The Band
Maree Montagnini, songwriter, lead vocals, guitar
Maree Montagnini is the primary songwriter and singer for the group. And it's her dream come to life. She hails from southeastern Ohio, essentially Appalachia... which explains the bluegrass and folk influences in her writing and singing. From there, she discovered the folk singers of the 1960s and will always have a special place in her heart for Peter Paul and Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, just to name a few. She's lived all over the country, from Michigan, to Florida, to New Mexico, Philadelphia, and now Arizona. Hugely influenced by Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, First Aid Kit, Green Day, Social Distortion, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Johnny Cash, Steve Earle, John Prine, the Black Keys and probably too many others to name. When she isn't working on new songs, she's probably hanging out with her five kids!
James Collin Gates, vocals & lead guitar
James Collin Gates was born in Lawrenceville, GA and has lived in Phoenix, AZ most of his life. He discovered UCR on one fateful evening in Bisbee and has since joined the band on lead guitar and vocals. Playing finger style classical guitar and flat picking steel stringed acoustics while singing harmonies has become his forte.
Influenced by a variety of folk/western/Irish artists, he’s passionate about learning and arranging old tunes from past times. Other hobbies include motorcycling, fitness, and playing cards.
Michael Tarquin, percussion
Michael Tarquin joined the band in the Spring of 2022. He is a veteran, business owner, and future Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Musician. You can find him around Tucson with friends and family or working security at night clubs. You’ll hear him drumming for the whole neighborhood to hear, you can spot him on the golf course or spending time with loved ones in Arizona’s beautiful desert outdoors or enjoying live music. Michael carries with him many strong music influences from pop punk, classic rock and modern hip hop music. His drumming is heavily influenced by Travis Barker, Neil Peart, Tommy Lee, and Matt Greiner. While he prides himself on speed and intricacy, maintaining groovy pocket beats is a valuable core to his drumming roots. In his 10 years of self-taught playing and growth, Michael played in multiple church groups and mellow-drama theaters across the country while being an active duty Marine.
Special thanks for the great photographers and videographers who've worked with us - Montigue Eaton, www.montigue.com; Pascal Quintero, WinsomePortraits, Phil Kelly @casualnomad, Ameira Al-Rudan, Duncan Still www.awritersroomrecording.com, Rex Scofield, Ricardo Canez (Amazingness After Dark) and Bryce J. Rogers - YouTube
original song, recorded live at The Hitching Post, Bisbee, 2023
Produced by Bryce J. Rogers
Shows
July 23, Patagonia Lumber Co., 530-730pm
July 29, Bisbee Saturday Market, 9-1pm
Aug 19, The Hitching Post, 9pm
Aug 25, Bisbee Grand Hotel, 9pm
Aug 26, Bisbee Social Club, 8pm
Sept 16, Hotel McCoy Tucson, 4pm
Sept 21, Roosters Country Bar, Mesa, 7pm
Sept 31, Bisbee Saturday Market, 9am
Nov 11, Bisbee Saturday Market, 9am
Rhythm Room, Phoenix AZ
Banditos, Rocky Point, Mex
Yucca TapRoom, Mesa AZ
Bisbee Saturday Market
Bisbee Social Club, AZ
Corbett Brewing, Tucson, AZ
Pho Cao, Phoenix, AZ
St. Elmo's Bar, Bisbee AZ
The Bisbee Grand Hotel, Bisbee, AZ
The Landing, Tucson AZ
Sky Bar, Tucson AZ
Tubac Jack's, Tubac AZ
Harbottle Brewing, Tucson AZ
Chicago Bar, Tucson AZ
Borderlands Brewing, Tucson AZ
Rockabilly Grill, Tucson AZ
Edge Bar, Tucson AZ
Arizona Hops and Vines, Sonoita, AZ
Thunder Canyon Brewery, Tucson AZ
Jackrabbit Lounge, Tucson AZ
The Gardens at Bear Canyon, Tucson AZ
Firetruck Brewing, Tucson AZ
High Five Grill, Marana AZ
Button Brewing, Marana AZ
Crooked Tooth Brewing, Tucson AZ
Catalina Brewing, Marana, AZ
Abe's Old Tumacaori Bar, Tumacaori, AZ
Mescal's Bar and Grill, Benson AZ
St. Charles Tavern, South Tucson AZ
Pima County Fair
House of Bards, Tucson AZ
© 2019