The Eastown Connection Band
Music with the Soul of the City: Experience The Eastown Connection Band
ABOUT US
Eastown Connection have been performing around the Detroit Area for years. We cover a wide range from Rock, Alternative, Motown, Funk, Soul and Disco. All music is “heartfelt” and “pure Michigan” when performed by these four home-grown “East Area” musicians. Each member, originally from Detroit, the band has a knack for getting the audience involved dancing and just plain and simple “having fun”. The bands focus is providing first class entertainment for corporate events, festivals, night clubs and weddings.
Our intent is to capture and convey glimpses and interpretations of our past 4 - 5 decades of music styles as Detroit east side musicians, participants, and witnesses. We create and perform shows of what it was like witnessing and being a part of the Detroit area’s own music scene as seen thru our eyes, ears and souls of true-blue Detroit East Siders.
UPCOMING SHOWS
MEET THE BAND
Bob Reitman
Drums | Vocals
Bobby started playing drums in the 60’s while attending first grade. I walked and carried my dad’s snare drum to school every day without a case. “very cold” indeed lol I was born into a very musical family and just tried to keep up with my siblings and everyone else. Lol I love and feel music more than most I believe. Music nurtures me. It feeds my soul. I took some drum lessons after grade school but really taught myself how to play by listening to LP records that I set up right next to my drum kit as I was growing up. “My parents loved it!” Once I got started playing out in my 30’s, that was it, Total addiction. I never stopped. I started singing by default really. One of my band members became sick and as they say, “the show must go on” I filled in one night was told that I did a good job and should continue. So I did. I’ve been in many bands since first stepping out to play. The “Eastown Connection” name came to me after realizing that like me, all my bandmates grew up in the same eastside area of Detroit and all have similar musical stories. I have been blessed by playing with many skilled musicians throughout my life. This “Eastown Connection” band I think is the most talented group by far. I’m betting anyone that comes to check us out will really like and be able to relate to our many musical diversities.
John Marelich
Bass | Vocals
In 2014 I had the great fortune of getting to know Bobby Reitman. Due to the unfortunate passing of our dear friend and fellow bass player Mr Bob Pomillia, Bobby asked me to join the Kindle Kings. Bobby and I have been playing with various versions of the of the band for several years. In late 2022 the Kindle King name was retired and a new band emerged, The Eastown Connection Band. We were very fortunate to add two very talented musicians Al Brubaker and Dean Dipierro who help to bring our music to the next level. Because we were all from the east side we have been playing here for years. Changing the band name to The Eastown Connection Band just fits all of us perfectly. I am very excited to be a part of this new venture. Come out and enjoy the show.
Al Brubaker
Guitar | Vocals
How I started on the music scene Back when I was 12 yrs. old, my brother was in a garage band and gave me the opportunity to play second guitar. So, I started practicing with my brother’s guitar and really liked the feeling that I was experiencing, so I went out and bought my 1 st guitar. From then on, I practiced every day until I was good enough to play in the garage band. I played with a few friends and the 1 st gig was a high school talent show which we came in 1 st place. Then I joined a band called “Just Us”, and played together for 3 yrs. doing ’70,s and ‘80’s music. We did many great gigs like local radio parties, weddings, top of the Renaissance New Years Eve parties and local clubs. After “Just Us”, I joined a band called Connection. This band was a mixture of Funk, Rock, Country Rock, Blues and Soul with our own little twist on many songs. I had a pause in performing, since my day job transferred me to Ohio, around 8 years. When I came back to Michigan, the other bands I played in were: Exit 69, Kindle Kings, DOSP. All the bands played somewhat different music as in; “Exit 69” which was mostly classic rock. Kindle Kings rock and Soul, Detroit’s Own Soul Purpose was a mixture of Soul, Funk, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Country I have enjoyed playing all types of music over the years and having fun every minute. And now looking forward to playing and having fun with my new musician friends in the “Eastown Connection” Band.
Dean Dipierro
Keyboard | Vocals
Pop/Rock: Metro Detroit music scene 40 years R&B: national Tour 1984, 85 Recording: Nashville 1986 - 89
THE EXTRAS
