Dom
And
Friends
Dominator & Friends perform a variety of styles including pop, jazz, Hawaiian, classic rock and more.
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Dominic Pieranunzio, aka Dominator began playing the ukulele after visiting the island of Kauai` in 1999, where he discovered the "joy of such an unassuming instrument." Returning home to Northern California, he put his musical background to work, puzzling out how to capture the joy and nuances of the songs he'd heard on his trip. The results of his efforts are posted on his website, which features a myriad of Dominator-created tabs and transcriptions from a treasury of 'ukulele artists.
One of Dominator’s notable accomplishments was winning the 2012 Jake Shimabukuro Ukulelestar contest held by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). During the premiere of Jake’s documentary film, “Life on Four Strings”, Dominator had the privilege of performing on the same stage as, ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro, before a sold-out crowd at the historic Castro Theater in San Francisco.
Dominator's enthusiasm for the 'ukulele - as well as his generosity in sharing his wealth of knowledge - has touched the hearts of hundreds of 'ukulele players around the world. His detailed tabs, transcriptions and YouTube video lessons, guide "new" and "old" 'ukulele musicians to become better players, one song at a time.
Realizing there are some limitations when performing strictly as a solo artist Dominator has assembled a Fantastic group of musicians, Dominator & Friends.
Buford Robey is a dynamic guitarist and vocalist. He began his career as a young teenager in Canada fronting rock & roll and blues bands. He studied with some of North America’s foremost jazz guitarists, and was attending music college in Vancouver, B.C. when he met his future wife, Shirley.
Shirley Robey, who grew up in England and Germany, is a talented bass-guitarist, and singer. She has an appealing voice and a sophisticated style. She and her husband Buford have performed as The Robeys since 1986, one of the premier duos appearing in the casinos, clubs and restaurants of Nevada and the Western United States.
Buford and Shirley are experienced and versatile musicians who love to play music and have spent their professional life dedicated to its art and craft. They are both accomplished instrumentalists and lead singers who put their heart and soul into their performances, providing their listeners with infectious grooves, beautiful melodies and rich harmonies. Buford’s creative and expressive solo and rhythm guitar playing is complemented and enhanced by Shirley’s silky smooth and supportive bass lines.
Evan Parandes began playing drums at age 10. His father was a touring bouzouki player and by the time Evan was age 14 he was playing night clubs and restaurants in Oakland, Sacramento and San Francisco. Evan also toured North America with synth pop group Cause and Effect, supporting their two top 10 Billboard dance singles. He has performed with artists Julian Roy, Dani Joy, Jessica Malone, Craig Chee, Sarah Maisel and legendary guitarist Ralph E. Hammer. Evan is currently the Percussionist with Dominator and Friends. He has studied under Tony Dey, Mike Lawson and Steven Stizzo. He now teaches drums in Sacramento and is continuing his musical studies, learning Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban with LP artist and conga player Edgardo Cambon.
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