Electronic Press Kit
Jim Mayer
Lead Vocals, Musical Director
Jim Mayer has been touring, songwriting, and recording with Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer band since 1989. As band member and vocalist, Mayer is featured on 21 Buffett albums and 9 songs as a co-writer with Jimmy. As a member of The Coral Reefer Band, he has appeared on The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and The Today Show with Buffett. Additionally, he has shared the stage with Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown, James Taylor, Ringo Starr, Paul Simon, and many others.
Uncle Jim’s tropical Friends Band
With Uncle Jim’s Tropical Friends Band, Mayer is honoring the legacy and wish of Jimmy Buffett to “Keep The Party Going.” Forged out of years of experience with a master storyteller, Uncle Jim’s Tropical Friends Band brings the party to you. Mayer says, “It’s a tribute with a twist, blending fun classics and “curve balls” to pay homage to a Buffett Live Show’s playful and unpredictable energy. To keep things fresh, I collaborate with many awesome musicians, including special appearances with members of the Coral Reefer Band when available. I want to do my part to share the joy that I felt playing with Jimmy for so many years.”
Meet The Band
Tony Wagner
Guitar, Vocals, Co-Musical Director
Tony is based in St. Petersburg and brings a southern rock influence to the Uncle Jim Band. Tony has shared the stage with a variety of seminole artists including Molly Hatchet, Foghat, Cheap Trick, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section. Wagner’s career took off in the late nineties touring with the original rock and roll band ARAZMO, named, “The Bad Boys of Tampa Bay”. Known for his powerful vocals and skilled guitar work, he has garnered a loyal fan base throughout his career. He is a perfect collaborator as co-musical director of the Uncle Jim Tropical Friends Band.
John Patti
Steel Pan, Percussion
Nine time TropRock Music Association “Musician of the Year” winner, John Patti brings the steel pan to the forefront of musical entertainment with an “island infused jazz and blues” style. John’s innovative take on the steel pan has taken him on stages with greats like Les Paul in New York City, Grammy winning songwriter Paul Overstreet in Nashville, Nadirah Shakoor at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, and stadiums around the country performing the National Anthem. Many songs from John’s albums can be heard daily on Sirius XM’s Radio Margaritaville.
Angelo Collura, Jr.
Drums
Originally from Tampa Fl., Angelo Collura’s professional musical career has spanned over 45 years including performances with Grammy award winning Duo act Thompson Square, LeAnn Rimes, and recordings with Jason Aldean, Brian Wilson, The Temptations, and many others. His dedication to excellence has carried him to television appearances on The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Conan O’Brian, Today Show, Good Morning America, the C.M.A. Awards, ACM Awards, and the Grammys.
Greg Czinke
Guitar, Vocals
Greg Czinke is a Tampa native, but he started in Nashville, TN (Music City) and began touring and recording professionally as a teen. His musical gifts landed him a record deal with EMI New York with his band The Hazies. He is in his 20th year as guitars for the Black Honkeys Band, a Florida Gulf Cost funk Sensation.
Rob Stoney
Keyboards, Vocals
Raised and taught piano by his father, a music professor at Hampton University, VA, Rob was fortunate to be exposed to Gospel, Soul, and Jazz very early. His excellence on keyboards has earned him a place on stage and in the studio with many great artists, including legendary bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn (Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder), Bobby Keys (Rolling Stones), and Robin Zander (AC/DC).