JOE LUCA (Keyboards): Joe is the musical and creative director for Awaken. He began taking organ lessons at 8 years of age so "he could play organ like the blonde haired guy on Roundabout." After earning his music degree with a focus on theory and musicology, Joe has done everything in performance ranging from Classical, original material, theater pit band, and even the dreaded wedding band! In the early 2000's, Joe collaborated with original Yes frontman and founder, Jon Anderson on a suite of orchestral material based in theme on The Golden Mean.
RON ALONSO (Lead Vocals): "Ronso" is the voice of Awaken. He started his vocal career at the young age of 18 with the Prog tribute band, “Hypothesis.” From there, Ron honed his vocal skills and his ability to mimic the vocalists of his chosen music. He further developed his Prog lust playing in the original band: Mirage, and went on to front the Genesis tribute band, Project Genesis. Ron’s love for Yes music brings him back full circle where he is now singing the music that helped form his musical career.
DANNY BRYLE (Guitar): Danny's musical career began in elementary school when he took up the trumpet, baritone horn and finally the guitar. Inspired by the great musicians of the era: Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Cream, Mountain, Ten Years After, and Tiny Tim (!), he developed a deep admiration of Yes music after hearing “Fragile,” at which point Steve Howe would become his greatest influence. In 1976 he joined Pellucidar, a Long Island band that covered Jethro Tull, ELP, Pink Floyd, Genesis among others. Recently he played guitar for XNA with his longtime friend Adam Malin and Yes’ Billy Sherwood playing bass and producing the album.
RAY PEREZ (Bass): Ray's musical career began at a very early age when he took up the guitar, a gift he received from his parents. His love for music was inspired by his mother who loved to play piano and by his father, whose passion for percussion rubbed off, prompting him to join the drum line of his local high school marching band. It was at this time that Ray first listened to Yes’ album, “Fragile,” along with albums from Rush and Genesis . This ultimately helped him cultivate a hunger for prog music. It wasn’t until Ray took notice of Chris Squire that he made the full transition to playing bass guitar.
FRANK Di MINNO (Drums): Frank was smitten with the music the first time he walked past the band room in fourth grade. A second generation drummer, he absorbed all his father’s groove influences including Art Blakey, Steve, Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, and Bernard Purdie; with whom he would later study. He attended Berklee College of Music and gravitated towards writing & production. Spending most of his time on that side of the glass, he’s produced music for records, animation, film & TV, and countless commercials. He has played with independent CCM artist Dave Pettigrew as well as with pioneer Paul Baloche. He is excited to be the “new guy” in Awaken, and is looking forward to the challenge of playing the music of one of his favorite bands.