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Dave Kennedy (vocals, guitar) originally cut his musical teeth with the 66th
Street Band out of Kenosha, a band that excelled in volume, long hair, and
occasionally-accurate harmonies. He joined The 17th Avenue Band in the late
70s while at Marquette University, teaming up with Mark Wanezek and Paul
Novotny. Kennedy took several detours after that, diving deep into the jazz
standards world, fronting several quartets during the 90s, while learning the
great American songbook. Following an impassioned effort to play singer-
songwriter and develop a book of original tunes, he initiated a
connection with band mates Wanezek & Leahy and through fits and starts a
group was born. Dave is happy to be mining the gold of the late 60s and 70s
and promoting live music. Kennedy also plays with Tallymoore and always
figures out a way to interpret and arrange tunes into his own.
Mark Wanezek (vocals, keyboards, guitar) hails from the Sheboygan area,
where he grew up in a thriving musical environment, first developing his
serious vocal chops in the choir at North Sheboygan High School. He is a triple
threat, playing both piano and acoustic guitar (his beloved blonde Ibanez). You
are what you eat, and Mark immersed himself in the classic singer-songwriter
material from that era. Wanezek was one of the founders of the fabled 17th
Avenue Band, formed in the mid-70s at Marquette University. He has a
substantial collection of original tunes, performing them throughout his career,
with such notables as “Lorena’s Song” requested across generations. Mark is
the vocal linchpin to the sound of The Differentials, possessing an uncanny
prowess at harmonization - truly the zen master harmony singer with a gifted
ear second to only a few.
Brian Leahy (vocals, guitars, mandolin) is no stranger to the Milwaukee music
scene including early years with The Milwaukee Opera Company. Having
promised not to engage in away from home theatrical endeavors while raising 4
children, he groomed them into performers themselves starting the sensational
family Irish band “Leahys Luck” in 1991. In the last 30 plus years they perform to
this day in theatrical and festival venues throughout the Midwest. The band
earned a WAMI and critical acclaim for their 5 recordings. He is co-founder of a
local concert series Tosa Tonight. Leahy was so inspired by the sound of
Wanezek & Kennedy he built the fabled GarageMahal studio. He is pivotal in
branding, managing, and keeping organization within The Diffs, the herder of
cats. His theatrical roots are evident in his signature sound from his vocal
interpretations of everything from Danny Boy to Roy Orbison’s Crying.
Ron Beckman (bass) grew up in southern Minnesota, where he played in several
symphonies (yes, the real deal) and rock n’ roll bands before taking the fork in
the road departing a career in music for the business world. But anyone familiar
with Ron knows his heart never let go of his love for music and the fire
continued to burn. A few decades later (but who’s counting?) he retired from his
accounting profession and returned to his roots …. his love of making music,
whether it be classical, blues or good old rock n’ roll. Ron’s enthusiasm,
versatility, and quick adaptation makes him a valued asset and contributor to
The Differentials’ foundation. As an avid and classically trained musician, he
embodies the elusive vibe the band strives to obtain. He always manages to
bring along a delightful bottom end, musically speaking. He has the personality
(and mojo) The Diffs were looking for. He’s really kind of a big deal!
Tom Spolar (drums) is life long resident of Wauwatosa. From the age of three his
parents claimed they knew he was destined to be a drummer, when they noticed
him tapping his foot to the beat...in his sleep. Across many genres, he was
fortunate to play with some of the finest musicians in the area. While Tom knew
this was what he would “like" to do for a living, but reality took control and family
and career took their rightful place. “Music is a passion not a job.” Tom seeks to
dispel the myth that drummers aren’t really musicians, finding great satisfaction
in making music with others. One of his favorite movie quotes says it all; “Well
when you’ve got the music, you’ve got friends for life, that’s why I’m never lonely.
Remember that.” Tom’s contributions to supply the beat for his friends, The Diffs
are long overdue. Check them out, and he’ll tell you what movie the quote is
from. No ego, no drama, an ultimate timekeeper and percussive technician.
Tyler Famularo (guitars, vocals) began playing guitar at age 11, by the time he was
14 he had his first real guitar and amp. It was a ‘65 Telecaster and ‘65 Deluxe
Reverb. His oldest brother, in the Air Force at the time, sent the money home for
it. Thanks Tom! He really got serious practicing with a drummer. The drummer’s
father came home from work and said “pack up the gear” and took them to his
favorite bar, they played about two hours and made about $40 in tips. He was
hooked! His first band was the Tykes which morphed into The Larry Lynne Group,
The Balloons, Sky Harbor, The Bandits and Brandon James Band. His son
Brandon had recorded some of the songs Tyler had written. RCA Nashville heard
them, became interested and flew them both down to Nashville. Tyler performs
regularly with daughter Rebecca of Rebecca and the Grey Notes playing their
brand of Americana, some remakes of 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s tunes, and originals
from a 200 song catalogue. We dare you to not be impressed with his virtuosity!
Special Guests of The Diffs
Rebecca Famularo
The Diffs are very proud to
work with Rebecca and her
incredible vocal ability.
Daughter of guitarist Tyler,
she has her own band,
Rebecca and the Grey Notes
and is featured with an
assortment of Ronstadt
renditions with remarkable
accuracy and interpretation.
Here is a sample of an
original tune. Yep, she’s the
real deal!
Tom (Foot) Husting
The Diffs haven’t a clue why his
nickname is Foot, and he doesn’t
reveal. He’s performed music for
over 5 decades, starting in 1963
within Minniapolis and then
Nashville areas. He plays (and
builds) guitar but known mostly
for his pedal steel contributions
with The Diffs. Go to Husting
Brothers Electrical Instruments to
see his work. Bassist RB, known
for his deep stable of bass guitars
is now an exclusive HBEI man!
