BIOGRAPHY
From the first note to the last encore, the energy and intensity of SLAMABAMA will have your undivided attention. On the verge of breaking out, these 4 musicians' incomparable stage presence can only be described as a uniquely perfect blend of Sugarland and Van Halen. SLAMABAMA's show consists a female lead with stage energy and vocal range to burn, PLUS an additional male lead vocalist/smokin' lead guitar player. Add in a 3rd vocalist to round out their unique 2 and 3 part harmonies backed by a dynamic and tight rhythm section, and you've got "that SLAMABAMA sound". They have built a reputation of unequaled stamina on-stage as they seamlessly go from one song to the next without wasting time. They always keep the energy and fun moving toward an out of control pace for a intense concert experience for all. Be prepared to join in the fun when you sing along to all of your favorites and be blown away by how much you love the original music from their 2 successful album releases. Often immitated, but never duplicated... a SLAMABAMA show is both an entertaining and interactive music experience seldom seen in live music today.
Vocalist/Lead Guitarist J Juliano has performed shows throughout the country to thousands of enthusiastic fans. He has shared the stage with many award-winning artists such as Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Miranda Lambert and a host of others. A published songwriter in Nashville, J has been bestowed the honor of the Italian American Community of Chicago’s “David Award” for Music. Juliano was also awarded the honor of “Best New Country Artist” in the Midwest and earned a spot at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville Tennessee as one of 5 artists out of over 60,000 from around the USA in the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown. J continues to entertain and cut his own path in the music industry as a very highly regarded guitarist. His blend of rock, country and rockabilly influences have helped him to craft a very unique approach to his instrument. SLAMABAMA lead vocalist Rosanna Juliano often refers to her husband as "Eddie Van Paisley"... and there may not be a better description.
Vocalist Rosanna Juliano has been moving audiences with her amazing vocal abilities and endearing stage presence since the time she could walk. Rosanna, born in San Diego, CA but raised in Owensboro, KY cites influences from Reba McEntire to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. She is a unique combination of a fun and beautiful Shania Twain and a bar kicking good time Jason Aldean. She can wail out a rocker one minute and bring tears to your eyes with a beautiful ballad the next . All with the authentic warm country tone that is uniquely hers and hers alone. Rosanna honed her skills in the studios of Nashville, TN writing and recording songs. She wanted to start performing music in front of live audiences so she started the band SLAMABAMA with her now husband J Juliano and is bringing her musical talents to the folks around the country .
Bassist/Vocalist Dennis Gilpatrick’s background is a perfect example of that of the most accomplished musician. A master of his instrument, Dennis is one of the most versatile bassists in the industry. His work has appeared on instructional audio that accompanied the book “Jazz Guitar Lines”, written by Miami-Dade Professor Dan “Lucky” Elden and released by Warner Bros. Dennis’ rock background found him on stage opening for legendary acts such as Great White, L.A. Guns, Sebastian Bach and Ace Frehley. Dennis has also opened shows for country greats Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Hank Williams Jr, Confederate Railroad and the Kentucky Headhunters.
Drummer Derek Bernal began playing music at the age of four and already had what is called "natural talent". First starting on guitar and then keys, he quickly found his calling after sitting behind a friend`s drumkit. By the age of 12 he had already studied the drum concepts of John Bonham, Neil Peart, Mitch Mitchell, and countless other drum heavyweights. Needing more challenging material with which to learn from, he ventured into the realm of what is known as "Fusion".
It was his love of Fusion that led him into a musical partnership with Andy West, former Dixie Dregs bassist. Together, he and Andy formed Rama, an original band that went on to be an opening act for the Dregs. Derek and Andy also appeared on guitarist Toshi Iseda's "Full On" cd on Guitar Nine Records. Derek has played in countless top Chicago bands and continues to seek out people and music that will challenge him. Whether it be Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin, Fusion, Country, Pop, or R&B, he changes like a chameleon to fit whatever genre is thrown his way. Derek is a musician well worth hearing.
Take all of those ingredients, and you have a group whose shows will leave you breathless, whose musicianship will leave you in awe and whose energy will leave you feeling…SLAMMED!
CLIENT LIST
SLAMABAMA and it's members have an impressive list of satisfied clients including, but not limited to:
SPORTS CLIENTS: Chicago White Sox Baseball, Chicago Rush Football, Arlington Race Course, Hawthorne Race Course and more...
CORPORATE CLIENTS: Colgate Palmolive, KPMG, LLP, Russell Athletics, Infinity Broadcasting, Dick Broadcasting, Menard's Home Improvement Stores and more...
CASINOS: Harrah's Casino, Grand Casino, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Silver Star Casino, Royal River Casino, Dakota Magic Casino, Black Bear Casino, Jackpot Junction Casino, Shooting Star Casino, Catfish Bend Casino, Blue Chip Casino, Diamond Jo Casino, Hon-Dah Casino, Ft. Randall Casino and more...
NATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS: Chicago Country Music Festival (Chicago, IL), Country Fest (Cadot, WI), Country Thunder (Twin Lakes, WI), Country USA (Oshkosh, WI), Hodag Country Music Festival (Rhinelander, WI), Taste of Chicago (Chicago, IL), On The Waterfront (Rockford, IL), CMA Festival (Nashville, TN), City Stages (Birmingham, AL), and more...
HISTORIC THEATERS: The Ryman Auditorium (Home of the Grand ol' Opry), The Vic Theater (Chicago), The Arcada Theater (St. Charles, IL) and more...
NIGHTCLUB/MUSIC VENUES: The Grizzly Rose (Denver, CO), Isla Grand Resort (South Padre Island, TX), Ropers (Superior, WI), Workplay (Birmingham, AL), Double Door (Chicago, IL), Gibson Cafe (Nashville, TN), Exit/In (Nashville, TN), The Bluebird Cafe (Nashville, TN), The Flora-Bama (Pensicola, FL) and more...
FEATURED MEDIA APPEARANCES: ABC, NBC, FOX, CMT and WGN Television as well as US99 FM (Chicago), Rock 99 FM (Birmingham, AL), WGN Radio (Chicago), WSLD Radio (Wisconsin) and more...
UNIVERSITIES AND CAMPUSES: University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of Tennessee, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech Univeristy, Southern Miss University, Mississippi State University, University of South Carolina, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University and more...
SLAMABAMA has also entertained the crowds at numerous festivals, park districts, bars and clubs throughout the Midwest, West and Southern United States.
