THE SMITHEREENS with SPECIAL GUESTS VICKI PETERSON and JOHN COWSILL

THE SMITHEREENS have earned a reputation as one of America’s most enduring rock bands. Founding members Pat DiNizio (vocals/guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar/vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass/vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums/vocals) built a distinctive sound rooted in the melodic punch of the British Invasion, fused with the raw energy of American garage rock. The band’s breakthrough came with the 1986 release of Especially for You, featuring the modern rock classics “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep.” Critical acclaim and radio success soon followed with Green Thoughts (1988) and 11 (1989), albums that delivered charting singles including “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You,” and “Too Much Passion.” Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, The Smithereens became fixtures on MTV, college radio, and mainstream rock stations, while touring extensively with artists such as Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders. Following the passing of frontman Pat DiNizio in 2017, Babjak, Mesaros, and Diken made the decision to honor his memory by continuing to perform and record. Joined by guest vocalists such as Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms), John Cowsill (from the Cowsills & Beach Boys) and Marshall Crenshaw, the band continues to bring their celebrated songs to both longtime fans and new generations.

VICKI PETERSON and JOHN COWSILL have been married for 22 years and playing music together for…maybe two. Vicki is a founding member of the 1980’s group The Bangles, one of the most successful bands of that decade with over 6 million gold and platinum albums sold. In the 90’s, she became a member of critically acclaimed Americana band The Continental Drifters and remains with them today. The Bangles reunited in the 21^st century to release four more albums, including a collection of rarities, and a collaboration with the Los Angeles bands Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade and the Three O’Clock. John began working in clubs, singing and playing drums with his brothers when he was seven years old. The band grew to include their mother and little sister and The Cowsills became a sensation in the late 1960’s, enjoying several Top 20 hits. In 1981 John did some session work, landing on the Tommy Tutone hit, “867-5309 (Jenny)” and recorded and toured with Dwight Twilley. He also toured with Jan and Dean before becoming a mainstay of the Beach Boys touring band, playing guitar, piano, and finally sitting at the drum kit for over 20 years.