The musicians in Prime Time come from various backgrounds, but all share one common thread, the ability to play at a high level and their devotion to their craft. Each member lends their voice to the band, singing backup or lead on various tunes. Here is a brief synposis of each member's musical history.
Keyboardist Bob Caraher has been teaching music in the Syracuse area since 1980. A graduate of Ithaca College, he brings a talent to the group of taking ordinary songs and arranging them into the band's own unique sound. Bob has spent time playing with The Bernie Milton Band, Easy Street, Group Therapy, and Souled Out in the Upstate N.Y. area.
Bassist Mike Ceiply is a recent graduate of The Crane School of Music. He has been playing professionaly in Central New York since 1999. Groups he as performed with include The Celebration Band, The All State Jazz Ensemble and The Crane Jazz Ensemble. He also spent time in Vegas playing with The Bo Henderson Group. In addition to performing Mike teaches music at North Star Studios in Cicero.
Tom Hillenbrand is no stranger to the area as a tremendous guitarist and all around nice guy. He has played with bands such as Classified, Sharp Dressed Penguins, Joe Whiting, and many others. He is a driving force in the band with strong rhythmic playing as well as tasteful lead and solo work.
Saxophonist Anthony Greene is originally from Frederick Maryland and studied music industry at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. He moved to Syracuse in 1992 to study music education at Syracuse University and much to his surprise, stayed! In that time, he has played in various groups including The Stan Colella Orchestra, Souled Out, Sunday Night Road Band, The Critics, and of course, Prime Time. When he is not ripping out killer solos on the saxophone, Tony can be found teaching band at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School or being a full time Pa-Pa to his children Maggie and Xavier.
Tom Machuga fills out the horn section with his trumpet (both acoustic and electronic) and is also the sound engineer for the band. Tom is a music educator in Watertown, N.Y. He has backed The Four Tops, The Smothers Brothers, and Martha Reeves. A graduate of Fredonia State, he has traveled the world playing in the Fredonia State Jazz Ensemble. When not playing or teaching, Tom can be found behind the console in his home studio recording demos for Prime Time or other local bands.
Gary Iacovelli sets the foundation of the groove with his expressive drumming. Originally from Endicott, N.Y., Gary studied formally at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. After touring extensively in the early 70s, he spent eight years in the Los Angeles area doing recording sessions and night club acts ranging from John Sebastian to Rodney Dangerfield. After moving back to the Syracuse area, Gary has performed with Sammy nominated acts including Rocco Barbato & Midnight Snack, and the highly respected Steely Dan tribute band, Royal Scam. He has also performed at the Syracuse Jazz Fest and Oswego Harborfest. Gary hold a business degree from SUNY Oswego.
Paul Valentino has been a front man, lead vocalist, and percussionist in the Central NY area for over 20 years. Paul serves as the bands manager as well and is responsible for booking the band. In 1996 he co-founded Prime Time and since then his voice has been the foundation for the versatile play list that has kept Prime Time among the top party bands in CNY. Whether it's Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Racal Flatts, or Maroon 5, Paul puts every ounce of energy and passion into his vocal stylings. He credits the talented musicians in the band that provide the perfect soundtrack for him to croon to night after night. Previous to Prime Time, Paul was a member of the Critics, Night Magic, Nite Life, and The Four. During the day from September to June, Paul is a Physical Education teacher in the Jamesville-Dewitt school district. He tried to incorporate a fitness program for the band, but was met with much resistance. Nice Gob Juys!!!!
