Meet The Band
Joe Birch - Rhythm Guitar
Joe Birch has been the front man for a number of bands for over 20 years, but joins the NHB with the gift of guitar and unbelievable harmonies.
Joe spent a lot of time in Nashville learning the music business, writing songs, meeting people, and growing as a musician. His voice has a natural country sound, but Joe enjoys singing and playing music on all levels. He has played with country artists like Big Kenny from Big and Rich. Although life has brought him back to Pittsburgh, Joe stays in contact with the Nashville scene and does a lot of graphic work for sets as well as studio work for TV and music commercials. Joe runs a freelance graphic arts studio in Sewickley called In-House Graphics, Inc.
Stephen Christopher - Lead Guitar
Stephen is an accomplished singer and songwriter who’s music has been sold and received airplay internationally. His songs have been recorded by other local artists as well. Stephen lends his lifetime of guitar playing in both acoustic and electric styles, as well as adding background vocals to the mix. Stephen opens many of the NHB events as a solo performer. You can check out Stephen’s web site and purchase his CD “Long Story Short“.
Carmen Petote - Saxophone
Carmen played clarinet as a music education major at Edinboro University of PA. He also began playing saxophone in his junior year and was in the Jazz Band. After graduation, he was the lead alto in the University of Pittsburgh Jazz Band directed by Nathan Davis. He then joined Trax, a funk style dance band and played many clubs in the Pittsburgh and surrounding area. When the band broke up in 1981, he quit playing for over 20 years. He resurrected his performing career in 2007 with The Businessmen and The Nied’s Hotel Band. “I missed performing and the friendships. Musician’s are great people, they have a sincere passion and appreciation for life.”
Russ Oblinger - Bass Guitar
Russ Oblinger started his professional career in the early 70’s touring with show bands along with his childhood friend Ron Beitle, present drummer for the Neid’s Hotel Band. His career blossomed in 1972 when he joined Pittsburgh’s legendary Rhythm Kings playing bass and writing songs. In 1978, Russel moved to Detroit where he was hired as bassist and arranger for a Geffen Record’s recording act. He spent the next two decades touring with other Geffen Bands like The Little River Band, Eddy Money, and Clarence Clemens. During this time he logged hours of session time at the legendary A Squared Studio in Ann Arbor before returning home 26 years later to Pittsburgh. Since his return, Russ had been in retirement until recently joining the Neid’s Hotel Band.
Al McConville - Keyboards/Piano
Al joined his first “garage band” while still in elementary school. He played in various local and regional bands through high school and college then took an extended hiatus from music to concentrate on his day career and to raise 2 wonderful daughters. Al started to play again about a year ago, partly as rehab from surgery and partly to hang on to his last touch of sanity, and got bit by the Rock ‘N Roll bug. When he’s not playing with the Nied’s Hotel Band, Al can be found riding around on a motorcycle or in an old Vette. Or, maybe going to an obscure Blues concert.
Ronnie Beitle - Drums
Ronnie made his debut as the drummer for Wild Cherry when they released their platinum hit in 1976, “Play That Funky Music”. After that album went platinum, they cut a few more before Ronnie went on to join other rock bands throughout the years. Now, as the Nied’s Hotel Band’s claim to fame, Ronnie continues to keep the beat with some of the most consistent drum playing in the industry.
John Vento - Lead Vocals
John was born into a family of entertainers so it is no wonder that his passion for performing shines when he is on stage. As the lead vocals for the Nied’s Hotel Band and The Businessmen (www.business-men.com), he has become a legend in entertainment in the Pittsburgh area. During the past six years, John has released three solo albums and countless more between the two bands. Vento is a fine rock-n-roll blues vocalist known for his wild and energetic live performances. John’s selfless giving to local charities has recently won him the well deserved award for the Elks Citizen of the Year.