Lead VOCALS
sandee Wales
Sandee, a Chicago suburb native currently based in Plainfield, IL, has been singing since her early years, drawing inspiration from iconic vocalists Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Pat Benatar, Heart, and Donna Summer etc. Her country music influences include Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and more. With over 20 years of performance experience, Sandee was part of the trio/duo 'Take 3' with her husband, showcasing diverse genres and opening for country artists, such as Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, and Trisha Yearwood. She has refined her skills through studio recordings and auditions for national talent contests, such as Nashville Star, The Voice, AGT, etc. Sandee’s first band was Heads Up where she was the front woman and lead singer from 2016-2022. Sandee co-founded the band Bottomz Up in 2022 with Tom Irons and appreciates working with talented musicians, enjoying the artistic freedom. Her goal is to convey emotions through her music and make sure everybody has a kick ass time!
Keyboards/backing vocals
Tommy Irons
Classically trained since age 8. Performed many shows with many bands all across the Chicagoland area. Composed the music for the movie "The Psychotronic Man".
lead guitar/backing vocals
Gary Campagnolo
Raised in Chicago and now hailing out of Channahon Il. Gary has been enthralled in the music scene from a very young age, and has been playing 30 years strong. A desire to play live music while honing his guitar skills,provided him with the foundation necessary to have accomplished many successful projects. Gary can be seen typically playing his Fender Strats that provide a unique sound for the music he now conquers in Bottomz Up.His work resume entails numerous previous bands including the JRB Band, Forefront, Cover Girl and the Blemishes, Third Round, Random Incident, Cover Me, and 5 Gone Crazy. Gary was further afforded the opportunity to open up for successful commercial bands Tonic and Better Then Ezra. He has played numerous bars, fests, weddings and private parties, which has given him a well-rounded musical experience. Gary is eager to further embark on his current project Bottomz Up, with a set of extremely talented musicians that have the same drive, desire, and discipline at accomplishing goals and standards for a great musical journey!
Vocalist
rene difino laria
Hi there, my name is Rene. I'm married with 3 grown kids and anxiously waiting for grand babies! My family is my world but when I'm not entertaining them, I sing. I was a wedding/special events singer in an Italian/American band for 10 plus years. I was also in a cover band for 4 1/2 years. I'm excited for my next adventure with Bottomz Up! Stay tuned!!
Drums
Jeff Collins
Jeff is an energetic musician who has been playing drums for 30+ years. His music journey started one day when he asked a friend, “hey, do you want to start a band?” With no previous music training, he asked his parents for drum lessons and eventually a drum set. The rest is history. Jeff joins Bottomz Up by fate. He called his former bandmate and Bottomz Up lead guitar player, Gary Campagnolo, when he was looking for a guitarist for another band. It turned out that Bottomz Up was looking for a drummer and Jeff jumped at the opportunity.Jeff has played in many bands throughout the years, and covered many genres from showtunes to heavy metal. He has recorded original music in multiple bands, and played all sizes of gigs from basement parties to festivals. He loves playing live music and has the best time when the crowd is having a good time.
Bass Guitar
Kevin Howard
Kevin is one of our newest members coming to us from Chicago area bands such as The Collective, Pour Decisions and Wild Upside. Kevin's 30 year music career started with Rhythm guitar before moving over to the Bass a decade ago. His hard-plucking melodious playing style emulates his prog rock bass heroes such as Geddy Lee (Rush), Chris Squire (Yes) and Flea (RHCP). You will often see Kevin roaming the venue with his wireless bass setup and working the crowd on the dance floor.