Goody Blue Shoes brings together a collection of the most talented and experienced entertainers in the Philadelphia region. Best of all, they all know how to have fun! With Goody Blue Shoes, it’s never just a performance – it’s a party!
John LaPalomento – MC, Music Director and Saxophone
John LaPalomento has been performing jazz, funk, classic R&B, and rock in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City areas for almost 20 years. Prior to founding Goody Blue Shoes, John spent seven years as the music director with the South Jersey staple Olde City Band, and has wielded his sax with the 80’s coverband Timewarp, everyone’s favorite oldies group The Mike Volpe Band, powerful five piece The Truth, and the dynamic Genny and the Westmont Playboys.
As GBS’s Event Coordinator, John will work with you from your first call, right to your big day and will help to make your event unforgettable.
Marissa Martinez – Lead Vocals
Marissa Martinez is one of the most talented and flexible vocalists in the country. Marissa has had the privilege of gracing the stage at the Taj Mahal AC as part of the opening band for Billy Gilman, the Prince Theatre, Arden Theatre as well as Walnut Street Theatre, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and Carnegie Hall. Marissa has been known to sing anything from classical to musicals, country to rock, jazz to R&B. Prior to joinging GBS, she has worked along side Carl Granieri Orchestras and Events Beyond Entertainment (EBE) based in Philly.
Ralphie Ashe – Lead Vocals
As one of the lead vocalists for Goody Blue Shoes, Ralphie brings infectious passion to the music, tremendous energy, youthful exuberance, and a fun, engaging personality to the stage – and more importantly, to your guests. Ralphie truly embodies blue-eyed soul, and brings an extensive musical resume, as not only the front man of the Philadelphia-based rock band Pattern Crash, but also as a recording artist with Interscope Records.
Phil Lynch – Drums
As the drummer for Goody Blue Shoes, Phil Lynch’s main job is to fill the dance floor! Phil has over 20 years of experience playing in the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas. Before joining GBS, Phil spent six years together with music director John LaPalomento in Olde City Band and Genny and the Westmont Playboys, as well as playing with other local cover bands. Phil is also a music teacher with the Gibbsboro, NJ school district where he teaches band, chorus, and preK-8 general music.
Charlie Zimmerman – Bass and Vocals
With over thirty years of performance experience, Charlie Zimmerman brings energy and enthusiasm to the bandstand as bassist and vocalist for Goody Blue Shoes. He is at home in a variety of musical genres, having performed with numerous groups specializing in rhythm and blues, party rock, soul, classic rock, and contemporary country. Charlie’s working relationship with musical director John LaPalomento dates back to 1998, having worked together in the 80s coverband Timewarp and soul/rock combo The Truth.
Tyler Mills – Trombone and Vocals
Tyler Mills may be the youngest member of GBS but don’t let his age fool you. Tyler majored in music education (bass trombone) and has experience playing bone for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra in Western PA, a local jazz combo, and several other classical and jazz ensembles. When he’s not playing hip funk lines on trombone, you can find Tyler in Haddonfield, NJ as the choral director of Haddonfield Memorial High School
Chris Scott – Trumpet and Guitar
Chris Scott has been teaching and performing music in New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area for nearly 20 years. Chris holds a Bachelor of Music degree from The College of New Jersey and a Master of Education degree from Wilmington University. As a musician, Chris has played trumpet with The New Jersey State Opera, The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey, Atlantic Brass Band, and the Tri County Symphonic Band. Chris has also performed as a freelance trumpeter for numerous weddings, musicals, and private events. As an educator, Chris has taught music in the Deptford Township School District in Gloucester County New Jersey since 2001.
Jaress Loo – Keyboards, Vocals and Violin
Jaress Loo comes from a family of musicians with his dad being a professional jazz guitarist and his late aunt – a world class jazz pianist. Jaress has been playing music since the age of 8 where he started on the saxophone. He was on music scholarship for singing during his college years (despite being a business major) and since then has continuously played in and led various groups including: concertmaster for the Tehachapi Pops orchestra, first violinist in the Tehachapi Symphony orchestra, first violinist in the South Jersey Pops Orchestra, worship leader for various churches in California and New Jersey, studio and stage violinist, on-call gigging jazz pianist, and vocal jazz bassist. Jaress has his BS in Business Administration, an MBA, and works in the technical industry during the day (although he’d rather be playing music!).
Mike Lee – Guitar
Mike has been playing and teaching guitar in Philly and NJ for over a decade. In 2008 he graduated from Rowan University where he studied jazz guitar with legendary guitarists Joe Federico and Tom Giacabetti. He has played in the Dr. Bob Rawlins quartet, rock cover band Lipstick, and led his own jazz organ trio. He loves studying and playing all kinds of music and records at home in his home studio.