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LOUIS CIOPPA
Louie's introduction to the music business came in a classic manner: "on the corner. We used to sing on the corner, and the police used to chase us off. My idol was Frankie Lymon." And you can still hear echoes of Frankie in Louie's high tenor, which in the past has graced such Pittsburgh groups as the DeVilles and the Magic Moments. He's known for his mesmerizing hand movements onstage, too!WILLIAM DELL
Bill was in the original Wee Jams in 1967 ("They wouldn't pay me, but I wouldn't stay away.") and co-founded Wee Jams II in 1971. A classic car buff and sould record collector, Bill is retro all the way, from the antiques in his home to his rotary dial telephones. He released several singles under his own name in the 80's, some of which can be found on the PATTI ANN CD.
DAN FERA
Dan is the newest Jam, but his musical legacy goes back to the Molly Maguires, one of the Burg's most popular bands of the Sixties. Dan's soaring second tenor and positive "vibe" energize all who come into contact with him. A dedicated family man, Dan and his wife Mary make their home in Sharpsburg, PA.
BARRY HAUGHIN
Barry is the group's songwriter, composing many Wee Jams' popular tunes including "Patti Ann." He originated the group in 1966 with some high school friends, including current member Bill Dell. ("I'm proud they are still my friends.") Barry plays keyboards ("the `Sam the Sham' of the new millenium") and bounds around onstage with abandon. He enjoys producing and collecting records, and currently lives in Boardman, Ohio, where he continues to cheer for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
GORDIE HERBST
An accomplished guitarist, Gordie brings the same sense of discipline and organization to the other facets of his life. He is known within the group as being practical and sensible, but also having a great sense of humor. Gordie joined the group during the Wee Jams II phase in 1971, and stayed as that group morphed into hard rockers "Father Maple." His steady rhythms are the backbone of the band. Computers and their applications intrigue Gordie, a quality that serves him well as a financial administrator at Edinboro University.
DUANE WEBER
Originally a saxophonist, Duane honed his skills on the bass through his high school years, gigging with polka banks and lounge outfits. His experience with semi-professional groups includes the foundation of Wee Jams II and Father Maple. Duane's inquisitive mind helps him to grasp the nuances of such varied subjects as heating and cooling systems and electrical circuits. He is the engineer on many of the group's demo sessions. In his spare time, Duane enjoys boating and landscaping.
HAL WEISS
The word "multi-talented" could have been coined to describe Hal Weiss. His trumpet stylings have played behind acts as varied as Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, Five Guys Named Moe and the Pittsburgh Banjo Club. His vocal range is breathtaking: he once filled in for Philadelphia soul legend Brenda Coates of Brenda and the Tabulations. Hal coordinates the booking of the exceptional horn players that constitute the Wee Jams Horns. He likes to say that he "lives with 6 women" (5 daughters and his wife).
