Fridays After Five: Skip Castro Band

FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE | BUD LIGHT CONCERT SERIES

Skip Castro Band - Best Party Band Ever

It began a long time ago. 1978 to be exact. Four musicians, out of work at the same time got together because honestly, they liked to play music. Thus, the Skip Castro Band was born. A mutual love of rhythm 'n blues, swing, boogie woogie and rock 'n roll became the foundation.

Over the next ten years, Skip Castro would become staples on the East Coast between Boston and Atlanta playing every bar, club, music hall, and college in between. All the while having a great time. Called one of the best party bands ever, Skip Castro brings the party every time they take the stage.

And who haven’t they played with? Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, Bo Diddley, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Albert Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Yardbirds, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, the Nighthawks, the Kinks, Kenny Loggins and a host of others....

Fast forward 45 years and the same four guys are still playing together. Why? Because even though they stopped playing full time a while back, there's a unique groove and spirit that exists when Skip plays. They've played with other musicians, but the greatest satisfaction comes when these four get together.

Who are these guys anyhow? Undoubtedly, you've been asked that countless times. Well, here's everything you ever wanted to know about them!

Danny Beirne, Vocals/Keyboards: Was born in East Orange, New Jersey, and raised to the sounds of the Four Seasons and other Jersey bands. He migrated to Charlottesville at age 17 to play bass with his brother’s band and has played music professionally since that day. His machine gun piano attack and manic stage personality always kicks things into overdrive. His favorite movie is Goodfellas.

Charlie Pastorfield, Vocals/Bass: Came to the University of Virginia from the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has played guitar and bass in a long list of Charlottesville bands including The Believers, Mama Tried, Alligator, and The Gladstones. His favorite movie is Ikiru.

Rico Antonelli, Drums: Richmond’s long time premiere drummer and jokester extraordinaire, Rico has kept the beat for many of music’s finest, including countless years in the Robbin Thompson Band. Rico was also known as Pat Benatar’s drummer when she lived in Richmond. His favorite movie is Wizard of Oz (original version!).

Bo Randall, Vocals/Guitar: Chose the University of Virginia for a great education, but fate had something different in mind. He joined local legends Captain Tunes and his Fabulous Noteguns in 1974, immediately blowing away audiences with his incendiary guitar playing. He loves playing golf, and his favorite movie is Almost Famous.

What else is there to say?