Inside the Exclusive In Crowd: Where Enjoyment Fuels Success!

“The main goal is simply to have a good time,” stated founding member Angelo Valentino.

Valentino mentioned that the band originated as a spin-off from Chautauqua’s Got Talent, which takes place at the Spire Theater.

Valentino recognized that he had devoted a considerable amount of time working behind the scenes while running CGT.

“I came to the realization that throughout my time owning the theater, I was hidden behind the curtain. I used to be recognized for singing and performing, but now I had become just the producer and director, and many, especially the younger generation, didn’t even realize I had any musical abilities at all,” Valentino remarked.

The members of In Crowd include from left Jake Hettinger, Augie Bates, Jeremy Bunce, Angelo Valentino, Steve Davis, and Ylsa Maj. Submitted photo

Thus, the desire was ignited for Valentino to take the stage once more.

At the time when CGT votes were manually counted, In Crowd began to establish itself by performing during the intermissions of CGT.

In Crowd consists of Angelo Valentino – vocals and percussion, Ylsa Maj – vocals and percussion, Steve Davis – keyboards, bass, and vocals, Jeremy Bunce – lead guitar, Augie Bates – saxophone, Jake Hettinger – trumpet, Jim Sturdevant – drums, Rya Giuffre – vocals and percussion.

The genre that In Crowd creates is Neo Boogaloo, according to Valentino. When composing, Valentino shared that he draws inspiration from the Latin rhythms played in New York City during the 1960s by Puerto Ricans. This style blended rhythm and blues, which was popularized by African Americans. The song, “I Like It Like That,” was a hit in 1967 by Pete Rodriguez and was reinterpreted in the mid-1990s by The Blackout All-Stars.

In Crowd’s latest nine-track release is titled Mix Tape. The songs are the result of a partnership between Davis and Valentino. Valentino explained that he has melodies and drum and bass components in mind, and invites Davis to the recording studio, located within the Spire Theater complex, to lay down those parts, after which Valentino crafts lyrics to the recorded demos.

“Steve assists me with writing every song,” Valentino stated.

In Crowd will be performing at Wicked Warren’s on Saturday.