"John Parker & Forced Call" is a "House Rockin" Blues band that will make you leave your seat and get up on your dancin' feet. Their high energy style is something you won't soon forget. It's really a must to see them in person - it's a completely amazing experience.
Four years ago, the band never anticipated the popularity they are currently enjoying. They have been playing local music festivals like "Redondo Beach Pier Summer Concert Series" (4 seasons), Santa Clarita Valley Blues Festival", "Ride Across America", "Write 4 Hope Blues Festival", South Bay Navy Days", "Calimigos Ranch Concerts", "Ventura Art Walk" and assorted "Relay for Life" Concerts for Santa Clarita, North Hollywood, Burbank and Beach Cities. They also perfom at showrooms like the Sunset Room, the White Lotus, BB King's Blues Club, Cozy's, the Sportsmans' Lodge, the Highlands Club, Arcadia Blues Club, Yesteryears, the Pearl Room and of course, a lot of Film and Television Union events and wrap parties. Last summer, Forced Call had the opportunity to open for "The Beach Boys" in LA.
"John Parker & Forced Call" is much more that just a group of musicians who love to play together. The individual members each have a long history of performing the Blues and are considered amoung the "Best of the Best in Blues"...
John Parker is the leader and driving force behind the popular LA group. John and each of the band have much more in common than just great music - they are all union brothers and work in the Film and Television Industry as well.
The individual talents of each member have a lot of history...
JOHN PARKER
LEAD GUITAR & VOCALS
John was raised in the Santa Cruz area and started playing for hire at age 14. He grew up traveling and playing from one coast to another with scores of bands and well known artists and finally wound up in the Atlanta, Georgia music scene where he found the blues calling.
Now, he's back in California playing what he loves about Georgia the most - The Blues. Respectable names he's had the pleasure to perform with include Chicago Bob Nelson, Big Joe Jackson, Butch Travette & the Alley Cats and the late Piano Red, to name a few.
John Parker recently became the President of the Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society and has his hands in just about "everything Blues" in the Los Angeles area. He has very high ideals for the Music Style and is in the planning stages for some upcoming Concerts in the Santa Clarita Valley. He is also implementing a new "Blues In The Schools" program in conjunction with The Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society for the area.
John is also a Legislative Ambassador for the American Cancer Society and works very closely with the Organization and our Government. He recently attended the "Celebration on the Hill" in Washington, DC and spoke before Congress in an effort to increase Cancer Research Funding. John is a four year Cancer Survivor himself, so this is a subject very dear to his heart. His disease also required him to a Liver Transplant and he now also works as an advocate to educate the public about the importance of Organ Donation.
John is the Entertainment Chairman for the Santa Clarita Valley "Relay For Life", which is the largest Relay in California. Last year, we had more than 4,500 people in attendance at the Relay. The Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society was a Bronze Sponsor and funded the Santa Clarita Valley "Wall of Hope" that was erected with those from other areas around the Country at the "Celebration On The Hill". The "Walls of Hope" are signed by Cancer Survivors from each area of the Country. They are displayed in a "Maze" type of fashion since their lenth would cover 9 miles if displayed end to end. To date, "John Parker & Forced Call" has been involved in ACS events that have made more than $1,400,000 in funds for more Cancer Research.
Anyone wanting more information about any of the above subjects, feel free to contact him at the email listed.
DANNY COSTELLO
LEAD GUITAR & VOCALS
Originally from New Jersey, Danny began playing at age 13. His early influences were Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Johnny Winter. Their great technique and use of raw emotion was a great inspiration to Danny as he was moving on in his career and performing with members of Toto and Joe Cocker. Danny has also been privileged to open for Edgar Winter, B.J. Sharp, Dick Dale and Three Dog Night.
TOM COSTELLO
DRUMS & BACKING VOCALS
Tom also hails from New Jersey. His early influences were The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Toto and
drummers Jeff Pocaro and John Bonham. Toms had the good fortune to work with such great artists as Ike & Tina Turner, The DeFranco Family, Christopher Cross, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, The Elton John Band, Joe Cocker and Jace.
STEVE HALTER
KEYBOARDS
Steve, better known as The Lord of the Boards, started playing piano at age 5 and worked as a full time session player/arranger for over 20 years. Steve grew up under the influence of the old time rock & roll piano and organ players like Jimmy Smith. When its time for his solo, he just closes his eyes, feels the vibe and lets his soul take over.
CHRIS CARSON
BASS GUITAR
Chris lays down the bottom line for Forced Call. Born in San Diego, Chris is a life-long Southern California resident who grew up loving blues inspired rock and roll. Musical influences include The Beatles, Edgar Winter, as well as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble. He's played the LA club scene with various rock, blues and country bands such as Plan B, The Jace Smith Band and House of Cards.
Thanks to all our many Friends and Fans...without you, it would all be meaningless....
John Parker & Forced Call
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