Elmo the Band at Anderson Valley Brewing

“Elmo” is a West Coast roots band that covers just about every genre of American music and more. Blues, jazz, country, and jam band all fall into the music that “Elmo” puts out.

The band is a culmination of some of the best players around: Ron Tomasello on guitars and vocals, Steve Hunt on keys, Bill Ward on bass, Kris DiNoto on drums, and Ray Hauck on percussion.

Ron Tomasello has backed John Lee Hooker, Larry “Arkansas” Davis, J.J. Malone, the “Silver Fox” Buddy Ace, and organist Deacon Jones. He’s opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, the Neville Brothers, Robin Trower, Robben Ford, and Chris Isaac, to name a few. Ron was the founding guitar player for the local Allman Brothers tribute band Freestone Peaches, and he also founded and led the Goodlife Rhythm & Blues Revue for over 10 years.

Steve Hunt has been in the jam band scene for over 25 years, putting on his own “Hoedown” festivals at his property in Zayante, CA. Steve has also established himself in the Tahoe-area Grateful Dead family and works with Chris Zanardi in High Beamz.

Bill Ward has been in the jam band scene for decades and was the bassist in Goodlife Rhythm & Blues Revue. Bill is also a local light tech and works the light board when called.

Kris DiNoto hails from San Diego via Humboldt County, where he graduated with a BA in music. Kris has played with 7 Comes 11 and the China Cats, and was also the drummer in Goodlife Rhythm & Blues Revue.

Ray Hauck comes from Long Island, NY, and has been in the jam band scene for over 25 years. Ray was the percussionist with Goodlife Rhythm & Blues Revue and currently plays with Freestone Peaches in the Jaimoe spot. He was a local blues society president in Long Island and has played at the Memphis Blues Society festival. Ray has also performed with several Little Feat tributes, both locally here in the Bay Area and on the East Coast.