Dean Aronoff Dean began playing drums and percussion in school at age 11 and picked up the guitar by age 14. He attended Wayne State University Jazz Studies program and performed in various bands and theater shows in the Detroit area until 1999. Dean then worked as a showband musician for the Carnival cruise lines for eight years, performing in over 20 different Vegas style production shows. Highlights include playing in two flagship orchestras and performing with John Davidson, Norm Crosby and Fred
Jim Tuggey A new and fortifying ingredient to Paradise, Jim been playing professionally in the SD area for 15 years now including 10 years with Busride (Jazz Funk), 5 years with Prisa (Afro Cuban Salsa), and has performed with a number of other locals including Space Man Spiff and the Jazz Pigs. He's played many So Cal venues like the Belly Up Tavern, Canes, Hard Rock Cafe, Adams Ave Street Fair, PB Block Party, Winstons, Viejas, Harrahs, Conga Room (LA), The Gig (LA), 14 Below (LA), Westend (LA), Paradise Lounge (Vegas).
Travalena. Dean became the guitarist for Paradisein 2007 shortly after relocating to the San Diego area. Since then he's infused his seasoned guitar skills and extensive musical background into the bands recipe for success. Dean is also a full time music teacher giving private guitar lessons in all styles to all ages.
A multiple San Diego Music Awards "Best Blues" Nominee, she also has led her own band, Michele Lundeen & Blues Streak since the late 90's. Her debut CD, Song Inside Me, was an international finalist for "Best Self-Produced CD" in 2006. Originally from the Oakland Bay Area, home of that funky East Bay Grease sound, Michele has performed all styles of music over the years. Influences include Aretha, Tina Turner, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Etta James. This engaging entertainer adds a heaping serving of extra spice and soul into Paradise.
Patrick Cruz In the early 70's Patrick followed his urge to explore his musical destiny and began playing in bands around the San Diego area. Over the year's there were many, but that only helped him shape his journey. In 1991 Patrick had an inspired vision and he and some fellow musicians started their own band... they called it Paradise and it's been thriving and evolving ever since. Patrick leads this flavorful Latin/Soul/R&B band adding his love for the music and undeniable natural rhythm to its foundation. His prescription for Paradise: Timbales, Congas, Bongos, Percussion, Cajon and De Jembi. Guaranteed to move your booty, make you feel good, and yep, it's just what the doctor ordered.
REFERENCES:
- 1st Night Escondido (2009 New Year's Eve): ..."Wow, amazing. Even better than the year before! Everyone loved it!
~ Imperial Beach Chamber: "...by far the best concert and largest crowd of the '09 season. We look forward to working with you again. Wow!"
~ Heatwave Production's / Tony Caligagan tony@heatwaveproductions.com 858-967-7923 "Paradise has always been a pleasure to work with when I've booked them at Harrah's Casino, What a great job they do. I always get back great feedback from each performance. Highly recommend them."
~ The Brew House (Eastlake) / Jim brewhouseeastlake.com 619-656-2739 "... one of our favorite bands, My clientele are always asking for them!"
~ McDini's Night Club / Benny (619-739-1166): "This is one high energetic dance band, it seems like their goal is to make sure everyone has a great time and they always deliver!! Can't wait to book them again."
~ Viejas Casino / Casey (Asst Prod. Mgr) 619-571-3007 "...a great dance and show band. We're looking forward to having them back."
~ Fiesta de Old Town / Ciara Gelhaus (Macfarlane Prod.) "It was truly a pleasure working with you... you created fun and excitement."
Michele Lundeen Dubbed "The Queen of Steam" for her stirring vocals and energetic stage presence, this singer/songwriter does indeed command attention. An established, popular and respected veteran of the club, concert and festival circuit in both Northern Nevada and Southern California, Michele has shared stages with dozens of nationally known artists while gaining a reputation as a talented headliner in her own right.
Jeff Graves Jeff lays down the solid foundation behind Paradise and is into "anything that gets you off your seat and on your feet!" He started playing in Hawaii in various original rock and cover bands before relocating to San Diego in 1985. Jeff has worked with Marty Friedman, Good China, Mass Transit and the Shamrockers. Influences include seminal bands like Chicago and Tower of Power and drummers Dave Wekle and Steve Gadd. An integral piece of Paradise, (and marathon runner on the side!), focus, dedication, talent and feel has Jeff serving up all the right grooves to a tee.
