Don Caffey

Lead Singer, Guitarist

Don ‘s favorite honor was performing to help fundraisers for Hope for the Warriors and Helping Hands Foundation at Adventureland amusement park. He also performed at the Jones Beach Fourth of July firework show in partnership with a number of local radio stations. Don’s ELVIS SHOWS at the Sheraton Towers in Manhattan opening up for the legendary CAPRIS was also an incredible honor and memory.

He has performed on multiple cruise ships. Don actually studied opera in college, and he also played in several local bands on Long Island (notably Big Daddy Deluxe, Rhythm & Strings and Graceland’s Gate band.)

Growing up Toby Keith’s music inspired Don with its stories of real life, hard work and patriotism. Now Don gets to share that same spirit on stage, honoring Toby’s legacy while putting his own heart into every song.

Carmine Notaro

Drummer & Lead Vocals

Carmine is talented drummer that is a lead and backup vocalist. He's been in the Country circuit on Long Island for over 30 years.

He played his first professional gig at 16, at "The Bridal Path." He was in a band called Mass Confusion who wrote many original songs. We opened up for 10 Wheel Drive, The Illusion, The Clovers and Badfinger in the 60's and 70's.

In 1975 he met up with a band from California. We were writing songs and recording. Then he moved to California with the band, (MESA), and recorded several songs. One became a semi hit with 55 with a bullet nationwide and #1 in several states. It was called Sailing Ships, which Carmine was a co-writer.

He moved back to Long Island in 1991 and in 1992 got together with a few friends and started a Country band, High Noon. They opened for Charlie Daniels and Jo Dee Messina at Westbury Music Fair. They also opened for The Mavericks, The Lynns and Lori Morgan. From that point on he was in the country circuit continuously.

In 2007 he joined SixGun, a popular country band. He played many concerts and local gigs with them. They had many originals that were very popular with their large following.

SixGun retired in 2020

From then on, he played with several bands and was considered a great substitute drummer for many bands.

In 2024 he started his own band Prime Time. Two of the members became ill and it was disbanded.

I started looking for musicians to start a Toby Keith Tribute band. Bass player Ed Jennings was speaking with Don Caffey who was also looking to start a Toby Keith Tribute band. So, we got together and we picked up two great players Doug Johnson and Gene Sacca. Our first rehearsal showed much promise. After a few rehearsals we decided to bring Gere Hauss Griff as a backup vocalist. Her and Carmine have the vocals totally covered.

Therefore, the birth of the "American Ride band"

Carmine loves to sing, play and lay down a rock -solid groove .....

Geri Griff

Lead Vocals, Backup Vocals & Harmony Vocals

The last couple of years have given me the opportunity to reignite my love of music, particularly country and southern rock.

Performing with several Long Island bands, including Gracelands Gate Band, has turned it into the birth of a dream I didn't know I had and could never have imagined.

Childhood memories, listening to music, always engaged my soul and spirit and made me sing out loud.

Today I do get to sing out loud and I'm thrilled to be a part of American Ride: A Tribute to Toby Keith, and pay homage to the man who brought us such joy with his trailblazing music and deep love of country and loyalty woven into his lyrics.

Eddie Jennings

Bassist

Bass guitarist formerly with the legendary SixGun group. Performed in concert with Alabama, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniel's Band, George Strait, Waylon Jennings and many more! Eddie has performed in Finland, on cruise ships, at festivals & resorts.

Eddie was also formerly with CBS, Nashville and SGM recordings in addition to numerous studio sessions.

Eddie plays 4, 5 and 6 string bass.

Throughout the school year, Ed plays bass and piano with the St. Patrick's RC Church Youth Group in his hometown of Smithtown, New York.

Doug Johnasson

Lead Vocals

Douglas Johansson is a seasoned guitar player and singer who has been a staple in the Tri-State area music scene for decades. He has had the distinction of headlining the Riverhead Blues Festival with his friend and bandmate, who was Joe Cocker's lead guitarist for many years. Following his transition to country music, he quickly gained recognition as a top guitar slinger on the East Coast country scene.

He has had the privilege of sharing stages with notable artists such as Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, The Mavericks, Dierks Bentley, Steve Holly, and Quiet Riot. He has had the honor of headlining Countryfest in Riverhead on multiple occasions.

Doug's passion for music extends beyond his playing skills, as he is also a discerning guitar collector and guitar coach. One of his prized instruments was personally purchased by Zac Brown, and he has had the opportunity to sell guitars to international artists. His performance credentials include a notable appearance at the esteemed Ernest Tubb Theater in Nashville, where he shared the stage with the Grand Ole Opry House Band. Music is an integral part of Doug's life, and his dedication to his craft and his guitar collection is evident.

Gene Sacca

Keyboardist

Gene has been playing music since he was ten years old and has played professionally for many years. Gene has excelled as a studio musician, jingle writer/producer and keyboardist for many different bands in New York and the surrounding area.

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