Emerald City performed a very unique version of “Over the Rainbow”

History

 

The original Emerald City band formed with the idea of bringing three lead singers from several bands together into a vocal powerhouse. The band performed a variety of music from classic  rock bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Loverboy, Styx the Buckinghams and others combined with some of their own original songs. The band had a unique ability to replicate the identical sound of the original artist, while maintaining originality in their own songs and arrangements.

 

Emerald City’s original members featured Gary Calvaneso on vocals and lead guitar, Jim Kam on vocals and drums, Tim Hacker, on keyboards and vocals, Don Nuttle on bass, Phil Sims on Trombone and keyboards, and Frank Casino on saxophone and keyboards.

 

As their popularity grew, Emerald city was recognized by their fans, winning top band awards at the 1981, 1982 and 1983 Backstage Magazine music awards. For almost 9 years, Emerald City left their mark on the Western NY music scene as one of Buffalo’s all time premier rock bands.

 

Band History

 

In 1973, Gary Calvaneso and Jim Kam talked about joining their vocals together in the same band. Nearly two years later in 1975, Gary joined Jim Kam, Tim Hacker and Don Nuttle in their band Topaz, fronted by former Road member and Kama Sutra recording artist, Jerry Hudson (She’s Not There).  When Jerry Hudson left the group in 1976, the band added Gary’s former band mates Phil Sims and Frank Casino and renamed themselves Emerald City,

 

Emerald City performed in venues across the state and on the same music scene as other top Buffalo bands of the era such as Talas, Weekend, and the Schinta’s.

 

During the 1970’s Emerald City created a very unique arrangement of “Over the Rainbow” and were approached by Gold Leaf Management. The band was offered a recording contract on the RCA record label for “Over the Rainbow” along with a concert tour with a major headliner. The contract was declined.

 

In the late 1970’s Phil Sims left the band to pursue his big band dream, joining the Tommy Dorsey orchestra. Jim Kam left the band and was replaced by a well known local drummer Rick Desantos and he was later replaced by Tom Russo. Saxophone player Frank Casino left the band shortly after.

 

In the early 1980’s, Don Nuttle and Tom Russo departed and were replaced by new members for a short time. Only two core members, Gary Calvaneso and Tim Hacker remained.  In 1985, the band called it quits with the departure of band leader Gary Calvaneso.

 

Emerald City will live forever in the memories of their fans and band members.

Emerald City

The Band