Meet the Members of the The Bain Station Band...

KEN CHOVAN
Guitar/Vocals/Keyboard/Sax

Ken started taking guitar lessons at the age of 15 just before Beatlemania.  Before then he had played the piano and accordion by ear.  But the first rock songs Ken learned were the Fab Four’s.  And from there, all the other classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s, etc. 

Ken has played in numerous bands; i.e. The Rondelles, Futuras, Geneva Convention, Sound Investment, Acme Band Co., Reminiscing (Big Band).  It was this latter big band and his younger years listening to his father play sax in various combos and early musical television shows and old movies that Ken developed his love and ear for music - and eventually of the bigger band sound.  That also prompted him to learn the tenor sax as well (which he got from his father).  Ken went on to teach guitar at the age of 17 at the Music Center, the same place he took lessons from his teacher, Jim Hanks.

On certain occasions and venues, the band plays some of its songs with programmed keyboard accompaniment (which Ken programs in his Yamaha PSR 2000 keyboard (minus the drum and bass track). That coupled with the four live musicians gives the band a much bigger sound and Ken can pick up the sax on numbers like All of Me, Big Band Medley, At Last, etc.

“We enjoy playing for a variety of audiences and ages so that the repertoire and sound doesn’t become repetitious.  Whether it’s a rockin hit from the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s, a country foot stomper or the soft romantic sound of a ballad, we enjoy every song we perform.”   

Ken plays an American-made Fender Stratocaster; through a Peavey Classic Chorus amp (which Paul says belongs in the National Historical Society); and various effects pedals; and on occasion a Takamine Acoustic Electric 6-string.

Biggest Influence and Favorite Bands:  Beatles, Doobies, Eagles....

PAUL PULERA
Bass Guitar/Vocals

Paul’s life as a musician started as many, listening to
garage bands around the neighborhood.  At the age of 12 he started guitar lessons at the Music Center downtown.  As most young boys he was influenced by the “British Invasion.”   He switched to bass guitar eventually because he preferred “setting the groove” and allowing other musicians to do their thing. 

Although he still enjoys the Beatles, he especially enjoys the blues and classic rock best; and often comes up with different songs for the band to learn; especially if the bass line is varied and unique. 

Paul’s first band was called “Just Passing Through” which played for local parties in the area; which then became Uncle Ben.  Later he joined the Acme Band Company; and now with the Bain Station Band.  Paul also plays locally in the Paul Emerson Trio and Tommy Vee Band.

Main Rig:
Fender American Jazz Bass
Ampeg SVT Classic Head and 410 HLF Bottom
Ampeg BA 115HPT Combo
Fender Bass Strings

GAIL PLAISTED
Vocals

Gail started singing at four years old when her father (Victor Beltoya) taught her how to play the ukulele.  She would sit on the bumpers of the cars outside the Midwest Music Center while her dad was teaching and sing “Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley” with her friend Jenny DeCello.  Sometimes passersby would give them money which they would promptly spend to buy bubble gum at the corner store. 

She has performed in numerous bands, starting with the “OGP” (Order of Guitar Players), a Christian church group; a folk singing duo with Brian Kipp in the late 60’s, several successful 50’s/60’s bands; and a 15-piece Big Band.  These bands have been main staples in the Kenosha area music scene through the years; i.e.   The Chevelles, The Cruisers, Acme Band, Reminiscing Big Band and now the Bain Station Band. 

Her splendid and versatile voice works very well on both fiery rock songs and sweet ballads.  She particularly enjoys singing Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt, which she does remarkably well. 

There are few bands in the area that regularly feature a female vocalist, and the Bain Station Band is fortunate to have her on board. 

Main Influence:  Jeanette McDonald, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler and Annie Lennox; and many more great female vocalists. 

Big Dream:  To sing a duet with Sir Paul McCartney.

GERDO GERMINARO
Drums

Gerdo started playing the drums at the age of 10, influenced by his brother Frank and sister Carmella; and, as a young boy listening to his brother's band (of which Ken Chovan was a part) and his sister playing Beatles, Cryan Shames, New Coloney Six and The Association albums. 

He played drums in garage bands in his early teen years and bass guitar for a few years in his late teens with some high school friends before returning to the drums for good.   There were several wedding bands he performed with in the late 70's; but in 1983 he started with a new 50's and 60's group called the Chevelles.  After 17 wonderful and very successful years with that band, they decided to call it a day. 

Later he was with a Packer band called First & Gold which produced four CD's and played numerous times at Summerfest.  All proceeds went to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.  He then went on to play with Full Circle until May of 2007. 

Gerdo attributes his skills and love of music to two men who taught him what music was all about - Gary Jeffson and Tom Iorio. 

He is excited and happy to be aboard the Bain Station Band  and feels he will have another successful and enjoyable musical experience with them. 

Gary Jeffson
Formerly of the Chevelles and Full Circle

Gary started playing guitar at the age of 14 when the Beatles came out.  He took a total of 6 guitar lessons & ironically his teacher was Ken Chovan, leader of Bain Station.  Gary has a real love for tight vocal harmonies.

Bands that Gary performed with were The Cascades, Butch Wax & The Glass Pacs, The Chevelles, Jeffson & DiCello, and most recently Full Circle. 

Gary has been part of the back-up band for The Coasters, Danny And The Juniors, and Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits. He also was a part of the warm-up band for The Buckinghams.

After taking a couple years off playing, Gary is excited to get back into the music scene working with old friends.  He will add guitar and vocals to the Bain Station Band. 

Musical Influences:  The Beatles, Beach Boys, and Doo-wop groups of the fifties.  

Guitars:   Gretsch (Brian Setzer “Hot Rod”)
Martin acoustic
1966 Mosrite and few more