New Yorks #1 Dance Band!

History

It all started back in 1972 when cousins, Jerry Ricci and Jimmy Evans, decided to form a local pop cover band and named it after a horse called "TrickShot".  They audition and accept John Sabatino and Gary Oxton on guitars, Mitch Packer on Keyboards and Sax, and Mario Cabrera on Vocals and Percussion.  Shortly after in 1973, the band changed to an all dance format and soon became one of the Top Tri-State club bands.

With the release of their single "Sexxy Soul" on the legendary Chess Records, 1975 became an important year in their career as the song charted in numerous Cities and Japan.  It wasn't long before "Sexxy Soul" was a staple in every Long Island Disco!

In 1976, the band relocated to Florida, minus founding member Jerry Ricci, and continued on for two more years before disbanding.  Jimmy Evans continued on in Florida with a band called Trix.

Back on Long Island, Jerry Ricci followed up on his passion for playing the drums and decided to open up a small music store, calling it The Long Island Drum Center.  This store, now run by his brother Dennis, has continued to grow over the past 30 years with a thriving retail and mail order/ internet business keeping drummers happy, around the world.

In 2006, after a 5 year run with a prominent Long Island Dance band, Jerry decides to put together a new verison of Trick Shot.  He enlists the aid of long time friend, Butch Poveromo.  Jerry invites Doug Jackson and Irv Berner to join and Butch brings in George Blitzer and Jack Kunz, who all accept.  Rehearsals commenced on May 3rd, 2006.  September 2006, Doug Jackson bows out due to an intense workload at his day job, so Butch brings in Paul Antonios on Bass and Lead Vocals.  Band debuts in October 2006 with great success!

Paul Antonios leaves at the end of 2006 and is replaced by Jim Dolega, who previously worked in a 10 piece horn band with Jerry and Irv.

2007 see's Butch Poveromo and George Blitzer bow out due to work conflicts.  George is replaced by Steve Sollog, who had worked in a band with Jerry back in the 80's.  Butch is replaced by John Bennett, Irv's writing partner in the Bennett/Berner Project.  Jimmy Elliot and Randy

Nieves join the band crew.  Revamped band debuts October 13, 2007 at Suffolk Singles Dance (virtually one year to day after first debut).  2008 see's John Bennett move on to devote more time to his band Radio Daze.  John is replaced by second keyboardist, Lloyd Lindberg.

2008, Jim Dolega leaves the band and is replaced by Frank Thumhart.  

2009, Steve Sollog leaves the band in April. Dan Smith joins crew.  Irv Berner leaves band and is replaced by Bob Goodwin. Frank Thumhart leaves band and is replaced by Steve Michaels.

2010, Bob Goodwin leaves band.

*A copy of Sexxy Soul on Chess Records in mint condition is currently selling for $40-$45 in the United Kingdom's Soul Circles Club

**For all the old fans asking, Mitch Packer and Jimmy Evans live in Pompano Beach, Florida.  Gay Oxton now resides in Martinez, Georgia, where he is still making music.