The I-42 Band
Get Ready to Dance!
The I-42 Band
I started the I-42 Band in 2020. After retiring from the corporate world, I wanted to pursue my lifelong dream of starting a serious "local band," that would bring Eastern North Carolina and surrounding areas the music that I grew up with and loved.
I started playing clubs in my hometown of New Bern at age 14. I played professionally until the age of 25, when it became obvious that I needed to get off the road and as they say, "settle down" and raise a family. Up until that time, I worked for Don Perry Productions out of Fayetteville. In the mid-to-late 70's, I had the pleasure of being on stage with some of the best: BJ Thomas, Macio Parker and Leroy Harper of the James Brown Band, Dennis Edwards of the Mighty Temptations and the list goes on.
I am the manager as well as the Drummer and back-up vocalist. Our lead vocalist is Bryan Mayer, who in years past was a nationally known recording artist. Several of his original songs have been featured on Country Music's Top 100 Charts and he has toured the country extensively. He has a strong stage presence with his powerful voice and years of touring experience. Bryan, being a Carolina Boy himself, and with is love for the sun and sand and beach music classics is now branching out into the beach and party music scene. On keyboards and backup vocals is my right-hand man, Dave Peoples. Dave's experience and professionalism has been a huge asset to me, as a songwriter, as well as to the band. A major player, he can play horn parts, string parts, piano, and his favorite, the Hammond Organ. All while singing solid harmonies. Our guitar player is Mark McKenzie, a transplant from Canada. Mark played professionally, touring the circuit in Canada for over 10 years, and brings to the band first class skills, as well as strong vocals. Lastly, we round out the stage with Wayne Williamson on Bass. Wayne played with The Sammy O'Banion and Mardi Gras Band. He has years of experience and a professional on every level.
We would like to talk a little bit about the songs we write and what seems to be a constant pattern with them; the Beach and the Shag. The first song I wrote, "Carolina Summer" went to #1 on a beach music chart. It has been titled an anthem, about our way of life in Coastal Carolina with our fantastic summers and beautiful beaches. The second song titled, "Atlantic Beach Days" is also a beach music love song about two of my greatest loves in life: my wife and Atlantic Beach. To our amazement, it also has charted up to #1 on a Beach Music Chart. We are currently releasing our third song titled, "Beach Fever on My Mind." As I stated, there is a pattern going on here about our love for all things Beach.
We would like to personally thank some of the fantastic Beach Music DJ's for already embracing the I-42 Band and playing our music. We certainly owe you everything! John Moore, with 107.9 WNCT, "The Sock Hop." John is also a sponsor of the
I-42 Band we cannot thank him enough for being with us from the start. Next is Don Mark with Don Mark's Surfside, on 96.7 WTOB, which is the chart that we went to #1 twice, and had an on-the-air interview with Don. We cannot say enough about Don and what he does, not only for us, but for all the other great Beach Music Artist out there! Willie T, with Beach Waves Radio, "On the Boat Dock" has been fantastic and we also had an on-the-air interview with him. Another one is Eric Bowman on "The Wave-New Beach Music Countdown," on 94.3 with the Fun One Radio. He is a great guy that is doing so much for our industry. We want to thank Justin Rouse and his Saturday Morning Radio Show, "On the Boardwalk with Justin Rouse," on Beach, Boogie and Blues, for his support and also for playing our songs. Finally, the I-42 Band has been featured on Carolina Shag Channel 701 on the well known Sirius XM platform! Big shout-out and thanks to all the DJ's from the bottom of our hearts.
We cannot go on without giving a big shout-out to the man that makes it happen and one of the greats in Beach Music. Mr. Keith Houston, of the Band of Oz. Our experience recording with Keith at KHP in Dunn, NC is a dream come true. Not only is he a great engineer but one of the nicest people you will ever meet. We cannot thank him enough for his incredible and tireless work ethic as well as his input and kindness.
Lastly, we would just like to say a little bit about our greatest experiences over the last couple of years, which is largely due to our agent, Bill Stafford, of S.E.T. based out of New Bern, NC. We've had the pleasure of performing at the Atlantic Beach, Beach Music Festival, where we are booked again in 2023. We have headlined the North Carolina Seafood Festival, numerous country clubs, weddings private clubs, festivals, fund raisers and private parties. We are knocking on the door of over 100 performances and can't wait for the next one.
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I-42 Band
Bunny Barrington-Manager
252-269-9181