ABOUT THE BAND
With a lineup of versatile veteran musicians, Sugar Highway has been wowing crowds throughout the Chicagoland area for the last six years!
Anchored by longtime band members Fantasy Greene, Dave Fosco, Patrick Defillipis, Brian Bendeich, Tony Troiano, Bart Kimberley, Sugar Highway's lineup boasts countless years of performance experience, at highly regarded Chicagoland venues and events such as Bub City (Rosemont & River North), Blarney's Island, MT Barrels, Blue Chip Casino, Tailgaters, Lucky Star Saloon, Sundance Saloon, Evviva, Barleycorn's, Chicago's Annual Rock & Roll Half Marathon, and many summer/ fall festivals, just to name a few!
Sugar Highway's current set list, runs the rail of country hits from artists such as, Lady Antebellum, Frankie Ballard, Gretchen Wilson, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, and more!
Whether it's chugging through a multiple set single band show, or a quick opener , there isn't a crowd out there that Sugar Highway can't win over!
Fantasy Greene - Lead Vocalist
Fantasy started singing early (age 7) and thanks her Aunt April for pushing her to get on stage, to sing "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany. She has been involved in many bands since her early debut, playing in groups such as Drowning Wallace, One99, Pipe Dream, Jukebox Hero, and now Sugar Highway. Growing up, Fantasy would listen to her Mom playing classic's such as Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Garth Brooks, Oak Ridge Boys and The Judds. Combining that, with her own passion for Rock music, moving into Modern Country music was the next logical stop on her musical journey. Fantasy's joy in performing is inspired by great stages and lighting, having good people to play with, and most importantly, the ENERGY that the audience brings!
ROCK ON!
Dave Fosco - Lead Guitarist
Dave is a Chicago native with an Audio Engineering background from Columbia College, who started out at a young age learning Chicago blues from Mel-Bay instruction books , floppy plastic sheet records with backing tracks, and a real life guitar instructor (no YOUTUBE at his disposal!). Not knowing what he was actually learning at the time, these inspiring riffs, scales, and songs would prove to be staples and life long influences from artists such as Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, David Gilmour, EVH, and SRV to name a few.
Patrick Defilippis - Bassist
Patrick began playing the bass guitar at the age of 12. He is one of those bass players that really enjoys performing for an audience! Having the benefit and honor of sharing the stage with several Chicago area cover bands, Patrick brings musicianship and showmanship that is second too none.
A bass virtuoso, Patrick can cover anything you throw at him, from straight pocket playing of classic to modern Rock, too the smooth bass runs of modern Country! Hobbies include: Private Pilot, Radio Control Model Aircraft, Astronomy, and Cooking.
Brian Bendeich - Lead Vocalist
Brian (aka Shady), began singing at the early age of 4, listening to Mom & Dad's "Oldies" Station. He was a lead vocalist during his high school years in the most exclusive choral groups winning national championships. North Central College in Naperville awarded Brian with a vocal scholarship, which led him to perform with several bands over the years. His vocal styling’s have been compared to both Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town. Brian’s goal is to create an engaging performance, while singing today’s most powerful modern Country and Rock/ Pop music! Music influences include Rascal Flatts, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles, Bad Company, Foreigner, Journey, Bon Jovi, Jason Adlean, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, and more!
Hobbies: Music, Sports, Muscle/ Sports Cars, and Fishing.
Tony Troiano - Guitar
Tony, aka "The Pizza Man", has been playing guitar for many years, developing his skills as a Rock and Country guitarist! With his diverse talents on both electric and acoustic guitars, Tony helps to propel Sugar Highway to new heights! He owns the highly regarded Chicago pizza establishment, J.B. Alberto's - "Pizza... and so much more!" J.B. Alberto's 1324-26 Morse Ave., Chicago! If you LOVE pizza, J.B. Alberto's is the place!
Bart Kimberley - Keyboardist
Bart developed a passion for playing the piano, about the same time that he could count all the keys! Playing the keyboard and B3 organ in guitar driven music, isn't for everyone. However, Bart not only makes it work, he adds an element missing from most country groups.
Classically trained, Bart has always strived for excellence while playing the greats like The Beatles, Billy Joel, and Elton John. With having over 20 years of experience, playing in various Rock cover bands around Chicagoland, Bart brings a "key" subsonic substance, to all of Sugar Highway's tunes!