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Bigya Pradhan | Photographer- Transit Authority performed at Eastman Park for St. Cloud Rotary’s Summertime by George
Transit Authority, a local Minneapolis band, did more than just perform at “SummerTime by George!” this past Wednesday; they shared a piece of history.
Similar to the past Wednesdays at Lake George, the community came together for some live music, food and fun. This particular show wasn’t just about the music. It had the crowd sharing Chicago history as Transit Authority, a Chicago Tribute band, performed.
Chicago was an American rock band founded 1967 that was famous for their political and experimental music.
“We do basic jazz rock,” said Jesse Bertoli, the lead singer of Transit Authority. “Sometimes when we’re getting into three-hour shows we have a dance mix we throw in, but it’s strictly a tribute to Chicago.”
As a Chicago Tribute band, a wide variety of musical instruments are a part of Transit Authority including drums, keyboard, trombone, trumpet, woodwinds, saxophone, and guitar. A lot of the members play multiple instruments for a show.
“It’s a challenge to play three instruments because when the temperature isn’t room temperature each one tunes differently and that’s a real challenge on outdoor gigs when it’s cold,” said Scott Johnson, a saxophone player for Transit Authority.
Transit Authority came together around seven years ago and performs all over the country. They perform a lot of Minnesota local festivals and at some casinos. They’ve done performances in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Epcot at Disney World.
“We do a lot of local stuff, which is pretty fun,” Bertoli said. “Last weekend we did Ramsey County Fair, then out to Moondance, then back to the cities within three days.”
This power house band consists of eight band members; Tim Ellis, Butch Zierath, Tom Tange, Reggie Hammond, Alan Lecher, Bill Davis, Jesse Bertoli, and Scott Johnson.
Tim Ellis is a drummer from the St. Paul area. With a history as a drum player, Ellis has been playing in bands of all genres for over 35 years. Ellis makes his own line of drums called Ellis Drum Co.
Butch Zierath is a bassist originally from South Dakota. Zierath has been in various bands and has had the opportunity to tour Canada and Europe. He has backed artists such as Little Anthoney, Del Shannon, Lou Christy, The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters, Lesley Gore, and Fabian. Zierath has also recorded in many major Twin Cities studios and has performed in almost every venue with groups such as Gangbusters, Stonewings House Band, WhitesidesWalls, Lip Service, Blue Drifters, City Lites, and Rae Singer Band.
Bigya Pradhan | Photographer- Spectators watched and danced during the concert near Lake George
Tom Tanges is a trumpet and keyboard player from southern Minnesota. Tange has performed with various R&B groups and has worked with blues legend Mojo Buford. He has also played with many local Twin Cities bands including West Side, Free & Easy, Teen King, Uptown Manhattan, Stonewings House Band, Gangbusters, and Big Walter Smith & the Groove Merchants.
Reggie Hammond is a piano and organ player for Transit Authority. Hammond, prior to joining Transit Authority, played in The Devon Worley Band, JUG, Janie in Wonderland, and Jonah and the Whales.
Alan Lecher is a trombone and percussion player for Transit Authority. Lecher has performed concerts for troops all over Bavaria and one tour in the Persian Gulf with the 1st Armored Division Band during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has worked with numerous rock and swing groups such as Vic Volare’s Fabulous Volare Lounge Orchestra, Martin Zellar, Steve Millar, Laura Schlieske, Boogie Wonderland, Riverside Swing Band, and the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra.
Bill Davis is a lead guitarist and vocalist. Davis is one amongst many in the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He has performed local, regional and international dates with numerous A-list artists. He has also worked as an independent and staff musician for a variety of recording studios in the Twin Cities and Los Angeles, with numerous arranger and producer credits to his name.
Jesse Bertoli is a karaoke contest winner who joined Transit Authority a year and a half ago as the lead vocalist. He has performed with a few a capella groups and bands before Transit Authority.
“I love singing, if I’m not here I’m at karaoke and karaoke contests,” Bertoli said.
Scott Johnson is a saxophone and flute performer for Transit Authority. Johnson has been an active performer on the Twin Cities and national music scene. He has toured with various Jazz , R&B, and Broadway show groups and artists including Charles Brown, Big Jay Mcneally, Lowel Fulsom, James Brown, and Etta James.
“We’ve reformed this band several times,” Johnson said. “We lost several original members, but lately we’ve been reforming and starting to get some out-of-town stuff, and we’re starting to make some money so I hope it keeps going.”
As a premier tribute band to Chicago music, Transit Authority plays everything from “Baby, What a Big Surprise,” to “Call On Me,” and “Lowdown.”
“They’re great musicians and it’s really fun to be here with them,” Johnson said. “It’s fun to be on stage and to look around and think I can’t believe I’m playing with these guys.”
Transit Authorities next performance is Otsego JamFest on August 6th.
