BEN - LEAD VOCALS

Ben Baia has been fortunate to follow his passion for music by performing for audiences over the past 25 years with the top pros in the music industry. As a professional musician, DJ, band leader and musical contractor, he has performed and led countless bands in the USA and Europe. While living in Charlotte, NC, he performed weekly at the famous Swing 1000 Club, sharing stages with national touring acts including Chris Botti, and the Count Basie Big Band. His ability to deliver an incredible range of vocal styles with conviction is unmatched in the industry. Returning to NY and forming the Big City Horns in 2011 has been a joy and his most exciting project!

MARIA – LEAD VOCALS

Buffalo-based singer and producer Maria Angelova, has an extraordinary way of cutting straight through the core of her listener’s emotions with her soul-shattering vocals. Her engaging performances have the power to provoke a profound response in her audience. Originally from Bulgaria, her passion for music was running through her veins from an early age appearing on various children’s television programs. Throughout her professional career Maria has performed internationally and was featured as an American Idol finalist. Maria has appeared in a number of commercials and is frequently featured on various advertisement campaigns and radio jingles. Her dynamic energy, talent and charisma will leave you wanting more with every performance.

Calvin – Trumpet/Backup Vocals

Trumpeter Calvin Rice is a Western New York native with a multifaceted career in the performing arts. As an active musician, professional dancer, and educator, Rice has been an integral part of Buffalo’s music scene since 2008. Most recently Rice is proud to display his brilliant sound and sharp dance moves as member of the Big City Horns.

RON – SAXOPHONES

Ron Paladino is a woodwind expert on saxophone, flute, & clarinet, Ron is excellent in all styles of music:  funk, jazz, classical, big band and party band. Some of the international stars Ron has performed with include Aretha Franklin Harry Connick Jr., Sammy Davis Jr, Temptations, Four Tops and Jonny Mathis. Ron now has the privilege of playing with the Big City Horns on a regular basis.

Paul – Drums/Percussion

Paul Warner’s musical upbringing includes a strong foundation with such diverse styles as Classical, Fusion and Motown.

Performances with nationally and internationally known artists include Dove Award Winning Artist, Michael O’Brien; The Shangri Las; guitarist Caleb Quaye (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Hall and Oates); National Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt); and GMA / Dove Award Artist, Ron Kenoly.  He has shared the stage with The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band, to name a few. Paul’s studio work has been included in compilation CD’s with such international artists as Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman and Kirk Franklin. Mainstream listeners from 70 different radio station markets located around the world have heard Paul’s playing.

Pat – Trombone /Backup Vocals

Originally from Rochester, Pat Shenal is a trombone player who has recently emerged in the Buffalo music scene as a regular playing for several local groups after graduating from the Fredonia School of Music. Shenal brings a fresh sound to the Big City Horns as the newest (and youngest) member of the band.

Ron – Guitar

Ron LoCurto has been performing and teaching guitar for over 3 decades. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with a passion for music that has seen him grow from his early days as a rocker to a musician and composer whose credits are wide ranging in style. Ron has been honored twice as a finalist in the North American Rock Guitar Competition, taking second place in 2006. Also in 2006, he placed as a finalist in Guitar Player Magazine’s “Guitar Hero” competition. Ron was one of 10 chosen worldwide. He has had multiple nominations in the Buffalo Music Awards and was awarded Top Original Guitarist in 2009.

Currently Ron is a professor at Villa Maria College where he teaches guitar and directs the Rock Ensemble. He performs and records with his own personal projects and also performs with a Jethro Tull Tribute band that performs throughout the USA along with his excellence in playing with the Big City Horns!

Kevin – Keyboards & backup vocals

Kevin DellaPenta has performed, recorded and toured with numerous NY based acts including a US tour with a Las Vegas review show band. Kevin was also an original and longtime member of the immensely popular Junction West Band. Several national and international acts have recruited Kevin to tour with them.  Big City Horns is thrilled that Kevin has chosen to stay in his home base of Western New York!

Paul – Bass

Paul Yates is a bass player and teacher. Over the last 10 years, Paul has played on studio recording sessions with both electric and upright bass. In 2009 he toured with rock and soul artist Fred Shafer performing in US cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville including a tour to Southeast Asia.

Paul has shared the stage with such artists as Hinder, John Michael Montgomery, Julianne Hough, Billy Ray Cyrus, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Johnny Winter, Kansas, Journey, and performed with two national Elvis Tribute Acts. He has earned three Buffalo Nightlife Music Awards for Best Blues Bassist (2015, 2016, and 2018).