Our History 

   "Changes."

   The name itself explains best how one of our area's most notable and long standing bands has been able to grow and excel over the last 20 years.

   It was 1978 when Carmen Locascio first started his band out of his family's garage on Columbus Street in Pittston.  It was there that the original members met to practice and today, two decades later, one can still hear music coming from the Pittston residence as the band gears up to play.

   Over the years, many of the band members' faces have changed and the style of music has adjusted to meet the current trends.  However, the one thing that has never varied about the band "Changes" is its commitment to excellence and its dedication to the audience it plays for.

   Behind the band's success is Locascio who has taken "Changes" from an unknown high school gig to one of today's most highly recognizable and sought after bands in the Northeast.

   Today "Changes" specializes in weddings and parties.  The band, comprised of Locascio on lead guitar and vocals; Vince Liparulo on drums and vocals; Gary Antal on bass and vocals and Leon Schuster on keyboards and vocals, features Diane Cupano Luke as lead vocalist.  Stanley Novak is soundman.

   Locascio manages the band like any other prospering business and it is this attention to detail that has made "Changes" such a wide success.

   "I've always run it like a business," said Locascio.  "I believe in giving personal service, good service.  I like to give people a little more than they expect."

   While Luke and current band members are the main force behind "Changes" skyrocketing success, long-time fans who have followed the band from its origination know that there have been many other notable musicians and vocalists that have graced the stage with Locascio.  And, Locascio is quick to give each of these former members credit as well as one very special woman.  Locascio noted that it was his mother that originally got the band off of its feet.  Now deceased, Locascio's mother acted as the manager of "Changes" during the early years.

   "Mom helped get the band together," said Locascio.  "She had a business sense.  She made a big impact on my life.  I'm proud of that.  I'd like to thank her."

   Locascio had just graduated Pittston Area High School and was starting college when he formed "Changes."  The original 1978 four piece band focused on rock and roll music and consisted of Joe Limongelli on bass; Locascio on guitar; Frank Lacara on drums, and Peter Gatti on keyboard.  The band played small clubs, picnics and some weddings.

   In 1980 "Changes" regrouped and began to focus more on disco music.

   "We were flexible, we changed with the times," said Locascio.

   At the same time, Jimmy Nalachi took over on drums; Bernie Pernot on keyboards; Butchie Fasciano on vocals, and Charlie Phillips on bass.  Mona Goble fronted the band as lead vocalist.  Current lead vocalist, Luke, also made her first appearance with "Changes" during the early 1980s, filling in for Goble when she went on maternity leave.

   The band members stayed together until 1985 at which time Dave Steve (Steve O) took over on drums; Gary Antal on bass and Dave Norcross on keyboards.  Michelle Longo became lead vocalist.

   In 1990 another change of the guard occurred when Larry Lynch took over on drums; Butchie Gilroy on bass and Freeman White on keyboards.

   Finally, in 1993 Locascio began to assemble "Changes" present day band.  In addition, to current band members, Ben Rondina played keyboard for the band from 1993 to 1996 and Marissa Alpert fronted the band as lead vocalist from 1993 to 1995.  Soundmen Larry Angeles and Phil Longo also worked with the band through the years.

   While the changing band members helped to define and redefine the band's sound, Locascio noted the various arenas "Changes" played in helped build its popularity.  In 1978 "Changes" auditioned at Genetti's Hotel and became the house band, a position they still hold today.  After playing a wedding for a friend at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, "Changes" also became the houseband for that establishment.  In 1978 the band also played at the Capri regularly and when Steve O was a part of "Changes" the Gas Light Lounge was their regular stomping ground.  McDonald's Wood Shed (now Charlie Brown's Restaurant), Frank Civarella's Villa and Five Day at the Woodlands were also regular gigs for "Changes."

   "We really packed it in," said Locascio.

   In fact, for a band named "Changes," it is surprising to realize that the band is actually a creature of habit when it comes to booking its performance spots.

   "We've played consistently on New Years in two places," said Locascio.  "From 1980 to 1988 we played the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre and from 1989 to present we've played at Convention Hall in Pittston."

   "Changes" will also play this New Year's Eve.  The public is invited to attend.

   For the time Locascio devotes to "Changes" one would believe that managing and playing in the band is his full time career.  Instead, nothing could be further from the truth.  Locascio who has been married for nine years to his wife, Sherry, has worked ever since he graduated high school.  His first job was at his father's business, Locascio Auto.

   Locascio received a degree in music from College Misericordia and an associate's degree in business from King's College.  Today he works as an account representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Easton.

   Locascio refers to "Changes" as a "fun band" which currently focuses on playing party music and current hits as well as traditional and ethnic songs.  Fans can catch "Changes" at local clubs, bridal shows and of course at the numerous weddings they play throughout the year.

   Individuals interested in booking "Changes" for an upcoming wedding or party should contact Locascio at least one year in advance.

   "Our main theme has always been to play weddings.  We try to make it perfect.  Every wedding is special," said Locascio.  "Our nicest compliment is getting repeat business (from the friends and family of the couple)."

   Locascio put a lot of time into preparing for each wedding "Changes" plays for.  The bride and groom are invited in advance to listen to the band play before they make a final booking.  Then each couple is given a questionnaire to fill out to help the band learn what type of music the couple would like played, what the wedding dance will be, etc...  Adding to the package, Locascio now DJs during the band's breaks to give the bride and groom continuous music during their reception.

   Locascio also passes out questionnaires at the end of the band's various performances to get feedback from guests on what they liked about the evening and what the band could do to improve their performance.  The responses, he explained, have been very favorable.

   "Changes" is planning an anniversary party in September at the Woodlands Inn and Resort which will be open to the public.  The band also has a mailing list for anyone interested.  Anyone interested in booking a wedding or party or would like to learn about the band's mailing list or future performance dates can call Locascio at (717) 655-0886.

   Marking "Changes" as a hometown band, Locascio contributed the support of the Greater Pittston residents to the band's success.

   "I want to thank all our friends and family," said Locascio.  "If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be here."
 

View the actual newspaper article as printed in the Sunday Dispatch.