The people behind the music
About Memories Music
Meet the musicians behind Memories Music, a New Jersey band celebrating the sounds of the 60s, 70s, and Motown.
Classic Music, Shared Passion
Memories Music brings together New Jersey singers and musicians with a shared love of oldies, Motown, and the classic hits of the 60s and 70s. Founded by drummer Jim “The Rocket” Durkin, the band celebrates the songs and sounds that have connected generations of music lovers.
Our lineup includes vocalists alongside guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, percussion, and saxophone. The biographies below introduce the people behind that sound, their musical backgrounds, and the experience they bring to Memories Music.
Get to Know the Band Before Your Event
Choosing live music starts with hearing the performers and understanding their style. Watch Memories Music perform live for a feel for the band’s sound, then explore our shows and past event listings.
If you are planning a New Jersey wedding, private party, corporate gathering, or community celebration, share your date, venue, and music preferences with us. We can discuss availability and your event directly.
Meet the Band
Jim 'The Rocket' Durkin – Drummer and Founder
Jim “The Rocket” Durkin is the heartbeat of Memories Music, bringing decades of passion for 60s, 70s, and Motown classics to every performance. A lifelong music lover, Jim played in school bands throughout the 1960s and beyond, attending countless live performances that shaped his musical style.
Growing up in New Jersey, Jim often attended legendary Richard Nader concerts at the Meadowlands, meeting icons like Johnny Maestro, Mel Carter, and Lou Christie, thanks to close friends in the professional music scene. His deep ties to the music community led him to organize major events as the Past President of the New Jersey Police Honor Legion, featuring acts like Bob Miranda and the Happenings, and Charlie Thomas and the Drifters – often sharing the stage himself.
With Memories Music, Jim continues to channel the spirit and soul of the golden era, delivering timeless music with energy, authenticity, and love.
Jim Satten – Guitarist, Composer and Producer
A seasoned guitarist, composer, and producer, Jim Satten has performed and recorded with legends including Bo Diddley, Mick Taylor, Sam & Dave, Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Spector, and The Temptations. His decade-long collaboration with Bo Diddley took him to stages worldwide, including the “Gunslingers” tour with Ronnie Wood and recording Live at the Ritz in New York.
Today, Jim brings his vast musical experience and dynamic guitar work to Memories Music, helping to recreate the energy and authenticity of the music’s golden eras.
Allan Boles – Lead Singer
Brooklyn-born Allan Boles found his voice on the bustling streets of New York. After starting out with a group that won a Pepsi Cola contest, Allan’s talent as a lead vocalist led him to share stages with The Belmonts, Kenny Vance and the Planotones, The Duprees, The Tokens, and The Toys. Today, Allan’s dynamic voice drives Memories Music, delivering the timeless sounds of classic R&B, Motown, and the best of the 60s and 70s
George Tuzzeo — Piano, Keyboards, and Singer
An accomplished pianist, vocalist, and musical director, George Tuzzeo has performed worldwide with acts such as Jay and the Americans, The Drifters, Bobby Rydell, and The Crystals. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, George brings a rich, soulful layer to Memories Music through his work on piano, Hammond organ, and keyboards.
Hal Keshner– Keyboards
Hal Keshner is a veteran keyboardist and musical director, raised in Paramus, NJ. Over his 30+ year career, he has accompanied legendary vocal groups, produced records, and conducted major oldies concerts.
Hal brings technical excellence and passion for harmony
to Memories Music.
Cyndy Taylor – Singer
A veteran of the New York stage and cabaret scene, Cyndy Taylor’s versatile voice brings vibrant energy to Memories Music. Her background includes harmony singing from doo-wop to contemporary acappella, including singing with Tony Castro’s Variations
Michael DelFranco – Guitarist and Singer
Michael DelFranco’s love for vocal harmony and classic pop shines through every performance. After performing with RB Express, Jersey Jukebox, and The Teenchords, he now brings his guitar work and signature harmonies to Memories Music.
Pam DelFranco – Singer
Pam DelFranco’s dynamic voice and love for 60s girl- group music have made her a standout performer. Founder of The Del Angels, Pam now brings powerhouse vocals and joyful spirit to Memories Music.
Paul “Butch” Mastranda - Bass & Vocals
Butch’s love of music began in the early 1960s, sparked by The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. A versatile multi-instrumentalist and session player, he has performed with numerous groups and projects over the years. He spent more than 25 years as bandleader of the hit group The Del-Vikings, appearing at major venues like Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the legendary Ed Sullivan Theater. Today, he continues to perform as a principal member of several groups throughout the New York and New Jersey area.
Bill Ash - Trumpet
Bill Ash began playing trumpet professionally in high school, and at sixteen led his own big band. He continued freelancing and band-leading while studying architecture at Princeton. After graduation, he worked in architecture, then computers, still maintaining a busy schedule around New York as a trumpeter, trombonist, and arranger/composer, including performances with Jimmy Sturr, the Temptations, and the Happenings. The Star Ledger selected Bill for “A Great Day in Jersey” featuring New Jersey’s top jazz musicians. He also has written about music for Gannett Newspapers. Bill lives in Allendale, New Jersey, with his wife Lorraine, a journalist and author.
Michael Mania - Saxophone
Michael L. Mania began his musical journey at age nine on the alto saxophone and quickly developed a passion for performing in concert bands, jazz bands, marching bands, and choirs. He pursued music professionally at Montclair State College under Daniel Trimboli and later returned to his calling in music education. Now in his 22nd year teaching in the Mount Olive Township School District, Michael has also performed with nationally recognized acts, including Jay & The Americans, and is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist on saxophones, flute, and clarinet.
Ronnie “Slack” Stewart - Recording Artist
Ronnie “Slack” Stewart is a seasoned recording artist known for his smooth vocals, strong stage presence, and versatility across R&B, soul, gospel, pop, jazz, and more. He has performed with groups including The Adlibs, Shades of Brown, and the U.G.H.A. All Stars. With years of experience as both a live and recording performer,
Ronnie continues to deliver engaging, professional performances that connect with audiences across all genres.
