Charlie Plunkett
(Vocals, Guitar)

Charlie is an accomplished lead guitarist/vocalist who is equally at home as an acoustic solo performer. Prior to his returning to the live music scene after a long hiatus, he had been a professional musician for 11+ years with over 3,000 performances (yes really!) playing with such groups as “Bacchus” and “Dan Patch”.

“When I first began performing again, I was worried that my chops wouldn’t be what they used to be”. Nowadays, in my ‘reincarnation’, I’m playing only what I love to play and I find that I’m playing better than ever”.

Charlie lives in Olney, Maryland, with his wife Deb, 2 children (Mandie and Chuck), his dog (Dink) and numerous un-named Stratocasters. Charlie’s late entry on “Resilient Heart” is a beautiful and soulful a ballad “You Come Along”, which he wrote for his other half Deb.

Bill Mulroney (Vocals, Guitar)

Named new Artist Radio and Folk Artist of the Year for 2006, Bill Mulroney is the founding member of the “Second Wind Bandits.” Bill’s debut solo album “Second Wind” in 2004 garnered excellent reviews from music publications, including the DC City Paper, Music Monthly, and Guitar Bridge Magazine. Music Monthly called the album “frankly courageous”. But Bill wanted more – he wanted to do a cross-genre rock album like in the days of yore … to record something akin to the Beatles White Album, and he wanted to do it with artists in whom he saw the same musical “soul” he saw in himself. And he found them… Tom Blood, who finally, after much prodding, agreed to be a Bandit… Charlie Plunkett, a musical pro who fortuitously wandered into their midst at an open mike after not performing for 20 years… and a whole host of great supporting players… Gary Garvin on bass guitar… John Donovan on electric guitar and keyboards… Jay Dennis on drums… and many others (Andy Conversano, Miriam Colon, and Mickey Mickeljohn – and the list goes on and on)… it’s a little like the story of Robin Hood. “Resilient Heart” is the culmination of Bill’s vision – that “creativity” can last a lifetime; that rock music is still a big tent art form; and that life’s experiences, even mature experiences, can be the “stuff” of rock songs … 5 of the songs on “Resilient Heart” have already been picked for national releases on different record label compilations. The title track was a winner in the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. So lean back – put the CD in CD player – and enjoy – “Resilient Heart”.

Tom Blood (Vocals, Guitars)

Brilliant, uncompromising and entirely unique, Tom Blood has been a fixture in the Mid-Atlantic music scene for over 20 years. His earthy, powerful tenor vocals amaze audiences and musicians alike. Tom’s prowess on both electric and acoustic guitar is also well known. His critically acclaimed 1998 CD “Monkey Shines” is a cool cult classic. His tight four-man combo “Late as Usual” regularly entertains patrons at DC area music venues. And now, after persistent wooing by Bill Mulroney, he is one of the premier Second Wind Bandits. Tom co-wrote and sings lead on some of the songs on “Resilient Heart”, including the trance track “Quiet Life”, the bluesy “Tired Old Moon”, the Marine family anthem “Ooh Rah” and the gorgeous ballad “Ending the Day”.

Gary Garvin (Bass Guitar)

Gary Garvin is a musical pro who has a well-earned reputation as “the most reliable man in the universe.” Equally comfortable on electric guitar and bass guitar, Gary’s creativity and musicianship have been on display in numerous bands in the DC area for decades. His musical odyssey began back in the early to mid-1960s starting with guitar, but soon thereafter, he became a big fan of the bass guitar. While living in south Florida, Gary was a beach boy during the day and a musician by night, with his band opening for the likes of the Young Rascals, Neil Diamond, the Turtles, the Cyrkle, the Lovin’ Spoonful and a host of other popular groups and personalities. “That was definitely an exciting start for my musical career.” He is multi-talented, and his artistic abilities and graphic design expertise are often called upon. The Second Wind Bandit’s logo, which is undeniably “cool”, was Gary’s work, and no Second Wind Bandit performance would be complete without Gary announcing to the audience at just the right moment: “From now on this is a free concert!” Gary lives in Laurel, MD with his wife (and greatest fan) Fran, and their pets. His son, Patrick, teaches high school in Baltimore County.

John Donovan
(Keyboards, Electric Guitar)

John Donovan has performed in the DC Metro area since 1963, when parental assistance was needed to get to gigs. His early influences included the Beatles, the Kinston Trio, Duane Eddie and Jimmy Smith. John’s first gig involved playing single notes on a six-string guitar, not being the bass player; he just didn’t know the chords. John continued playing everywhere from the Virginia countryside honkytonks to after hours clubs in southeast DC to solo gigs on the southern California coast. John has contributed to many locally produced CDs (and records). John dropped out of music school a few times, but he is still playing, and still learning….

Jay Dennis
(Drums, Percussion)

Jay is another multi talented and experienced musical pro. (He is also a competitive baseball player.) Jay has played drums in and around the Dc area for many years, for a multitude of talented bands and musical artists, and now he is a most welcome member of the Second Wind Bandits.

Jay ran his parents out of the house at an early age playing Blues and Rock & Roll with his brother in the basement at an ear-splitting volume. His drumming is influenced by the Allman Brothers, Steely Dan and Tower of Power and is a mix of back beat, funk and finesse. He’s worked the DC area club circuit for over 25 years and recorded on a variety of projects.

Other SWBs who perform often with the band include Andy Conversano on drums,Mickey Meiklejohn on harmonica,and Mike Lessin on electric guitar.