Vincenzo Patti
Vince is the founder of Just Friends. He came to the USA at the age of 21 from Calabria, Italy. Vince took his first music lesson at the age of six and became the youngest soloist to perform with the local orchestra. He also studied at the renowned Conservatories. He plays woodwinds; soprano, alto and tenor sax, clarinet and flute, as well as vocal performances.
Mark Evans
Mark has played in bands in Texas, Tennessee, New York, and Pennsylvania. Mark has had the opportunity to "open" for national groups such as Three Dog Night, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Eddie Rabbitt, and others. Mark has recorded 45's and has an album that is currently distributed worldwide.
Joreen Kelly
By the time Joreen received her degree in music education from Lebanon Valley College, she had already been performing, teaching and directing choral groups in the Harrisburg area for many years. Joreen is a career musician and music teacher and is currently the director of the music at St. Catherine Laboure Parish. She is a composer of sacred music and a choral arranger. She is a skilled keyboard player and gifted entertainer.
John Kelly
John, a lifelong Harrisburg resident, is an experienced and versatile guitarist and has been involved in music since his high school days. In addition to being part of Just Friends, he and his wife, Joreen, have been creating music together for more than 30 years as a duo. He has been the guitarist on several recordings and is renowned in the area for his ability to perform many styles of music from Rock to Sacred. In addition to his guitar, John is a vocalist and bassist..
Meet JUST FRIENDS
John Wilson
John's musical career started with a local band called the Fury's. They recorded two 45's and an album titled Heavy Feather [Soft, Hard and Heavy].A few of the songs were produced by Charlie Daniels, a road producer for CBS studios in New York City. The album was recorded in Nashville,Tn at N.A.R. and Queen of Sound Studios. The Fury's played with several famous acts' including Lou Christie, The Delfonics, Bad Finger, B.J. Thomas and Gary U.S. Bonds. His local credits include the bands Everyday People, Portrait, and Rosey and the Naturals. The Just Friends Band is delighted to have his abilities as a percussionist and as a vocalist.
Jim Wallish
Jim graduated from the Navy School of Music in 1966. He spent three years performing with the Com Cru Despac Navy Show Band. After his tour in the Navy Show Band he played with Maynard Makisic”s Jazz and Dance Band and filled in with other local bands. Fast forward to summer 2008. Jim joined “Just Friends” and is loving every minute!
