A Tribute to Journey
by Stephanie Struyck Elgin
Thousands of Santa Claritans have come out to listen to their renditions of the mega popular 80’s rock balladeers, Journey. Our city has welcomed the band with Open Arms, having us Faithfully wanting more. And as the Lights go down in our city, we will continue to hold on to that feelin’ as we Don’t Stop Believin’.
Formed in 2008, Don’t Stop Believin’, otherwise known as DSB, is made up of five talented California musicians. There’s Juan Del Castillo from San Diego on lead vocals, Malibu resident Roger Cain on lead guitar, Scotty Kormos from Simi Valley on Drums and Vocals, Tony Love from Los Angeles on bass and vocals and our very own Jeff Vincent from Santa Clarita, who shines on the keyboard, guitar and on vocals.
Bring these five talents together and you have pure chemistry. “We have a great mix,” states Juan. “Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge of Journey’s legacy that manifests into an incomparable passion for musical accuracy. Scotty approaches DSB like he does his drum kit; with a level of determination, focus and discipline needed to win a triathlon. Tony emits a contagious energy that inspires concert excellence. Roger’s cool demeanor is unscathed by the complexity of the guitar’s prodigy, Neal Schon, shoes he must fill during each performance. And myself, well I’ve been told I sing like Steve Perry.”
Band members Juan and Jeff of DSB took a moment to talk with us about their Journey, and life in the band.
é: What made you decide to form a band to pay tribute to Journey?
Jeff: I have been a Journey fan since I was a kid. They were a tremendous influence in my music career. I started a band initially for fun and found Juan via Craigslist of all things. After awhile, our ambitions outgrew the skill set of the members we had at the time so we found professional musicians that shared the standard of excellence and work ethic and started DSB. Our mission is to be the best and most authentic tribute to Journey’s profound musical legacy.
é: You performed at the ever so popular Concerts in the Park where tens of thousands came and saw you. What brings you out here to the SCV?
Jeff: Well, I’m an SCV resident and Juan is a former SCV resident! We must thank John Pramik of Pramik Entertainment and the City of Santa Clarita for granting us the opportunity. What an honor it was to play for such a great crowd! It is a testament to the spirit and quality of the people of the SCV and, of course, the power of Journey’s timeless music.
é: What other gigs have you done, and which would you say would be your most memorable?
Juan: We’ve played some amazing venues. My favorites, however, are the Summer Concerts in the Parks. It’s great to see that this music touches and inspires people of all ages. The younger Journey fans might know the music from movies or video games, whereas the more “mature” folk were there the first time around. It’s incredible to hear 14,000 people screaming, Don’t Stop Believin’.
é: Have you written songs outside of the Journey songs you perform?
Jeff: Not that we perform as DSB, but everyone in the band writes. I was a staff writer for Warner Brothers for 9 years and have had a lot of music and songs in films, as does Roger. Juan released an original album on Sony/BMG. Scotty and Tony have both contributed and shared the stage with many of the recording industry’s finest.
é: Do you have a favorite Journey song?
Jeff: Mother, Father.
Juan: Patiently.
é: Are their any upcoming performances that your fans can look forward to?
Juan: We are excited to perform in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2010, at Aliante Casino & Hotel. For tickets and information, please visit www.aliantecasinohotel.com. We anticipate another year of dramatic growth next year, and would like to formally announce that in 2011, DSB will be performing in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Idaho, and Arizona! Please visit www.DSBband.com for more detailed information.
é: And lastly, do you have a message for your fans?
With all sincerity . . . DON’T EVER STOP BELIEVIN’!
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