Bios

Crazy Johnny

I started my music career in grade school where I played the coronet. I continued to Jr. High and was in the concert band 2nd chair. Then I found girls, and football. I started getting back into music in 1967. Since then I have entertained crowds for years. I have been in several house bands and have been on the road playing at state fairs and county fairs. I also have played at most of the University of Illinois fraternities and sororities houses. I have backed up famous stars like Bobby Vinton, Paul and Paula, Ingra Berry (Chuck Berry's daughter), and appeared with Alabama, REO Speed Wagon, Willy Nelson, John Cougar, Tom Petty, Hall and Oats, and Pork and the Havana Ducks. I was rated one of the area's best front men in 70s and 80s. Now I'm known as a legendary performer. I worked my way up through the music scene to gain this legendary title. As of today I am still entertaining crowds through-out Illinois. I also have been playing in a backup band for Nashville recording artists covering county fairs and state fairs and festivals, I also was in productions at the first Farm Aid with Willy Nelson and John Cougar. In the year 2006 I was part of a benefit for a local girl which raised over $71,000.00 for medical expenses.

Danny McCartney

I believe my love for music started in church which was basically singing. My interest in playing in a band started when my father (who worked for Urbana Schools) took me to a large musical concert at the Jr. High gym in the early sixties. Groups such as The New Colony Six from Chicago and a local group called The One Eyed Jacks played and I just knew I had to try that some day!! In the late sixties and early seventies my brother Terry and I started putting together a neighborhood band and started playing parties, school dances, and sock hops. By the time I turned 17 I was playing in local clubs in country bands. Since then I have been in rock groups, soul groups, disco (WHAT, DID I SAY THAT)? Yes, disco groups, variety groups and southern gospel. I pretty much enjoy all types of music and hope to see you at our next job!

Matt Stewart

Matt has been playing, recording and teaching music for 45 years. He was in the progressive-rock band STARCASTLE in the 1970's and HEADEAST in the 1980's to name a few. He has always enjoyed working with many other styles of music as well.

Dawna Nelson

One of C-U's best loved lead vocal ists, Dawna has been mesmerizing audiences all around the Midwest for practically her entire life. As the key ingredient of local country icons Gator Alley, a family-based showcase for her stellar vocals, Dawn grew up on the stage. She is currently one of the area's most sought after blues and rock performers and has lent her talents to The Brat Pack, G.Lee and Jet Blonde and blues - Bruisers and The Impalas. And now performs with a classic rock band, The Crazy Johnny Band. Dawna brings power and passion to the mic with class and style.

Terry McCartney

Terry started playing out at the age of ten. He has played locally with Lonnie and the Lugnutz, Tennessee Border Line, Hot Setup, Last Call, and LIX. He has also played with Amercian Grand, Roy Clark, and Nancy Hass Road Show. Terry plays bass guitar, lead guitar and many other instruments. He also sings, does backup and harmonies. He has played praise and worship music.