Champ

Champ's musical aspirations began in 1965 when he first began taking guitar lessons in his native Rhode Island. He stuck with it and 3 years later formed his first band called The Low Tides, at the age of 15. Their first gig was a PTA meeting at a local High School. He was immediately hooked.

His next band was called Cross Town Traffic that played numerous parties and any other local gigs they could find. Their style was in the vein of Rock and Roll and a repertoire ranging from Led Zeppelin and Steppenwolf to the Beatles and the Doors. They were active from 1970 until 1972.

Champ then enrolled into the U.S. Army from August of 1972 until an Honorable Discharge in 1974. He picked up right where he left off before joining the Military, which was playing his guitar, morning, noon and night.

In November 1975, he got involved in the Martial Arts and began fighting Professionally. He quickly moved up in the sport and was Ranked no. 2 in the New England area as a Welterweight. Later, when he located to Florida, he won the Light Middleweight Title. When he stopped fighting Professionally, he taught Martial Arts for several years before retiring in 2003.

On Christmas of 2003, Champ's Mother bought him a guitar and his love for the instrument and playing live music was rejuvenated. He briefly joined a 3 piece band sometime after but things didn't work out. At this point, Champ went solo with an emphasis on the Blues.

In April 2013, Champ started playing Professionally on the Blues circuit all over Southwest Florida. IN September 2014, he became involved with the Southwest Florida Blues Society as a Musician and Member. This led to even more gigs in and around Florida.

Champ recorded his first full length CD in the Spring of 2016, Titled " Blues Expression " . In August, he entered the Regional Southwest Florida Blues Society Challenge and placed third in the Peoples Choice Award Category. He was also selected and recognized for having the Best Self-Produced CD for 2016. " Blues Expression " was then submitted for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee for 2017. In 2019 South West Florida Blues Society Regional International Blues Challenge selected Champ as the Winner of the Solo/Duo Challenge and for having the Best Self-Produced CD " Southbound Train " for 2019 which earns him the right to be a part of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tenn. for 2020.

Champ's sound can best be described as " Dirty Blues ". His influences range from Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters to Joe Cocker and John Fogerty. He has shared the stage with such notable Blues Musicians as Joey Gilmore and Jeff Jensen and opened up for The Nick Moss Band.

According to Champ, his main goal is to keep the Blues alive through his expression and interpretation of the Blues. His live show is a captivating experience, highlighting his love and passion for playing live Music.