how excited and nervous I was [the first show that I played with Monkey Bus]. I had some big shoes to fill, and was very worried about being accepted by our fans. We have the best fans ever....I have never met a group of nicer people in my life. They really have made being "The New Guy" really easy."

            Although they may be the "New Guys" to the fans, Hopper and George have a long history with the other members of the band. Rob W. knew George from jamming with him at open mic nights at Joclyn's in Media. George has also attended Bus shows for many years, "Plus, he's a great bass player!" adds Rob W. All of those involved, even departing member Richie SanFillippo, were friends making the transition a smooth one. Hopper has known Rob G. and T-Bone for over 12 years. When they heard that he was available they never even considered anyone else and he was their first and only audition. "He fit in right away," comments Rob W, "Besides his great singing and stage show, he also has the same ideas that we have to make the band keep progressing."

            Monkey Bus loves what they do: make great music. When asked where they would like to play or things that they would like to see in venues they currently play, Hopper suggests, "A club where the stage and dance floor are clear glass raised over a swimming pool, you could call it "The Watering Hole."" Meanwhile, George has two words, "Jager Fountains!!!!".

            The future of The Bus with its new members is bright. They are all still adjusting to the new group but based on the great response from fans everywhere in their first month together, we can expect only great things to come. When you're not out seeing them at the club, you can check Monkey Bus out on the web at www.MonkeyBus.com. The site is full of fun facts about the band, a guestbook, full schedule of upcoming shows, and of course, photos of the band in action! Monkey Bus will be at Whisky Tango on Saturday, February 11th. They will also be at Savoy 's on the 17th and Bootleggers on the 18th. If you would like to book Monkey Bus for your private party or wedding, please call Shore Bets Management Agency at 215-884-HELP.