RICHIE GAJATE GARCIA
World-renown percussionist
Dr. Richie Gajate Garcia is one of the most highly respected percussionists in the world! He has toured with a who's-who of major artists through the years such as PHIL COLLINS, STING, DIANA ROSS, JOHN DENVER, STEVIE WONDER, THE BOSTON POPS as well as FRANKIE VALLI. Richie was born in New York City, raised in Puerto Rico, then went to college in Springfield, IL where he started a 50-pyear musical affiliation with Robby & Rex (Dr. Garcia recently received his honorary PHD in music at Lincoln College!). Robby, Rex, & Richie have performed together for decades getting their start in the clubs of Springfield, then on to biggest stages in the world.
https://www.mi.edu/faculty/625/
CHUCK WILSON
Percussion & Vocals
Chuck Wilson is a product of Litchfield, Chuck and Robby’s musical association goes back to the mid 60’s with the popular local band THE SONICS. Chuck was the lead singer, Frank Mattioda on drums, Bob Hendrickson on bass, Mel Davis on guitar, and Robby on organ and sax. That band evolved into THE FAR CRYSE who became very popular in Southern Illinois. Chuck eventually added percussion to his musical arsenal.
Chuck, Robby, & Rex then toured the USA with their band PATCH for a couple of years. Ultimately Chuck made the move to California to join up with FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS. He played percussion, drums, and sang with them for many years. Litchfield is well represented in the history of the Jersey Boys!
https://www.facebook.com/chuck.wilson.37051
CRAIG PILO
Drums
Craig Pilo is an amazing drummer who toured with FRANKIE VALLI for 13 years. During his remarkable career he has toured with such diverse acts as JEFFERSON STARSHIP, MAYNARD FERGUSON, EDGAR WINTER, as well as PAT BOONE. As a composer, Craig's music has been heard on hundreds of TV shows. As a leader, he has released many of his own CDs, including the well-received JUST PLAY, which won him the 2007 LA Music Awards "Jazz Artist Of The Year". It's terrific to have Craig back for his THIRD Robinson Brothers Concert!
http://craigpilo.com/
BASIL FUNG
Guitar
Basil Fung ROCKS in capital letters! His blazing guitar solos have been a highlight in FRANKIE VALLI shows for the last few years. A busy LA-based guitarist, his studio and touring credits include JANET JACKSON, THE POINTER SISTERS, WILSON PHILLIPS, and TEDDY PENDERGRASS just to name a few! Basil rocked the house in the recent Frankie Valli PBS Special and he’s gonna rock the house in Litchfield!
https://www.facebook.com/basilfungmusic/