Crazy Fingers performed their first official show at a private party at Ultimate Farms in Delray Beach FL on Halloween, 10/31/90. A splendid time was had by all. The original lineup was Bubba Newton on bass, Pete Lavezzoli on drums (both still in the band today), Mike Greene on rhythm guitar, and Al Zilinsky on lead guitar. Mike and Pete both shared lead and harmony vocals. The band went through a series of brief changes in the lineup, including Dave Harris on guitar and vocals; Craig Woloshin, also on guitar and vocals; and vocalist Lisa Johnston.
Crazy Fingers finally settled on its longest lasting lineup in 1993, when Corey Dwyer and Rich Friedman joined, with Corey originally on keyboards, and Rich on lead guitar. Both Rich and Corey also sang, joining Pete to give Crazy Fingers a three-part vocal sound. The band continued to build its fan base by playing weekly shows and expanding their repertoire–including many rarely performed GD songs that other tribute bands had never touched. Within a year of Rich and Corey’s arrival, the band began touring the state of Florida, opening for national acts, and writing original music which has been recorded on two CDs to date.
By the mid 90’s, keyboardist Josh Foster began joining the band for special events and statewide shows, eventually relocating from Tampa to become a full member in 1998. In 2001-02, Alan Martinke of Aquaphonics joined the band on keyboards while Josh was on hiatus for school. In 2007, Rich took a leave of absence for family time, and longtime friend and colleague Billy Gilmore joined on guitar and vocals, having already formed the Grass Is Dead with Bubba and Corey. Rich returned to the band in 2011. Each bandmember has explored other projects, as seen in their individual bios by clicking on their photo above. At present, the current lineup of Crazy Fingers is once again its longest running lineup of Bubba, Corey, Josh, Rich, and Pete.
The band has played over 2500 live shows, allowing Crazy Fingers to sustain a devoted following and a nationwide reputation as one of the premiere Grateful Dead tribute bands.
Crazy Fingers has had the honor of sharing the stage with such acts as the Band, Ziggy Marley, the Neville Brothers, Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule, Little Feat, the Radiators, Merl Saunders, Zero and Steve Kimock, Melvin Seals and JGB, Buddy Miles, Country Joe McDonald, Jefferson Starship, Dark Star Orchestra, and Donna the Buffalo. Crazy Fingers has also hosted prestigious guest musicians who have played with the band onstage, such as Vince Welnick of the Grateful Dead, Melvin Seals, Steve Kimock, Buddy Cage, Buddy Miles, David Gans, Ed Volker of the Radiators, and Stu Allen of JGB, to name a few. Crazy Fingers has also appeared at many prestigious festivals including Langerado, Sun Fest, Magnolia Fest, Harvest Fest, and others.
The first Crazy Fingers original studio CD, Come On and Dance, has sold out, and new copies have not been yet printed, because the band is considering a remix of the CD. The band’s second studio CD of original material, Strange Life, remains available on the website through Paypal, and can also be purchased at live shows. Strange Life is a blend of several different styles of music including blues, folk, country, and good old rock and roll. Crazy Fingers is currently working on a third CD of original songs, and perhaps a remixed Come On and Dance, so stay tuned and come join us at the shows!
We thank you and love you all for being a part of our family!