The Vagabonds
DannyD
Lead singer, Danny D has performed with and for some rock 'n' roll greats—Roger Daltrey, Steven Tyler, Paul Warren, Robert Bateman, Mark Farner, the late Johnnie Bassett, Simon Townsend, Teddy Andreadis, Vinnie Appice, Paul Stanley, Shaun Murphy, Drew Abbott, Alto Reed, HUSH and dozens of talented up-and-coming stars. Danny D received the CIC Reel Award for Best Tribute Band in 2011—and is the only tribute artist to ever perform a duet with Rod Stewart (at DTE). Interviewed by Wider World Biography on Discovery PBS, Detroit Live Magazine, Detroit Live Magazine and the Macomb Daily, Danny has shared his story about never giving up on your dreams no matter what obstacles you have to overcome. Still Got The Boy In Me, Danny D's third album, has received airplay on WCSX and was topic of conversation on The GMO Show and Mojo in the Morning, while DannyD's latest album—Last Call, produced by Paul Warren, is getting rave reviews and airplay around the country.
Robert Joiner
Robert Joiner has a colorful musical history as he began playing instruments at an early age. By elementary school Robert was playing the French horn and trombone, and in high school he learned to play the electric bass guitar. While attending Detroit Mackenzie High School, Robert also joined stage band and performed at several talent shows and concerts.
Following high school, Robert's musical journey only expanded as he began to play with local bands at various venues. In 1987 he joined the Detroit Police Department and formed a band called Niteforce. Niteforce went on to produce and record songs including How Do We Get Back to Love and Oh How I Love Those Songs, a tribute to The Temptations. Post Niteforce, Joiner co-founded T.H.I.Q.U.E where he co-wrote and recorded Sweet One and Last Dance.
Joiner has also had the privilege of traveling the world playing for high profile events and opening for famous entertainers such as Bill Cosby, Earth, Wind and Fire, Aretha Franklin, Keith Sweat and more.
And keeping in the theme of the police force, Robert joined the iconic Detroit Police The Blue Pigs Band. Since 1970, the group has been performing for civic groups, schools and non-profit organizations spreading the awareness of music and crime prevention. Robert carried on the tradition of The Blue Pigs until early 2013.
Currently, Robert continues to play electric bass guitar as well as acoustic bass guitar and sings background and lead vocals with Danny D & The Vagabonds.
James Niemi
Before joining the Vagabonds, James Niemi has played lead guitar and sang back up vocals for many local cover and dance bands. Writing and performing original world beat music with the Detroit ensemble Zebula Avenue, James Niemi received a Detroit Music Award for Outstanding World Album in 2008. A proud member of the great Ho-Chunk Nation, James is also a fine artist working mainly in oils. His style is a cross between surrealism and symbolism. For more on James' art, check out: www.jamesniemi.com. Making art in many forms puts James on a continued quest for a varied and harmonious life experience.
Paul Sikorski
Drummer Paul Sikorski has shared the stage with some greats: Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers, and Mitch Ryder to name a few. His accomplishments in musical theater range from playing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the Fisher Theater, Music Hall, Stage Crafters, and the Las Vegas Flamingo - Hilton. His vintage Slingerland drum beats have been heard in Hair Spray, Phantom of the Opera, and Beauty and the Beast. A 1975 Wayne State University graduate and ten year director of the Gross Pointe North drum line, Paul's beats continue with The Vagabonds!
Marty Montgomery
Marty Montgomery began his carrier as a drummer, and with the encouragement of his professional saxophonist father, went on to study the saxophone in the Detroit Public Schools, then furthered his musical studies at The Detroit Institute of Musical Arts and Oakland University.
Marty went on to become an American Music Award winner in 1977, and Grammy nominee with the group Wild Cherry for the song, Play that Funky Music.
For over 40 years, Marty has performed, recorded and toured with the following acts: Wild Cherry, Sly & The Family Stone, Marvin Gaye, Minnie Ripperton, The Supremes, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Millie Jackson, Little Richard, KEM, The Dramatics, Labelle, Johnnie Taylor, Little Eva, Dee Dee Sharp, Tiny Tim, The Stylistics, The Funk Brothers, Roy Ayers, George Benson, Marlena Shaw and served as musical director for Carolyn Franklin.
Marty has also toured with: Earth Wind and Fire, ABBA, The Jacksons, KC & the Sunshine Band, Tower of Power, Ohio Players, Santana, Brothers Johnson, War, Bobby Womack, The Chilites, and many more.
Locally, Marty has played with: The Blues Brigade, the Bugs Beddow Band, Sweet Claudette and Vibe Axis, Moose and Da Sharks, BB Queen, The Exceptions, Tickweasel, The Motor City Brass Band, WDIV Old Dogs. Marty has toured across Europe as Junior Walker with the All Star Band and is currently playing with Danny D & The Vagbonds, as well as Joe Smith & Me.
Marty's own bands include Martini, Thikk, Doubletake and Cats in the Bag. Marty was also music coordinator and conductor for the stage play The Chosen. His Solo CD Fine In Time is currently experiencing a resurgence on college and Internet radio.
Andrew Toering
Welcome Vagabond musician Andrew Toering—lending his music education and talent to broaden the Vagabonds repertoire with guitar, keyboards and strings.
Cat Menzies
Vocalist Cat Menzies is thrilled to make her debut with Danny D! She is no stranger to the stage though: Cat has performed regularly since 2004 as a lead and backup vocalist for the area music circuit. Having sung at venues like the Palace of Auburn Hills, Comerica Park and the Detroit Opera House, Cat's versatility ranges from popular music and musical theater to operatic repertoire. Cat is also a professional pianist, music director and instructor, working frequently with local high schools, theater houses, and churches.
