Welcome to the Bio of:
Don Baron, a staple of the Northwest Indiana music scene, is probably best known as the front man of the regionally known cover band "Bravo Johnny" (1991-2002), a region based quartet cover act known for their live on stage antics, quirky musical selection, as well as all around debauchery. Originally formed in 1991 while attending Indiana State University, Baron (vocals), along with Mike Ferri (guitar), Aaron Hedges (bass), Tim Jordan (guitar), and Mike Zimmerman (drums), started out by playing at Indiana State University in local dive bars and frat parties for the usual low pay, and opportunity for free drinks and an occasional one night stand. The act prided themselves on daring to be different in their selection of cover music and risqué stage props. In an age of cover bands who were bandwagonning the trendy grunge scene, BJ was known for their renditions of Bee Gees, Go-Gos, and 80's treasures long before other numerous bands today who continue to unashamingly milk the Bravo sound and legacy. In 1995 Ferri was replaced by Greg Millikan on guitar. In 1998 Bravo Johnny had the prestigous honor of being one of the rare cover bands to make it on the front page of The Beat Magazine, with an exclusive interview by the award winning journalist, Tom Lounges. The band pounded out their twisted stage show for another few years until finally calling it quits in 2002, when Baron, tired of making a living off of cheaply covering other artists' music, left to pursue other avenues. Hedges and Karp continued to work on their side projects the Crawpuppies and Bonfire, Ferri moved on to perform in bands such as Juke Box Heroes and the Bedheads, and Millikan went on to join cover band History's End.
Although an Economics and US History teacher at a local high school by trade, Baron has successfully led and produced three CDs of original music with bands such as The Porcelain Gods, Medium, and Don Baron and the SpinCycle, all in which he sang and contributed to the writing process.
The Porcelain Gods (1995-96) peaked at number 112 as the most popular local band as recognized by the Beat Magazine in 1996. Members included Mike Ferri, Pete Pena, Phil Carmen, Chris Kurtis, and Carlos Rieces, Among the classics on their self titled CD include Spinnin Again, I'm The Type, Movin On Since You've Been Gone, and Margin for Error. A band that was ahead of their time, the PG's were famous for their opening numbers and "on stage props", such as an actual toilet and Phil's ugly jackets.
In 1997 Baron again tried unsuccessfully to lead a band in doing original music with Medium (1997-1998), a collection of talented local musicians that even to this day Baron wonders what could have been and what went wrong. Members of that band included: Chris Kurtis, Tracy Okamoto, Ron Bianco, Tracy Braun, Mike Ferri, and Gayle Hoyda. Their CD, Identity Crisis, received good reviews but the band petered out due to the ever changing "identity crisis" of its members. The 774 leftover CD's are now collecting dust in Baron's spare bedroom's closet. Some of the other "surviving CD's" are officially doubling as coasters used when entertaining guests, or loaned out to local hillbillies who use them as "skeets" during target practice with their rifles.
Baron continued the Medium act in a second reincarnation with a lineup of Hoyda, new addition on guitar Eric Kurutz, and drummer Tony Schon in 2000. They officially changed their name to Don Baron and the Spincycle, partially because of the sexual innuendo and because of the ever changing "cycle" of members Baron seemed to go through in his musical career. The critically acclaimed "Main Event" CD received rave reviews from legendary rock critic Ben Likens in the September 00 edition of the Beat Magazine, though the album never managed to reach local music store shelves. Four cancelled shows, two departing band members, and 992 left over CDs later, Baron gathered up some new and old friends to carry on the prestigious Spincycle name.
In 2001 Baron, along with sidekick Hoyda, old Porcelain Gods drummer Carmen, and new guitarist Chuck Fellios carried on the DB&TSC name managing to play three shows of sheer high energy and musical greatness, among them hosting a jam night at the live music mecca, Finkes in Highland, Indiana. The act even got to open for the legendary Northwest Indiana cover act History's End, which Baron fondly recalls as the highlight of his career.
In the fall of 2001 Baron began a partnership with Matt Valuckis (formerly of the band Drivin Blind) and formed the guitar duo that called themselves Cheese Pizza. The acoustic act did cover versions of various off the wall songs of the 70's to 90's as well as a sampling of their own music. About a year later yet another Baron project was history, as creative and artistic differences, as well as philosophies of how to deal with a heckling audiences, took a toll on their musical relationship. After a memorable performance at the musical hot-bed Jalapeno's (where they were asked to leave and never come back), the band decided to call it quits. Baron has since then vowed to never do a show of more than one, alright maybe two at most, ok three, cover songs.
In July of 2002 Baron began his standup comedy career with a show at Zanies in downtown Chicago. Performing with other "students" of his Zanies Comedy Class he actually gets several authentic and credible laughs.
In December of 2002 Baron released the solo produced single I Got The Shaft This Christmas, a takeoff of how the season does not go so well for some. Ironically, the release date was pushed back to Dec. 23rd, as studio conflicts hindered the CD from making it to radio play or store shelves. He hopes that 2003 Christmas sales for at least pay for cat food for the holiday season.
In the Fall of 2003 Baron completed a three song demo of new novelty music featuring classics as Mullet-town, Your Daisy Dukes Make Me Wanna Puke, and Hey Hey Asshole. Wisely, only 50 advance copies were made of this release, not because of them being "limited edition", but perhaps even more to save on expenses and scarce storage space reserved for the other 1800 unsold CD's of previous offerings.
Even though sales of all three of his original music CDs were relatively disappointing (in fact, if sales actually counted the numbers would not have even deemed "tin foil" by the music industry; in fact they were so low, last month Billboard actually had them listed in the "minus column"; in fact they are so low, that rumor has it Baron actually pays people to take one), Baron continues to be optimistic that someday his original talents might earn him enough for at least a Benny Hill video collection. Focusing his energy these days on comedic material both in music and in individual performances, and considering his talent, it is perhaps good he still has his day job.
Arranged by Vic Babuska
(Don Baron's official biographer)