User:Rasicci

Keyboardist, vocalist, & guitarist Mike Rasicci is an American music producer, bandleader & musician from Northeast Ohio who has been contributing to the music industry since the 1970s. Tim "TR" Rasicci (Mike's brother) is also from Ohio and is an artist, designer, and multi-instrumentalist who plays keyboards, bass, saxophone and other instruments since the late 70s. Rick Rasicci (Mike's cousin) is a drummer who has played with Mike & Tim Rasicci in various projects from the 1980s to present. Dave Rasicci (Rick's brother, Mike & Tim's cousin) is a bassist, guitarist, & songwriter who has performed in many projects over the years (see Dave Rasicci).

In 1973-1974, Mike would sponsor popular musician jam sessions, that attracted musicians and music fans in the town of Avon Lake, Ohio. Soon afterwards, Mike and guitarist Doug Wilhelm put a band together with drummer Jim Barney. Doug not only had the ability to put together a project with the best available players, but he had a powerful sound reinforcement system for the time. In those days, Mike played a Story and Clark organ through a Hammond cabinet with two 15" woofers & a horn. Blue Mist, began by covering a combination of commercial and eclectic 1970's bands, and frequently performed in an establishment next to the legendary Saddle Inn in Avon Lake, Ohio. Playing in numerous venues around Northeast Ohio, "Blue Mist" became a very popular Cleveland area act. It wasn't long before Mike started writing originals for the band. Their first single, "I Want You So", was a fan favorite.

In the summer of 1977, Mike partnered with "Blue Mist" rhythm guitarist Scott Zietlow to form a folk-rock project with Mike on a 76-key Fender Rhodes stage model that performed every Friday and Saturday at the Mark restaurant in North Olmstead, Ohio.

In the fall of 1977, "Blue Mist" got together for one final farewell show in the Chardon, Ohio. The performance was a wild conclusion to a wild band's career. People were taken away in ambulances for over-indulging, while others engaged in group activities during the band's performance.

In 1978, Mike moved to Akron, Ohio and the band "Milestone," which included bassist Mark Jendrisak, performed to much acclaim. The band "Busted" was one of the last projects Mike did in the 1970's that included vocalist Tracy Thomas, drummer Dave Ashley (who's sister was lead vocalist for Jane Aire and the Belvaderes). After "Busted" broke up, Dave Ashley went on to perform with Akron-based punk band "The Bizarros." The Bizarros' drummer Garberson died of carbon monoxide poisoning after falling asleep in his garage with the car running. Tracy Thomas, Mark Jendrisak, and the soundman for both Milestone and Busted, Mike Johnson, went on to record one album as "Unit 5."

In 1981, Mike moved to Murfreesboro, Tennesee and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Industry Management at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU.) While working in Nashville, Mike became an in-demand live and studio musician, audio engineer, and recording producer. Mike's solo career also took off with a five-song EP, and the single, "I Like Little Girls", which was recorded in one studio take and no overdubs, direct to two-track. The EP featured both Martin Rodriguez and Gregg McGowan on guitars, and art by Tim Rasicci.

In 1985, Mike's busy tour schedule included a return to Ohio, playing JBs Down in Kent with his band "The Critics" which featured Mike on guitar and vocals, Tim Rasicci keys, sax, and backup vocals, Rik Cunningham on fretless bass, and cousin Rick Rasicci on drums.

Mike's many projects include touring the southeast U. S. with "The Twinz", a female duo from Kansas City, MO.

In the late 80s, Mike returned to Northeast Ohio and join the band "Guys and Dolls" which played many of the local north coast clubs like Spanky's East, the Akron Agora, and many clubs in the Flats - a thriving entertainment district of downtown Cleveland. In 1988, Mike met bassist/producer David "Tate" Stephenson while engineering on a recording project. The band "Big Adventure" featured Dee Dee Reish (vocals), Andy McIntosh (guitar), Tate Stephenson (bass), Mike Rasicci (keyboards), and Tom Pace (drums).

After Big Adventure, Mike & drummer Tom Pace formed "The Waiters" with extraordinary guitarist Bill Hall and Tim Rasicci on bass for the summer of 1989. In 1990, Mike Rasicci formed the first Class Action with Tom Pace (drums), Rik Cunningham (bass), and Mike's wife Donna on vocals.

The band "Class Action" has had many member changes, with Mike & Donna Rasicci as the constant keyboard & vocal contributors (see "Class Action" band).