Meet The Musicians
The Retro Rockers create a note perfect reproduction of the Pop, Rock and R&B hits of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. All the band members sing, allowing dazzling vocal harmonies and a variety of lead singers. Audiences are always impressed by the band’s versatility, on-stage chemistry and energy. The band has played every type of gig – private parties, night clubs, casinos, grand openings, television appearances, outdoor festivals… you name it! We’ve done major concerts at Copps Coliseum and the Hershey Centre with Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees and Peter Noone with Hermans Hermits to name but two. And enthusiasm is always part of the show!
The Retro Rockers perform nuggets by artists such as the Beatles, the Monkees, the Rolling Stones, the Moody Blues, C.C.R., Van Morrison, the Temptations and many more. Songs you know and love – delivered with high energy, great visuals and heart! With professional attitude, experience and showmanship, The Retro Rockers always give audiences what they want and leave them wanting more!
Rock “N” Ray Michaels
Frontman – Percussion / Vocals
A 48 year Radio Legend, Rock “N” Ray Michaels, a Toronto boy, has rocked the airwaves for all of Southern Ontario and now calls his new home 929 The Grand in Caledonia, Ontario, just south of Hamilton. Join Rock “N” Ray Michaels & his Roadshow from 2pm to 6pm on the All New 929 The Grand, playing the Greatest Hits of all time!!
Ray is the Frontman / Manager, Percussionist & Vocalist, for Canada’s Retro Rockers. The Hardest working guy in radio!!
Rock “N” Ray has many Followers and Fans that just love the music the Retro Rockers perform, check out our events page for all of our upcoming events, we look forward to see you at our shows!
Steve Charkow
Drums
The big man with the big drum sound!. Steve Charkow is a Toronto native who grew up in a musically inclined family who has been banging on things ever since he can remember.
This natural born drummer took to the road at an early age, touring the country in a number of Show Bands. His drum chops kept him in high demand with stints in a number of Oldies and Elvis Tribute Acts, notably being the “Backstage Productions” staff drummer with the late great Ronnie Hawkins’ management.
Steve Rocks it out with the Retro Rockers!
Gator James
Lead Guitar and Vocals
Gator James has been a multi talented veteran in the music industry for the past 40 years. He performs as a Lead Singer and Guitarist. He started his career when he was 16 years old touring with a 50’s & 60’s show band throughout North America.
Upon his return to Oshawa. he has performed with many bands performing Classic Rock, Progressive Rock and several Tribute bands, some of which include Bon Jovi, Van Halen and George Thorogood.
Presently his George Thorogood Tribute band is in it’s 30th year and has performed in many venues and theatres within Ontario. He also fronts, and is the Lead Guitarist for The Gator James Band, which performs Classic Rock cover music, also booking in Ontario venues, some of which include the Toronto CNE, Port Dover, London Western Fair and several Rib fests.
Vance Czerwinski
Bass and Vocals
Born and raised in North Western Ontario and currently hailing from Tillsonburg, Vance has been layin’ down the bottom line playing thumpin’ bass guitar since his high school days. Heavily influenced by so many great bands from the 50’s and beyond, Vance loves to play music from all genres including rock, blues, country, rockabilly and swing.
He has played in many cover bands and has been an opening act for Julian Austin, the Road Hammers, and Kim Mitchell at various music festivals. Over the past six years, Vance has been performing with the Loose Change band in the Brantford, Woodstock, and Simcoe area.
The journey continues as Vance is groovin’ with the Retro Rockers!
Dan McVeigh
Keyboards / Vocals
Dan McVeigh is a veteran performer, singer, keyboard player & multi-instrumentalist. He has been leading his band, North of 49 for 18 years and also performs as a solo artist and performs in several tribute bands including Abba, the Beach Boys and his own tribute to keyboard players, Key Legends.
He has toured throughout Canada and parts of the US over his extensive career.
He also has released 3 Cd’s of original music and received several awards for his music. He also has been the Toronto coordinator for the largest songwriting association in the world, the Nashville Songwriters Association which teaches songwriting and puts on showcases for its members.
Eric Fournier
Guitar and Vocals
My name is Eric Fournier and I began my music career in the early 70s. Been playing blues, rock, country and oldies around Southern Ontario. I have always been a huge Beatles fan and music is my passion.
