Anthony Viele

Guitar/Vocals

Over three years ago I joined the band for some fun and casual jamming. I must admit, my guitar playing at times sounded more like plucking than picking. Commitment and strive for perfection, by all members have evolved my guitar playing to new heights. I am grooving to songs and licks that I always dreamed of, playing and doing it in concert, with a full entourage.

One major accomplishment has been the day we recognized 'we sound like a band'. That is one of life's goals I can check off my list, playing in a band and sounding good. I will always be grateful for the day I was asked to come out and play a few tunes. To me, Hardly Aged is the name of the band, but its mantra is to stay young and age hardly, certainly one of life's goals I am looking forward to.............

Cheers,
Anthony Viele

Brian Watts

Vocalist/Keys/Drums/Guitar & whatever else they'll let me play!

The youngest of 4 children, when I was born my mother turned to my father and said: “Ouch…that kind of hurt!” It’s been all uphill since then. I have been blessed to have a strong influence of music and comedy in my life as my late father Stan tickled the ivories as a pastime and my mother Mary (there’s a Beatles song in there!) was an aspiring actress in her youth. My brother Peter and sister Jill were also great mentors to their little brother as they both play guitar and piano. My oldest brother Tim can’t play a note…but he can fix anything. It’s no wonder I wanted to become an entertainer. And now I get to watch as my two children, Kaleigh and Brenin, start their own budding musical and entertainment careers. (I am so proud of them!)

Growing up in Richmond Hill, I had the opportunity to play in a number of bands, including Natural Acts, where I first met up with Rich Bedford; FoulWeatherGear with my brother Pete, and countless others over those early years. 1996 saw me make the great leap east to Peterborough where I worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources and formed Painted Dogs, a rhythm and blues band with my colleagues from work. I absolutely love singing almost any genre of music but as an aspiring songwriter, I am most inspired when I get the opportunity to sing my own compositions like “Love Under Cover” (check it out!).

Being fortunate to now have a job that brings me to Toronto on a regular basis; coupled with a phone call from my old buddy Richard, all contributed to my becoming the newest member (and “cake”) to join Hardly Aged. Thanks Rich, for the initial invite, and heartfelt thanks to all the guys for allowing me to stay. The diversity and talent in this band is at times overwhelming and we all have so much to share and learn from each other. Absolutely great guys each and every one of you…and hey…the Italian connection just takes me back to my roots growing up in Richmond Hill. “We are Hardly Aged…I’m here with all my brothers on stage”

Brian

Dante Rende – aka Danny Styx from my early years of drumming

Key-boards/Percussion/Bass-Guitar/Rhythm-Guitar/Wind-Instruments/Lead &
Backup-vocals

Glen is right, we really don’t give him much time to share his thoughts, if we did. We wouldn’t have any time to Jam!!! But we love him.

Dennes Soncin

Guitar

As a rookie in this band, I would like to thank the original members of Hardly Aged for allowing me to participate and offer my musical input into this great group. The friendships that have been created through this musical vehicle transcend the art in a synergy of friendship, charity and creatively. The members bring all of their talents from their personal lives and try to give back something to the community via charitable functions. What a great way to give, by doing what you love with a bunch of great guys. My musical background is based on Jazz, Rock fusion. My favorite musicians would include Lee Ritenour, John McLaughlin, Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny and Al Dimeola. Oh, and I almost forgot, Glen Heldt.

Dennes

Glen Heldt

Percussion

About 4 years ago I elevated Dante and Rick’s Musical experience by joining them in an informal “Jam Session”. Quite simply we were elevated out of the basement of Rick’s house and into the shop - We became too loud and Mirella, Rick’s wife, said it was time to go. The rest is history.

As the youngest member I tend to carry the energy…..Sometimes forgetting the timing. Drummers are always a little special and most of the time pretty hot.

I am proud to say I manage to get along with 6 other Italian Band Members without feeling too exhausted at the end of the session – I have to get my shots back now…. They don’t let me speak otherwise.

Seriously….It’s great to be part of Hardly Aged and get to play along with the talent and caliber we share in this band.

Glen Heldt

Pat Viele

Drums/Back-Up Vocals

It’s been about 2½ years now that I have been with the band. I am the sixth member and I guess you can say that I am one of a few that form the company part of Hardly Aged & Co.

When I joined, I was told that the band was just starting to gel and things were coming together real fast. (It’s no coincidence that this happened at the time that I joined. - Hahaha)

My job is to keep Hardly Aged from hardly aging, (I keep them young, I think).

Since I have been with Hardly Aged, it has been nothing less than a real treat. Playing together once a week and doing gigs has been an absolute blast, and a great learning experience.

These guys are truly a pleasure to be with and an honour to share my time with.

Pat

Rick Malatesta

Guitar/Vocals

Born January 28th, 1958
Inspired by Elvis I start singing, dancing, and playing Guitar at age 9.

ENRICO MALATESTA is my real name but most kids couldn’t pronounce it so they gave me a Canadian name (Ricky) I liked it so I kept it. I was born in Toronto Canada, My parents are from Italy I have 2 brothers one younger and one older.

My mother was a tailor and my father was a gambling man so House of the rising sun was my first song that I actually learned to play chords to I learned to play by ear and now I’m still learning as you can tell from the photo things haven’t changed much.

Married with a great supporting wife and 2 wonderful talented children that share the same interest in music and art as I do, Micheal is now 21, and Erica is 16.

5 years ago we started to jam in my basement and in Dante’s shed after a leafs hockey game, loved it and never stopped; now we jam at my shop and we are in heaven, 2 years ago we recorded one of my original songs I wrote when I was younger CLOSE MY EYES, I never thought that I would ever have a single CD recording of my music, thanks to Denise, Dante, and Bruno, for their part in making a dream come true for me. Give it a listen if you have a chance. 8 to 10 members that share the same interest and passion for music get together to entertain our self’s; I have never been part of a group of great individuals that understand the quality of life and we are truly happy and HARDLY AGED when it comes to our Music.

Thank you for reading this bio, Blog. I hope that we can meet sometime soon and share some good times together!

Have a great day
Love you all Rick Malatesta

Vince Daniele

Keyboards

What started out as playing acoustic guitars and a “Casio” keyboard in the back yard during parties, then to Ricks’ basement, has turned into the most enjoyable time in my life, outside of my family events. Hardly Aged has become my extended family, there are real family members and there are those that we’ve adopted each other. My Musical grass roots include all genre’s of music from Operatic Symphonies to heavy metal. My gorgeous wife Mary and two sons, Anthony and Michael support me in this endevour whole heartedly, Thank you guys I love you. To all my friends, thank you for your continued support and encouragement. I finally got my Dad and Mom out to watch me play, they might of even been proud not sure if my dad was dancing or trying to do some form of mateing ritual for my Mom. To my Sister Sandra and husband Tony (Oct 13), To my Brother Mario and Wife Julie and of corse my nephews Matthew & Alex, than you for being my biggest fans. To my Hardly Aged & Co. Brothers, I can’t thank you enough for what you have brought into my life, this is the greatest ride I have ever been on, Love you guys.

“Rock & Roll like your life depended on it boyz”

Vince

Bruno Di Bartolomeo

Instructor/Composer/Author/Live & Studio Guitarist

I began playing at 15 years old, attended Mohawk College at 18 years old. Some of my work has be heard on CITY TV, CHCH TV, Chin Radio, Voices Latina 1610am Radio, Breakfast with Derringer Q107

Oct 2004 - Opened for Tom Cochrane at the National Trade Center C.N.E.

As lead guitarist for Paris Black performed on several shows with Honeymoon Suite,Platinum Blond, Red Rider,The Kings,The Spoons,and Members of Saga.

I also own and operate Crossroads Guitar Center.

Back in 2003, I began teaching Rick Malatesta, who had mentioned that he had a little band that Jammed out his warehouse. He invited me over to meet the guys, that's where I first met Hardly Aged & Co. From that moment on the band has grown leaps and bounds literally. From a three piece band to a 9 piece powerhouse. Hardly Aged always delivers, oh! By the way, I'm the "& Company"

Rock & roll Boys,
Salute

Richard Bedford

Bass Guitar

Growing up listening to BTO, Yes, and Paul McCartney, influenced my decision to play the Bass. Musical interests turned to Steely Dan, Jazz/Rock Fusion and of course Jaco! Picking up the Bass after 20 years and hooking up with the Hardly Aged boys has been a blast. It means just one thing…”When is our next gig?”

A special thank you to Pat (Glens’ mentor) for introducing me to the guys and to all the original members for making jam nights a high point in the week! Thanks guys.

Cheers, Rich

Nick Forte

Sound & Stage Co-coordinator/Bass guitar/Back up Vocal

I got a call one night from Rick asking me if I wouldn't mind picking up some water, I thought that maybe the guys would like a cold beer instead, All of a sudden I'm a member of the band, and one of my responsibilities is to bring the beer, this band is costing a fortune, I need a part time job just to keep Vince and Glen cool, whew!!!!!!

I've been playing Music since I was about 12 years old; I have had the pleasure of playing in some great bands: Transit, Break of Dawn, and Feedback.

My genre of music varies from Italian wedding Music to Rock and Pop music.

I have my own company New-Forte Waterproofing Ltd. I am married to my lovely wife Laura for 14 wonderful years, and we have two great boys, Nikolai, and Mateus.

I love to listen to live music, thank you Hardly Aged, my brothers for a different Mother.

"Stick to the beat"

Nick

Jo Ann Folino

Lead Vocals

I had always loved music.When I was little I would sing into a wooden
spoon or hair brush and dance in the mirror.(I still do.....lol)
Growing up I would sing at school dances,house parties,weddings,and
clubs. I had stopped playing in bands for about 7years.Then my
girlfriend told me about Hardly Age,she had known Rick.She told me I
should go by and sing for them.I was nervous at first but the guys made
me feel right at home.Now I am one of the boys.Nothing they say won't
shock me....lol I am glad to be a part of this band and I always look
forwarded in getting together and jamming. There is always lots of
laughs and the joy of playing music.

Dino Ferrazzo

Drums

I started playing drums at the age of 7 years old on cardboard Boxes and two small bongs dad bought for me, with frying pans for cymbals. My musical uncle was impressed and told my parents to get me in music school. I then bought my first drum set for $ 75.oo

The drummer that played in my uncle's band quit and I was asked to play with his band at the age of 9 years old. I played my first wedding at 10 years old and never looked back. music is definitely my biggest passion and intend to retire at 97 years old, I'm half way there.

Dino