Playing TRAXX From the Heart!
Established in 2008, the band TRAXX started as a group of like-minded buddies playing music for family and friends’ parties. Since then the classic rock cover band has enjoyed success from intimate clubs and private parties to much larger venues including the Los Angeles and Orange County Fairs.
With over 10 years of playing professionally together, TRAXX is a collaboration of seasoned musicians from the Santa Clarita area.
Band members include: Shay Banduk—guitar, harmonica, Jack Carver—drums, Rich Arshonsky—keyboard and lead vocals, Lisa Vig—lead vocals, Wendy Hersh—bass guitar, and Michael Gam—lead guitar. Most of the band members also sing backing vocals, creating the same sweet and recognizable harmonies as the original artists.
Shay and Jack co-manage the band, working with new and repeat clients that keep the band’s calendar busy throughout the year.
“If it’s a good opportunity to perform, we’re there!” Jack said of the band that has entertained audiences all throughout Southern California for years.
TRAXX performs classic rock hits spanning the decades from the ‘60s to now, including the sounds of Journey, The Beatles, The Police, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, and so much more. “The core of our material is classic rock, but we also play blues, disco, funk, and even polka and German rock, which we enthusiastically perform at the Santa Clarita’s Oktoberfest!” Shay said.
With a repertoire of over 150 songs, what makes TRAXX unique is their attention to catering to the audience that they are playing for. “We want to be flexible and keep the audience in mind” Jack said. “It keeps everyone engaged, and oftentimes hitting the dance floor!”
Rich and Jack, who tailor the set list for the diverse array of audiences, are always looking at adding new songs. “I like to keep it fresh,” Rich said.
The band rehearses at Shay’s Stevenson Ranch home studio, where his wife always has a glorious meal ready for the band afterwards. The band’s dynamic culture is much like a family; the players are all close friends and have known each other for many years. TRAXX’s busy calendar of rehearsals and events promotes and ensures the performance skills of all members of the group.
Their busy schedule includes performances in many local venues such as Salt Creek Grille Valencia, Wolf Creek Brewery, The Oaks Club at Valencia, and Valencia Country Club. In addition, TRAXX continues to support nonprofit events ranging from fundraisers to concerts supporting various causes. Furthermore, the band’s calendar also includes weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and other private events.
TRAXX prides itself in delivering high energy and high-quality shows everywhere they go. “The quality of music we provide is done professionally and with a great amount of fun, which has allowed us to gather sizeable audiences and receive consistent requests for shows throughout the many years we’ve been performing” Shay said.
Shay added, “We love playing music—it’s in our hearts.”
Comments
ADVERTISE WITH US
A Message from the Associate Publisher Alexander Hafizi – May/June 2026
There are moments in life that truly make you pause, reflect, and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being nominated for SCV Man of the Year is one of those moments for me.To be recognized is an honor in itself, but to be nominated by three incredible...
A Life of Purpose Dr. Robert “Jack” Casey and the Heart of Emergency Medicine
In every community, there are individuals whose work quietly shapes the lives of others in profound and lasting ways. In Santa Clarita, one of those individuals is Dr. Robert “Jack” Casey, a physician and leader whose impact reaches far beyond the walls of Henry Mayo...
A Life Built on Connection, Creativity, and Community Featuring Mario Brucker
For SCV Senior Center member Mario Brucker, life has been a journey defined by resilience, creativity, and the power of human connection. Having been part of the center for nearly three years, Mario has found not just a place to spend his days, but a true sense of...


