Meet the Band

While Shayne had worked with other drum teachers, it was Mr. Charlie who truly saw beyond Shayne’s autism—taking the time to understand how Shayne’s mind worked and tailoring their lessons to fit his unique learning style.

A co-founder of The Driveway Band alongside Uncle Mike, Charlie has played a vital role in both Shayne’s musical journey and the band’s success. His mentorship, combined with his experience as a singer and drummer in other bands, continues to shape the heart and sound of The Driveway Band.

Uncle Mike has always been one of Shayne’s biggest supporters. When Shayne’s flight from Russia was unexpectedly rerouted to Washington, D.C., it was Uncle Mike who dropped everything and drove to Dulles Airport to make sure Shayne got safely home.

Years later, it was Uncle Mike who built the “really cool stage” that made it easy to roll Shayne’s drum kit onto the driveway for socially distanced drum lessons with Mr. Charlie during the pandemic. His only condition? When the lesson ended, Uncle Mike got to plug in his guitar and jam with Shayne to the classic hits of the ’70s.

When the band’s first opportunity to play at the Café was scheduled, the lineup included Shayne on drums, Uncle Mike on guitar, and Mr. Charlie on vocals. Needing a bass player, Charlie thought of Alan—a former bandmate from the '70s.

Although decades had passed since they last connected, Alan didn’t hesitate to join the cause. A veteran of several well-known local bands, Alan is a skilled bassist and gifted vocalist. His rendition of Springsteen’s Jersey Girl is always a concert highlight, often featuring a subtle, heartfelt nod to his beloved Delco wife, Cate.

Anthony is another of Charlie’s talented musician friends who quickly connected with the mission of the So Much to Give Café and the band's efforts to support it. Despite the demands of a busy career that includes frequent travel—and the responsibilities of raising a young family—Anthony enthusiastically joined The Driveway Band.

In addition to being an outstanding keyboard player, Anthony plays a key role as a lead vocalist, often stepping up to sing the songs no one else volunteers for—always with grace and good humor.

A longtime family friend, Bob—affectionately known as "Phil-Bob"—has known Shayne since he arrived in the U.S. A talented and seasoned musician, Bob regularly performs solo acoustic sets throughout the Collegeville area.

Beyond his musical talent, Bob brings incredible versatility to the band. When there was a need for a sound manager, he stepped up without hesitation, generously offering both his time and equipment. Bob is also highly skilled on lead guitar, keyboards, and vocals, making him an invaluable part of the group.

Shayne’s cousin Ryan stepped in when the band needed a lead guitarist—and quickly became an essential part of the group’s sound.

In addition to his role in The Driveway Band, Ryan also plays guitar for the alt-rock cover band The Away Message, showcasing his versatility and passion for music across genres.