By Kate Bartlett
Mo’ Porter has been playing Classic Rock in the Western New York music scene for over 30 years. Founder Chuck Sciandra started the band in the 80’s, and while many variations of the band have come and gone, the band has stayed true at its core of classic rock.
Born and raised in Buffalo, Chuck began singing with bands throughout high school. He sang lead vocals with his band Dionysus and played informally at events with Johnny Rzenik from the Goo Goo Dolls. Inspired by classic rock music, Chuck founded the band Mo’ Porter and played various events in the Buffalo area.
In the early years, Mo’ Porter wrote their own original songs, but found the crowd responded Mo’re to covers. “We had so much fun playing the music we loved from the Grateful Dead and other classic rock bands,” recalls Chuck. “It was always a good show with the classic rock hits, so we ran with it. That’s what it’s all about, making people happy.”
While the band members have changed over the years, the current lineup has been consistent for about 5 years with Rich Soloman on vocals and guitar, Bill Mason on drums, Bill Schunk on bass and vocals, Steve Stempien on keyboard and vocals, and Chuck on lead vocals. “We have a great group,” says Chuck. “We have so much fun playing together and it’s a great show each and every time.”
Mo’ Porter has gained a following over the years and has become well known in the community. “We just make sure we’re out there playing shows as much as possible. We’ve put in a lot of hard work and even though the gigs come a bit easier these days, we don’t take that for granted. You’re only as good as your last show.”
The group is always learning new songs, practicing and getting better in order to play stronger shows. “We’re always learning new music, keeping it fresh for the crowd.” The band doesn’t have a set list, rather Chuck listens to the crowd and calls the songs he thinks the crowd would respond best to. “We listen to the crowd,” says Chuck. “Every crowd is different and gives their own unique energy. We have a set list of songs we know, but I call them out throughout the show as I feel out the crowd. No show is ever the same, it’s inspired by what the crowd wants.”
Mo’ Porter plays approximately 60-70 shows every year across Western New York, frequenting The Gin Mill and their home base of North Tonawanda. The group also plays a Doors Tribute Band concert a handful of times per year. Chuck also has experience as a DJ and as a duo, but his main focus is currently on Mo’ Porter. The band will be playing a few big summer outdoor events, including the Gateway Series in Tonawanda.
Chuck notes how the band enjoys playing in Ellicottville. “There’s such a great energy. It’s a fun vacation vibe year-round. We’ve been playing in the Ellicottville area for over 25 years and it just keeps getting better. The crowds are fantastic; they really get into our music. It’s great.”
Chuck is proud to help keep classic rock music alive. “This music is the good stuff. Classic rock always works, and this band, and the crowd is proof to that.”
For Mo’re information, follow Mo’ Porter on social media @ Mo’ Porter and visit www.Moporter.com/band. View upcoming shows in the Chautauqua and Cattaraugus region on The Villager online events calendar @ www.thevillagerny.com/events.