John Young is a musical lifer, having played in rock bands since age 14. A singer, songwriter, and guitarist, John has recorded and released original music with the bands the Pundits, Paperback , and his current working project, the Optimists. John has also participated in a variety of local tribute shows covering the music of the Clash, Elvis Costello , and a number of 1980s alternative bands at the WXXP radio reunions.  

When he’s not onstage, John teaches seventh grade language arts, and reviews books for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper. His favorite Tom Petty album is Wildflowers.

Andy Quinn picked up the guitar when he was just a young whippersnapper. Self-taught, learning from records and tapes growing up, Andy has played in bands ranging from Dance to Metal in and around Pittsburgh for over 30 years.

His influences include Jeff Beck, Brian May, Joe Satriani, and of course, Mike Campbell. To quote Andy, “Playing Mike Campbell’s parts are so much fun. He always finds a way to come up with the perfect phrasing.”

Terry Divelbliss discovered his parents’ new Thomas Troubadour organ at age 5 and was taking piano lessons by age 6. “Barry Manilow Live!” quickly opened the door to playing by ear, then along came Styx, Billy Joel , and other keyboard-heavy artists by late elementary school. Fast forward a few years to British ’80s new wave, whose sounds Terry used heavily with his band Seven Color Sky starting in 2005. That band offered an opportunity to work on an EP and album with Psychedelic Furs guitarist John Ashton at the helm. Terry’s favorite professional moment was playing a full set at Club Cafe with The English Beat on five minutes’ notice in 2005. He is currently a member of Smokin’ Section and other Pittsburgh tribute show lineups with band mate John Young.

Influenced by the minor keys of his beloved new (dark) wave, some of Terry’s favorite Petty tracks are the moody, melancholy ones like “All You Can Carry”, “You Saw Me Coming” and “Crawling Back to You”.

Rick Gercak is a veteran of the Pittsburgh music scene since the 1980’s, most recently playing with Smokin’ Section, Mother Cool , Three Who Rock (formerly KGB), and the Optimists . 

Summing up his experience and enthusiasm, Rick states, “Paul McCartney and Geddy Lee, along with Santana’s various bassists have been my influences, but Ron Blair is a monster player who came up with great melodic bass lines. It’s incredibly fun and humbling to try and nail his parts”.

Tyler Kweder  grew up in a musical family, and was inspired to pick up the drum sticks at the age of 14. Through the years, Tyler has toured with bands such as White Wives , American Armada, World’s Scariest Police Chases, and Swiss Army as well as filling in for thirty shows with the Pittsburgh band, Anti Flag.  He also has recording experience on several albums with the Homeless Gospel Choir. 

To hone his skills behind the kit, he has taken lessons with professional drummer David Throckmorton . Despite playing mainly in punk bands, his style is influenced by a variety of players such as Jose Pasillas , Ahmir Thompson, Frank Wright III, and Liberty DeVito from Billy Joel’s band.