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Bob Piorun & "The Convertibles" are one of the most versatile groups in Central
New York, consisting of Bernie McNabb (vocals), Connie Patti (vocals),
Cookie Coogan (vocals, keyboards, flute), Shane Aaserud (bass), John Gagliano (drums)
and Bob Piorun (guitar, flute). An optional 8th member is vibraphonist, Brian Murphy
who adds a terrific additional dimension to the band.
The Convertibles play a very wide spectrum of music from swing jazz to rock and many styles in between.
We can do an all jazz show or a complete night of 50's or 60's as well dance music of
all varieties. We specialize in weddings and corporate parties especially when a mellow
cocktail or dinner set is needed. We can play at a conservative volume level. We have
formal attire. We have a repertoire of nearly 1000 songs.
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Karen Vincent grew up idolizing the likes of Frank Sinatra and Barbara Streisand and dreamed
of becoming a recording artist. However, her outstanding soprano voice seemed too special to ignore,
so Karen dedicated herself to nurturing her classical music abilities. In 2004 she received her Bachelor
of Vocal Performance degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she had the privilege of studying
with the renowned pedagogue, Dr. William McIver. While at Eastman Karen was awarded a fellowship to
attend the prestigious Aspen Summer Music Festival and was also awarded with the prestigious Eastman
Performer’s Certificate for outstanding performance abilities. Upon graduating, Karen moved to
Boston, where she began her lovely family, and performed with Opera By The Bay and the Fiddlehead
Theater. Finally, in 2006, Vincent family moved to Ithaca so Karen’s husband could peruse a PHD at
Cornell. Ithaca’s unique culture has inspired Karen to try new performance art forms. She currently
performs with Ithaca’s Wing Space Theater Company and the Left Wing Improve Troupe. And, thanks to a
chance meeting with Bob Piorun, Karen finally gets to live out her dream of singing smooth and subtle
tones into a microphone! Karen has the additional ability of being able to sing in French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.
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Vocalist Connie Patti has been singing professionally for over 10 years. She sings many different styles but is especially
good at the modern pop singers: Norah Jones, Fergie, Sara Bareilles, etc. She also does country music well and can
do the necessary music for wedding ceremonies. (Song List PDF)
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Bernie McNabb began as a singer in the heavy medal mode branching out to become the lead
vocalist for many years with the very popular Prison City Rockers before teaming up with
Bob Piorun. He has studied acting in NYC and has appeared in area plays as Judas in Jesus
Christ Superstar, and Capt von Trapp in Sound of Music. (Song List PDF)
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Singer/pianist Cookie Coogan, originally from Maine, graduated from Ithaca College
and now conducts the Ithaca College VOCAL Jazz Ensemble. You can visit Cookie's web site at
cookiecoogan.com.
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Vibist Brian Murphy graduated from Ithaca College and Berklee School of Music where he also
taught vibraphone. He makes his home in Sayre PA from where is is in constant demand as
one of the finest musicians anywhere on the East Coast. He is an optional player in "The Convertibles".
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