About

As OffRoad, these musical men of madness bring a fun combination of rock, blues, country, and Motown music. We hope you see you enjoy sharing an evening with us soon!

OffRoad personnel:

• Tony (guitar)

  Tony may not have been born with a Stratocaster in his hand, but it was pretty close. Starting guitar lessons at 5 years old, Tony has honed his passion for rock, jazz, country, and blues over the decades. He played in bands throughout high school and college, touring upstate New York towns with the rock-fusion band South Main well into his 20s. After moving to the PNW, he continued playing and finding new music styles and genres to add to his guitar favorites. Now, with OffRoad, he gets to indulge his passion and play with other supremely talented and committed musicians, playing both solo and rhythm guitar. Tony brings an exceptional style, energy, and excitement to many audience favorites!

• Michael (bass)

  The oldest son of an Italian-American family, Michael grew up in a small coal mine & steel mill town near Pittsburgh, PA. As a very young man, he would regularly attend dance parties with his parents featuring ethnic music from Italy. He marveled at how the music emotionally touched everyone. His interested in music blossomed when he started taking bass lessons at 12 and joined his first band at the age of 14. Yes, his parents would have to drive him to gigs… how embarrassing for a young musician!!

  Michael’s musical influences really kicked into gear when he started performing music from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. The solid groove of the bass fueled his love of many forms of music and became the inspiration for his playing style today.

  Upon graduating college, Michael moved to Southern California, where he had the unique opportunity to continue his passion and love for music, as a member of several contemporary pop, classic rock’n roll, and modern country groups. In retrospect, all of the different music genres have enhanced Michael’s musical style and approach to playing bass guitar.

  Moving to Seattle, Michael continued his musical interests and was pleased to have the opportunity to join OffRoad, where his music background is a great match for the cover songs the band plays.

  In short, Michael’s philosophy: “The bass and drums form the cake, where the lead instruments and vocals are the sweet decorations!”

• Dean (drums)

  A native of the Pacific Northwest, Dean embarked on his drumming journey at the age of 9. By 14, he was already entrenched in the rock-music scene, performing tirelessly with several bands throughout high school and college. Those formative years provided invaluable experiences, enabling him to earn a living from his passion through performances, teaching, and studio sessions. Despite pursuing a non-musical career, Dean’s dedication to music persisted, with him playing in various rock bands part-time during the 80s, 90s, and beyond.

  Upon retiring from his non-musical career, Dean found himself serendipitously joining forces with the members of OffRoad. Bonded by a lifelong love of music, they enjoy making music together. Dean’s journey underscores the enduring power of music to bring fulfillment and connection throughout one’s life.

• Rustan (keys, sax)

  Music has always been an active, integral part of Rustan’s life. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and has played in a multitude of musical settings, including jazz, rock, pop, fusion, and church music. The sax was his first instrument, his entry into a rock band at age 13 was on keyboards, and his playing as an adult also regularly includes bass and drums. He has played for audiences in 6 of the 7 continents.

  Be it laying down a groove, simmering on some jazz chords, or playing energizing leads, what makes Rustan tick is making that music with talented, likeminded musicians. No wonder he’s found a home in OffRoad!