Know Your Rootz
How it all began...
The members of Radlin Rootz share over a 100 combined years of musical experience from all over the United States. The idea for the band took root in a Fire Station in Marion county which is better known as "The Horse Capital of the World."
High school friends turned firefighter/paramedics, Aaron Hewlett and Joe Brown stood at the kitchen counter discussing their love for music. It was a funny sight to watch the two play air guitar while sharing imaginary guitar solos they had written. Eventually the dreams of a roaring crowd, high energy shows and pursuing their passion for music began to take on a realistic vision. The young men began to believe in their hearts they could take it all the way.
Shortly thereafter the two crossed paths with, the soulful "Wild Heart," Theresa Peart who had just flown into town from Las Vegas, Nevada. Theresa a/k/a "TC" stood centerstage of the humble practice area in her AC/DC t-shirt and purple highlights letting out a musical roar that would later be rumored to have "rattled the beer bottles on the counter."
One by one the rest of the band naturally fell into place. Jerome Robinson was a renowned bassist in central Florida that was and is still loved today by everyone that knows him. Jerome is simply known as..."The Best." Joe met the longtime musical veteran when he was just 13 years old having been smuggled in the back door of a local bar to play music. The music circuit was very intimidating to the young Joe Brown at that age. Many musicians are reluctant to let such a young kid on stage with them, but not Jerome! This is a big deal on the music scene when another top musician vouches for upcoming young talent. While many of the others were skeptical, Jerome smiled while looking over the top of his tinted glasses giving the young guitarist the "nod of acceptance." The others proceeded with reverence of the Bassist veteran and so began the long time bond between Jerome Robinson and Joe Brown. Jerome told Joe, "If you ever start anything up little Joe, let me know... I'm in." Here we are 12 years later and Jerome followed through on his word.
The group met Steve Bonner while scouting at a local venue for a drummer that could complete the heartbeat and rhythm of the band. It was just like divine intervention. The band found more than just a man that had mastered his art, they found a natural. The band hastily made their way to the stage in between the performing band's sets to shake hands with Bonner in hopes of being more than just new fans...but band mates.
The group began endless hours of practice in the drummers home and it was apparent over time that the missing sound they had all been looking for was a piano and another soulful voice. Just as if he were waiting for everyone to ask, Steve said he knew just the guy and introduced the band to Gary Helfin who brought a mix of all the greats that ever played the keys blended into his own brand. Along side his crisp "Sinatra meets Billy Joel" voice and mesmerizing vibrato, there was no doubt that Gary was the missing piece to the grand design that began three years prior in a firehouse kitchen.
We are Radlin' Rootz!
always remember your rootz
TC
TC grew up singing all styles of music, being part of a family that ran a karaoke business back in her home state of Wisconsin. No stranger to the stage back in south central WI, TC had performed in the Madison area for over 20 years, having previously been part of several groups including Confection, JC and Kid Sister & Four Wheel Drive. Her longest stint was with a country band named Wild Heart that she joined back in 2009. An acoustic duo was launched in 2012 as a spinoff with Tracy Jane Comer from the pair’s work in Wild Heart. She recently moved to Florida after living in Las Vegas, NV for a few years, but when traveling back to Wisconsin TC enjoys singing with Acoustic Alloy. She is so excited to start on her newest musically journey here in Florida
Gary Helfin
Dr. Gary Helfin, a family practice physician in Florida for 20 years, began studying classical piano at age eight. Over the years he served as accompanist/soloist for various houses of worship, played in local bands Nite Call and Second Opinion (the latter as lead vocalist/keyboardist), and has used his musical skills to raise funds for local and international humanitarian efforts. Currently he enjoys performing at multiple venues on the Ocala, Florida music scene.
Tony Sferlazza
Bassist Tony Sferlazza has performed and/or toured with many North Central Florida based acts. He has also gained a reputation as a recording session bassist as well as producer, himself having been signed to Hard Records/Cleopatra Records earlier in his career. Tony is a Registered Nurse and he also operates a Youtube Channel, Rib13 Bass, which demonstrates different bass guitars and bass-related gear.
Joe Brown
Born in Ocala Fl Joe grew up in southern tradition. Momma cooked and tended to the home, dad worked, and every day was spent outside with siblings. It seemed there was always a soundtrack playing to Joes life even at a young age. His parents CD tower was a unique source of history for young Joe. His father's Country, Blues, doo-wop mixed with his mothers classic rock, 80's hair band, and MTV music sparked Joes inspiration and desire to explore musical history, with new land being found at each CD. Over the years Joe took lessons from the late great Dayle Morrison, whom Joe attributes to have shown him the "doorway to soul". Joe began paying his musical dues at the young age of 13 starting from the local music scene, progressing into opening up for known acts such as Kansas, Montgomery Gentry, CCR, and more. Joe has had the honor and opportunity of playing the Nashville music circuit while also partaking in Nashville recording sessions. In his early 20s, Joe returned to his roots in Marion County to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. Music has called to Joe his whole life, and he knows without doubt that finding the other members of Radlin Rootz was by far no coincidence.
Steve Bonner
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida and grew up in the 70’s listening to bands like Wings, Elvis, Fleetwood Mac and various Disco bands. Most of my musical influences came from what my parents loved. My Uncle Larry gave me my first drum kit and that was the beginning. I was head drummer for the Chamberlain Chiefs and played in the jazz band. My first band gig was in Tampa at the age of 16, but I was in a very popular band in the 90’s called The Toads. We toured the state, played the Ybor City scene and opened for national acts such as Toto. 95 YNF had a local band segment on Saturday nights in Tampa and our original music was played every week. During that time I studied under an incredible drummer and close friend named Joe Murphy. He had just returned from Berkeley College of Music and he shared his knowledge with me. I consider myself a groove drummer and my style of play can be compared to the likes of Jeff Porcaro, Chad Smith, Matt Cameron, Dennis Chambers, and Simon Philips to name a few legendary drummers. I moved to Ocala over 20 years ago and for decades have been trying to find a talented group of musicians that wanted to do something different and unique. Finally, after 20 years, I joined RADLIN ROOTZ and found what I have been looking for. RADLIN ROOTZ is that band! We are unique with the ability to play not only the crowd favorites, but also branching out to eclectic and forgotten favorites! I am very happy to be a part of this band and we are just scratching the surface.