The Electric Light Orchestra Experience: Evil Woman

Kevin Fafard, Lead Vocals, Guitars, Born in Long Island, New York, Kevin is a Virginia-based musician playing in a variety of tribute and cover bands since 2009. A founding member of Evil Woman–The AmericanELO, Kevin has been an integral part of the band’s success. When not on the road performing, in the studio recording, or helping plan the band’s next gig, Kevin likes pina colada, getting caught in the rain, and collecting model trains.

Nigel Holland Musical Director Keyboards, Vocals, Nigel studied at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. He has been writing, producing, and recording music for over 40 years. He has performed as an entertainer and produced “live” shows all over the World. A founding member of Evil Woman– The American ELO, his passion for music, attention to detail, and enigmatic personality have led the band to great heights, and he continues to open up new opportunities for the future of the band. When he’s not touring with Evil Woman–The American ELO, or the Right On!Band, you’ll find him enjoying time with his family and planning the next great adventure.

Rebecca Catalano, Vocals, has been in love with music and the stage for as long as she can remember. A former figure skater, she turned to music after an injury that required a sudden career change. When she's not performing, you’ll find her teaching voice, dance, and piano as well as helping coach the Music Makers LIVE rock school bands for MusicMakers in Virginia Beach, Virginia along with creating/directing their Music Makers LIVEBroadway program. With degrees in Music Education and Musical Theatre, she has performed, competed in, and studied many styles of music and dance over the years, and has been seen on stages across the world, enjoying tours as a dancer/singer in Italy, Brazil, Ireland, and the US. She is thrilled to be one of the newest members of Evil Woman-The American ELO and is beyond excited to see what the future holds for her. In her free time, you might find her writing a script, daydreaming, planning her next sword fight, or falling down a YouTube rabbit hole with one of her favorite content creators.

Robert Smith, Keyboards, Vocals, is a music instructor and owner of Music Makers in Virginia Beach, Virginia where he teaches an array of instruments including piano, voice, guitar, and drums along with coaching bands of all ages. He has toured the country and around the world playing concerts in Indonesia, Australia, Russia, and Japan as a touring member for the Norfolk-based rock group, MAE (Capitol Records). Along with singing and tickling the ivories forEvil Woman-The American ELO, he performs regular gigs around Hampton Roads and out of town as an acoustic duo (Musicplayer), the original band (Ladada), Fleetwood Mac tribute band (Secondhand Dreams), and The B-52’s tribute band (The B-53’s). When he’s not teaching, listening to, creating, or performing music, you might find Robert biking along the beach, filming his “A Day in the Life of” videos for Instagram and YouTube, writing his blog, or chilling with his super suave cat, Elvis.

Jimmy Agrios, Bass, is a Virginia musician who has been performing in the area since 2007. He is mainly a guitarist and bassist. His love for music has taken him to many unexpected places. While not performing you might find him filling other roles in the art community. From running around behind the scenes keeping the gears turning, to moving around the country supporting various artists of all sizes. He is always willing to step in and help put on the best show possible.

Leon E. Alexander Jr. Drums, a native of Washington, D.C. Leon attended The Oberlin Conservatory of Music majoring in Percussion and Jazz Studies and Graduate Studies at the University of California SanDiego.From there he has performed with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, New OrleansPhilharmonic Orchestra, Freddie Hubbard, the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Mary Wilson, the theO’Jays, House Orchestras at Caesars Palace, and the Aladdin Casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the U.S Navy Steel Drum Band in New Orleans, LA. In 2008 he composed, arranged, and was a music producer for the soundtrack of the film documentary, Allah MadeMe Funny. He was Head of Percussion Instruction at the United States Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA, and has served as a percussionist and Unit Leader for the U.S.Navy Band Cruisers the Navy’s Premier Contemporary Ensemble at the United States NavyBandin Washington, D.C. for over 28 years of military service. With his company DrummiMan Productions, he continues to compose music for commercials and television with clients throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe, and Dubai. As a dedicated Educator, he is presently Head of Percussion at the Academy of the Performing Arts High School in Suitland, MD, and also an instructor in Percussion Education at The New View Academy in Baton Rouge, LA.

Ron Halsey, Guitars,Vocals, Ron Halsey here and I've been playing electric and acoustic guitar since I was 15 (nearly 3 years now ;D ). I was born in West Virginia, and playing Bluegrass wasn't just encouraged, it was the law. Being a rebel, I fled and gravitated over to The Beatles and classic rock(Rush, Zep, Aerosmith, and of course ELO).I played in several club bands around Virginia before moving to California, where I landed with the indie recording group The Mineral Kings. Not getting "rich" or "famous" (I would've taken either one) I got a regular job as a music pastor. The pay was average, but the benefits were "out of this world," or so I was told. Next, I moved back to Virginia, where I have continued to be involved with music as a guitarist with several local bands, as well as Evil Woman–The American ELO. I've additionally done a couple of soundtracks for some indie films and recorded with many local artists. Future plans include becoming "rich" or "famous" (I'll take either one).

Michael Mosgrove Guitar, Vocals, As a 2020 member to theEvil Woman–The American ELOproject, Michael seized theinvitation to play alongside "the finest musicians and join the most magical show ever."Michael has played all over the U.S throughout his musical tenure as part of cover bandsand performing original music, including playing several shows for Chuck Berry over aperiodof two yearswhenhewas 19. British Invasion and American R&B remain his firstlove, but also records and plays country. Michael isalsoa founding member ofWilderHorses, a Rolling Stones tribute band based in Virginia. Michael enjoys repairing,restoring, and building guitars in his workshop when not playing.He can “MacGyver” justabout anything in a pinch!

Stephen O’Leary, String Arrangements, Stephen has received Music Composition Degrees from the Crane School of Music atSUNY Potsdam, the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Performances of his works have been sponsored by the Long Island Arts Council and Hofstra University, and he has taught at Adelphi and Hofstra Universities.HewasalsoMusical Director for several Off-Broadwayshows by the New Punctuation Army, including Gilbert and Sullivan's Christmas Carol(“The large ensemble is in good voice under the musical direction of Stephen O’Leary.”--The New Yorker). He currently is a performer, accompanist, and director with several groups in the New York Metro area, including the New York Life Singers.

Nancy Crockford, Orchestra Leader, Violinist, Based out of Orlando, Florida, Nancy is an accomplished classical violinist, multi-instrumentalist, studio musician, and recording artist. During her 18-year symphoniccareerNancyperformed with many orchestras and symphonies including The FloridaOrchestra, Tampa Bay Chamber Ensemble,andSavannahSymphony. She has performed numerous operas including Die Fledermaus and Tosca. In addition to performingSleepingBeauty with The National Ballet of Canada, Nancy has performed Off Broadway Musicals at ArtPark State Theater, Lewiston, New York. Crossing over to the contemporary field, she also works as a member of the Walt Disney World Orchestra and the Candlelight Processional. In addition to performing and touring with such luminaries as NatalieCole(Unforgettable Tour) and Ray Charles(Uh-Huh Tour), Nancy has performed alongside many incredible and well-known musicians including Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, LizaMinnelli, Dionne Warwick, Amy Grant, Bernadette Peters, Wayne Newton, Donna Summer, NSYNC, Moody Blues, Kansas, Rod Stewart, and Peter Cetera/Chicago to name just a few. Nancy now works in various positions in the music industry including conducting, ensemble, and audition coaching, contracting, and performing with her group SynergyStrings.Check out her latest original recording on YouTube: “Nancy Crockford, TheFiddlin’ Pirate!” When she’s not wrapped up in music, she likes to spend her free time hanging out in the woods with a hot cup of coffee and watching the fireflies.

Edwin Camacho Cello, Keyboards, Alternate, Born in Manhattan, NY, Edwin Camacho began his musical journey playing first violin as first chair for his school orchestra. After moving to Virginia Beach, VA, he began exploring other instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, and cello, becoming well-versed in each. He joined the national touring band Audiostrobelight, playing piano and guitar, where he shared the stage with acts such as Manchester Orchestra, Coheed& Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, and Cartel, to name a few. Along with touring with Audiostrobelight, Edwin has volunteered in various charitable organizations, like the Hope-N-Music organization, teaching children with autism how to play musical instruments. He also began a career as a studio producer and live sound engineer, where he worked on many national shows for Disney and Live Nation at various amphitheaters and industry events. In 2022 he joined Evil Woman-The American ELO where he is furthering his career playing cello and filling in on keyboards when needed.

Casey Copeland, Violin, a Virginia Beach native, born in Norfolk, VA, Casey sings and plays both the violin and keys. A natural performer and artist, Casey loves to create music and has produced several tracks which are available on YouTube and Spotify(you can find her there under her the artist name Copelana)! In addition to performing, she teaches music lessons in Virginia Beach, plays as a professional wedding ceremonial violinist, and spends her free time producing and writing music. When she’s not touring with Evil Woman– The American ELO, you can find her onstage in the bands Request Station and All That 90’sBand or on a Virginia Beach stage performing her original music as Copelana.Her favorite thing other than music is sunny weather and soaking up the rays at the beach.