What happens when you have the nerve to kidnap musicians from 5 of the top bay area bands and throw them into a musical Mix from all different angles? You create a musical “CROSSFIRE”!

CROSSFIRE, the most exciting band to come out of the North Bay in many years represents the relentless creation and vision of bassist, band leader Michael Halem. “Each member of this band has been hand picked for their immense talent, technical ability and stage presentation” says Halem. “I scoured the top talent in the very best bay area bands to personally put this line up together”. “In fact, you can sort of consider CROSSFIRE to be the “Pro Bowl” of bay area musicians and singers. “The best of the best” as Halem proudly puts it. “Not only phenomenal musicians but A+ people”.


CROSSFIRE performs music that is sure to get everyone out of their seats, up and dancing. Their music includes Motown Favorites, R & B, Classic Rock, Oldies, Disco, Funk and Reggae and has been described as “intoxicating”!

The band has been playing to packed houses up and down the coast with each audience leaving their performance with a smile on their face.

CROSSFIRE is not only a powerhouse of musical talent to listen to but is also a show band. “Were as much fun to watch as listen to” says Halem proudly. “You can tell the players are having fun on stage and that’s a big part of it”. “CROSSFIRE is not just a job for the band but a musical passion”.

Michael Halem
Bassist and Band Leader

Born and raised in New York, Michael’s pro musical career began at the ripe old age of 14. At 17 years old he was hired to perform in the backup band for Jay Black of “Jay and the Americans” fame. Jay Black had half dozen gold records including “Only in America” and “Cara Mia”.

After graduating from High School in 1970, Michael re-located to the San Francisco Bay area where he worked 6 nights a week playing in many of northern California’s top cover bands including “Sudden Urge” and “Patchwork Quilt”.

This full time musical journey eventually lead Michael to long stints in Reno, Tahoe and Las Vegas.

In 1973, Michael read an ad in the entertainment newspaper known as Variety. “They were auditioning people for a soon to open musical in Las Vegas that was based on the “Greaser Style” of oldies Rock and Roll Music” “I had my musical instrument abilities as well as the ability to sing and dance a little bit, but mostly a heads up sense of humor and one heck of allot of chutzpah (That’s Jewish for Nerve Folks)”! I showed up and “took a number” along with over 1200 other hopefuls. The show was being cast with 28 parts available.

“Regardless of the fact that I was a New York Jew, I guess I had the luck of the Irish that day”. After 12 grueling hours of waiting in lines and answering questions, I finally got my opportunity to play some guitar, sing and dance and do some comedy “schtick”. “Low and behold I landed the part of “Joe Kool” in this Broadway Style Musical that was called “Jailhouse Rock”.

After several months of 15 hour a day rehearsals, the show opened to rave reviews and played to sold out crowds at Harrahs in Las Vegas for the entire next year. “All my years of training and hard work finally stated paying off as I could actually afford an apartment without 6 roommates and got to eat 3 meals a day! “My own apartment, decent food and beautiful showgirls! I was sure I had died and gone to heaven”.

The role of “Joe Kool” was actually the stage adaptation of what was later to become the role of “Fonzi” in the television hit, “Happy Days”.

During his musical career, Michael has played and performed with many national celebrities including Eddie Money, Gary Piehls (the band Boston), Jeff Pilson (the band Dokken and more recently Foreignor), Boz Branham with the Michael Bloomfield band and David Cimino, drummer with Canadian Superstars, The Guess Who.

Both an accomplished lead guitarist as well as bass player, It’s been Michaels relentless persistence and vision that has made CROSSFIRE a reality. Michael is single and resides in Santa Rosa California with his collection of 60 guitars and 15 basses. “My Babies” as he jokingly likes to introduce his collection! His most prideful accomplishment however is his two kid’s ages 14 and 18.

By day Michael is a European trained Master Goldsmith with 27 national awards to his credit. He owns a beautiful jewelry store on the Plaza in downtown Sonoma California called “Halem & Co. de Sonoma”. Visit Michael and his gallery at www.halemandco.com


Michael Viani
Lead Guitarist and Vocalist

Michael Viani is what is affectionately called a “shredder” when it comes to his dynamic and awesome guitar work. His playing is best described as explosive, titillating and incredibly innovative.

Born in Oakland California, he was raised during a time when the “East Bay” sound was in its infancy. This was an incredibly important time in bay area rock music history. While bands like “Jefferson Airplane” and the Grateful Dead were emerging from San Francisco, The sounds of “Tower of Power” and “Cold Blood” were emerging from the east bay.

Michael’s musical journey began at age 13. His earliest influences were Carlos Santana, Neal Schon and Les Dudek.

During the years he spent in college he was never far from his guitar and always made time to be in a successful band in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was during this time that he began his prolific career as a serious song writer and composer. Michael has penned over a hundred original tunes! As band leader Halem puts it, “Michael is the most prolific song writer I’ve ever worked with”!

In 1988 he located to Sonoma County and was soon the lead guitar soloist in the very popular North Bay band, “Rebop”. Over the years since that time he has garnered extensive experience in the recording studio both as a musician and composer. Up until his joining CROSSFIRE, Michael had spent the last eight years playing lead guitar in one of the North Bay's most successful cover bands, “Double Take”. It was during this time that he began working with Halem which has lead to a musical marriage made in heaven. Both “Michaels” have been playing together non stop for the past 7 plus years. Their friendship is tight and their musical combination superb.

Once the “Mike’s” connected there was no looking back! CROSSFIRE allows Michael to showcase his musical talents and excellent vocals to the very best of his abilities. He enjoys the most challenging tunes that CROSSFIRE adds to their repertoire and goes by the nickname “Mikey” to the guys in the band.

Married and living in Santa Rosa, Michael shares his life with his beautiful wife Linda and their two teenage sons.


David Prescott
Trombonist

David is the multi-instrumentalist in the band. David plays trombone, trumpet, bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals and drums to name a few of the instruments he plays. A lot has changed for David over the last six months. After living in Encinitas (North County San Diego) for the last five plus years he moved to Santa Rosa.

Prior to moving to Santa Rosa David was playing with several very talented groups. One group was "A Jazz Thing". A Jazz Thing was a five piece jazz band that he fronted. He was also had another incredible quintet, "Tepesco" which had some amazing musicians including David Hilton, Magna cum Laude Berklee College of Music graduate, and Chris Montgomery who is a Joe Pass protege. The group specialized in latin jazz and only had a handful of gigs before David had to move back to northern California.

David was also playing with the Coastal Communities Concert Band which was an 80 piece group which had traveled out of the country and was scheduled to play the Sydney Opera House in Australia in 2008. David was also a featured player with the Mira Costa Jazz Orchestra and the North Coast Symphony. He also was invited to play with several other groups including the "Rack of Bones" and the "Big Band Express".

During his time in San Diego he had the privilege to play several times at the NAMM museum in Carlsbad. (National Association of Music Merchants)

David's most last experience playing bass guitar ina a rock band was with an impressive cover band called "Phenomenon". The played classic hard rock covers by bands such as AC/DC, KISS, led zeppelin, and Judas Priest to name a few. The band has some really talented guys. Most notably would be Perry McCartny from Warrior, and then later with Steve Stevens and the Atomic Playboys.

David also auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne and was asked to audition for Metallica after Cliff Burton passed away.

David graduated from Long Beach State with a Bachelor's degree in music performance.

Finally, during high school David played at the Monterey Jazz Festival with the California All Star Jazz Band.

You can find out more about David at: www.davidprescottmusic.com


Robert Eckman
Multi Keyboardist

“Bob” as he prefers to be called is a musician’s musican. He has an incredible ear and is an essential part of putting together the changes and arrangements for many of CROSSFIRE’S tunes. All the members of CROSSFIRE know that when they can’t figure out a certain part and when all else fails, it’s just a matter of turning to Bob for help.

Formally trained, his diverse style includes his ability to play piano, organ and complex synthesizer parts. Bob’s earliest training was in classical music.How he made the transition from Mozart to Motown is one of great interest! Bob’s first love of the piano began at age 10 with his first formal lessons. At 13 years old his mind started to wander as he listened to the “Beatles”, the “Doors” and the early heavy metal sounds of “The Who”.
Having been born and raised in Philadelphia, Bob turned pro playing for his first paying gigs at the ripe old age of 16. He continued to dabble in pop music while keeping up with the Classical instructions until he moved to California at 20 years old. Wanting to continue pursuing his love of music, Bob attended college at the University of California at Sonoma State. In 1983 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music.

Soon after leaving college he formed a band that began the up hill climb of trying to reach super stardom. The band was called Scanner. They wrote and performed ALL original music and eventually had enough tunes to cover two full length albums. Soon after, Scanner began to find some success in live venues both as the opening act for the band “Night Ranger” and “Lita Ford” from the band, “The Runaways”.

Making a living in a band that played all originals in an area that different offer many working situations was very difficult. Consequently, in 1992 he auditioned for and was hired by a famous western United States show band called; “Michael and Blue Suede”. The leader of the band’s portrayal of Elvis Presley as well as his renditions of Neil Diamond and Roy Orbitson catapulted the band to immediate commercial success. The money started rolling in and Bob went from total performance obscurity to headlining show rooms at the MGM GRAND, CIRCUS CIRCUS, CAESARS PALACE AND THE HORIZEN HOTEL CASINO IN RENO.

As “Michael and Blue Suede” began a natural transition of slowing down after years on the road, Bob continued his day job at his alma mater as a University Administrator for Sonoma State University. After 20 years of devoted employment, Bob recently retired so he could devote his efforts full time back into music, his family and his musical passion, CROSSFIRE.

Now residing in Sebastopol California with his beautiful wife Gayle, Bob’s the father of 4 kids ranging in age for 10 to 29 years old.


Robin Bordow
Drummer – Percussionist


Coming soon...


Jim Pasarell
Trumpet Player and Horn Section Director

Jim might arguably be the most well versed, well rounded and knowledgeable technical player in CROSSFIRE. He has a mountain of musical theory and experience under his belt that stems from his humble beginnings on the trumpet at age 8.

Born in upstate New York, he’s been a California native since 1961. Jim turned pro at the age of 17. His father was a professional drummer with a national reputation. Specializing in mostly Dixieland jazz, his dad worked with both The New Orleans Jazz Society as well as the world famous Preservation Jazz Band from New Orleans. In fact it was listening to the Preservation Jazz Band that got him fired up about learning the trumpet at a young age. After graduating high school, Jim attended both JC and The University of Califorinia at Sonoma State where he majored in Music, Composing, Performance and theory.

In 1975 Jim found himself playing in an incredibly successful 10 piece band called “Klickin’”. Along with performances at top clubs of that era which included “The Inn at The Beginning” and “The Cabaret”, Klickin’ where they opened for Rubicon. Around about 1978 found Jim playing with a traditional blues band known as “Touche’”. They opened for several national acts including Maria Muldaur and the irrepressible Etta James.

For the entire decade of the 80’s, Jim found himself in the role of “professional sideman” on tour with famous entertainers doing oldies shows. It was during this time that he played in the back up bands for, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Shirelles, Frankie Ford, The Temptations and Little Anthony. Shows for these entertainers were in large venues such as county fairs in Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Jose. It also including back up duties at the Luther Burbank Center of the Arts with BB King.

In 1991 Jim was picked up by a Soul Singer that was rather a legend among great musicians named CP Love. Soon after going to work with CP Love, the band hopped on a plane to France where they performed at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris. After weeks of performing at other various venues in France, the band returned home to pick up the tour right here on our own soil.

For the past 7 years Jim has been playing steady for wineries and fine restaurants on weekends. Mostly in Jazz trio formats. He also teaches music classes at two local schools several days a week.

In addition to being an outstanding trumpet player, he is also one of the best bass players in Northern California and one of a very few that plays stand up bass.

Jim resides in Rohnert Park California with his wife and 14 year old daughter.


Dale Gutridge
Tenor Sax

Dale was born in Dayton, Ohio and started his professional career there playing trumpet in dance bands. He soon added flute, sax, trombone and keyboards to his musical arsenal and up through the eighties toured extensively throughout the eastern U.S. playing in show bands, dance bands, jazz bands, latin bands, circus bands and on cruise ships. He has performed with Frank Sinatra Jr., Tiny Tim, Phyllis Diller, Woody Shaw, Slide Hampton and many others.

After the quake of '89, Dale felt it was safe to come to California where he settled in Richmond and then Rohnert Park. His first week here he played with the O.J.s and soon joined up with the Pickle Family Circus with whom he remained throughout the nineties. Since his arrival here he has also played and recorded with many R&B, jazz, salsa and other groups and also did a few stints with Teatro Zinzanni in San Francisco. He also teaches brass and woodwinds. He lives in Rohnert Park with his Whippet mix, Jenny.


Jodi Stevens
Female Lead Vocalist and One of the Bands True Stars

Band Leader Michael Halem likes to refer to Jodi as “An Electric Firecracker”. “I’ve never met anyone in my entire life with such energy and passion for music, love, friendship and family”! Jodi affectionately likes to refer to the guys in CROSSFIRE as “Her Brothers”.

Rest assured that being the only woman in a band of 10 performers is no easy task. When Jodi sings, people listen. Not only because she has a beautiful, powerful, sexy and sultry voice, but because you can feel every note coming straight from her heart! Her vocal spirit and soul are as clean and pure as a springtime rain. This is one lady that you can guarantee would have ended up as a finalist on American Idol if that were a journey she had wanted to travel.

Jodi’s passion for music began when she was little girl. She came from a family that was rich in musical tradition and deep in talent. There were four
brothers (who happened to all be her Uncles) who went by the name; “Act 3”. This band was a group to be reckoned with in upstate New York in the late 60’s-Early 70’s. They played major shows to standing room only crowds at fairs, Private functions and corporate events.

Jodi started singing in the school choir in 6th grade. Even during that very first exposure to music and singing it was obvious that there was “something very special” about the little girl in the back row. She and her family moved to Sonoma County when she was 16 years old where she attended Rancho Cotati High School. Jodi became the lead Drum Majorette with baton in hand and performing for all the major school functions.

It was the very early 90’s when Jodi discovered the new phenomena that were sweeping the country…. Karaoke. For her however it was more than a fun night out or a new “thing to do”. For Jodi it was a chance to stand in front of an audience with a microphone in hand and do what she did best, Sing her heart out!

So perform she did! She began to win Talent Contest after Talent Contest with prizes and gifts galore. One of her most memorable wins was one of her first! In front of a packed crowd she stood straight and tall and belted out her own rendition of the R&B Beatles classic, Oh Darlin’. Jodi brought the house down and went home with first place.

Jodi was never really a “rocker” when it came to the music in her heart. Her passion was R&B and among her favorite artists were Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight who led to her love of Chaka Kahn and Whitney Houston. In was in early 2000 when Jodi began a 3 year stint with a local band called Act 3 (Yes! She borrowed the name that had served her Uncle’s band so well before she was even born!) Act 3 played dozens of private events and corporate functions.

In 2003 Jodi auditioned for and was hired by a local bay area favorite, “The Muddy Rivers Review”. She was the lead singer for the better part of a year.

Beginning in 2004 and for the next two years Jodi traveled extensively and performing in a hard working trio with Michael Fender. This group played hundreds of performances in Reno, Tahoe, Hawaii and the Entire Bay area.

What Jodi was really longing for however was an opportunity to sing with a large group of hard working musicians in a big band with a horn section….

Along came CROSSFIRE and a marriage was made in heaven.

PS. Sorry guys… This cutie is already spoken for!

Dan Regan
Lead Singer Extraordinaire and CROSSFIRE’S Rising Star


“You could have knocked me over with a feather when I first learned that the most exciting male vocalist I had ever heard was born in Fort Bragg and raised in Ukiah”. These are the words of band leader Michael Halem.

But……… It was true!

“I guess it just goes to show that if the universe is going to give someone an amazing gift, it doesn’t matter where they are when it’s received”.

Dan was 18 years old and working at the Palace Hotel in Ukiah when he made friends with the bell hop, David Post. David played piano and sang and frequently messed around with the keys inside the Hotel Cocktail Lounge. One night Dan decided to sing along. After David picked his jaw up off the
floor, he immediately realized that he needed to get this guy into a band and up on stage. This was the birth of a very popular North Bay band known as The Mustangs. They covered tunes by performers such as The Beatles and Billy Joel. The Mustangs led to another local band with more success that was called “The Nice Hand Full”. Hand Full stayed booked solid for nearly two years playing dozens and dozens of private and corporate functions.

In 1994 and for the two years that followed, Dan began to sing with a group called “Rhythm Method”. This was a band that performed R&B and Classic Rock. Rhythm Method has great success and scored gigs in San Francisco at Top clubs including The Red Devil and the Voodoo Lounge.

During this entire time Dan was singing with another band on the side and that was a band he laughingly refers to as his “Hippie Band”. This group was called “Nervus Rex” and contained some of Dan’s closest friends. So from his humble discovery at Ukiah’s Palace Hotel sprang years of performances and many bands.

In 1995, Dan put together his most ambitious musical endeavor to date. This was a band called “Power Factory” which contained some of Northern California’s most talented players. The band had a 5 year life span and performed at hundreds of club dates, private parties and corporate events. They specialized in Funky and Soulful Music and attacked tunes that other bands weren’t capable of even trying. This included songs by such artists as Rick James and MC Hammer.

Round about the year 2001, a friend told Dan about a 10 piece band from San Francisco that was looking for a lead Vocalist. The band was called “Kiss my Brass”. Dan made the audition and as it will come as no surprise was hired on the spot to front the band. The magnitude of the musicianship and big sound of Kiss My Brass led them to headline some much larger and more prestigious events. Performances included The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, Fort Mason Crab Festival and dozens of outdoor concerts for the cities of San Carlos, San Mateo and San Jose. These gigs opened the door and they were hired to open for Tower of Power and Confunktion at the Solana County and Napa County Fairs. Up until recently when Dan came aboard with CROSSFIRE, he had been touring for the past 2 1&Mac218;2 years with Michael Fender. These past gigs included dates in Tahoe, Reno, San Diego, Honolulu, Atlanta, Denver, Salt Lake City and of course our own San Francisco.

Somewhere during Dan’s musical journey it became apparent to EVERYONE who heard him that he could not only sing just about anything with perfection, but he could also sound like just about any vocalist he tried to cover. “The guy's like a million dollar vocal parrot” states Halem. “His impressions are absolutely mind boggling”. A sampling of some of Dan’s impressions include: Michael McDonald, Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, Elvis Costello, Luther Vandross, Kenny Loggins, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Johnny Mathis. Dan helps take CROSSFIRE to a whole other level. In addition to his amazing vocal prowess, he’s also an amazing showman, a gourmet chef and one helluva nice guy.

Dan currently resides in Santa Rosa with his wife to be.