Radiogypsies Band Biography
The Beginning
The Radiogypsies Band, founded by guitarist Rich Johnson and his friends, is a testament to their desire to share their passion for music with the world. This music biography highlights the band's journey and dedication to their craft.
Kathy MacFeat - Lead Vocals
Kathy began her singing journey at the age of 7, taking part in school choruses and competing in numerous talent shows. After completing her education, she embarked on a career in vocal performance, focusing on classic rock and country music genres, which is detailed in her music biography. Influenced by iconic artists like Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Martina McBride, Geoff Tate, and, naturally, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks, Kathy has carved out a unique niche in the music scene.
Her impressive band biography includes performances with the well-known regional act County Line, where she had the honor of opening for national stars like Ronnie McDowell, Kitty Wells, and Tanya Tucker. She's also graced prestigious venues such as the Jim Ed Brown Americana Theatre and the Grand Ole Opry. Currently, Kathy is performing with the amazing Stevie Nicks Tribute band, Nicks In Time, and is also part of the dynamic Radiogypsies Band.
Rich Johnson - Lead Guitar and Vocals
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Rich knew from an early age that he wanted to play music. His early projects included HyJinx, which produced a two-song EP, and Virgin Steel, which played local nightclubs in the Essex/Dundalk area of Maryland. Later, Rich formed a new band called “Maniax,” a heavy metal favorite in Maryland and Pennsylvania, followed by “Decadence,” who recorded a two-song EP that received airplay on Baltimore’s 97 Underground radio station. This journey is certainly a fascinating part of his band biography.
After moving to Pennsylvania in 1990, he formed a new band named Comatoast - a hard-edged speed metal band that blended heavy originals with the most current heavy metal songs from iconic groups like Metallica, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. More recently, Rich teamed up with Kathy MacFeat to perform local acoustic duo shows, known as Radiogypsies, which showcases their unique music biography. Due to popular demand from fans and venues for a full band experience, they evolved into a five-piece ensemble now prominently known as the Radiogypsies Band.
“Doc” Ondrusek - Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals
Doc's musical journey began at the age of 6 when he started playing the piano. He later took up the trumpet in school and eventually gravitated towards guitar and keyboards, inspired by bands such as Grand Funk, Uriah Heep, and Black Sabbath. As a dedicated prog rock fan, he followed legendary groups like Yes, Pink Floyd, Rush, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Led Zeppelin.
Throughout his career, Doc has made his mark in the music scene, performing with several prominent regional rock bands, including Sensei, Aura, Staggerwing, Scott Free, and Firestorm. Currently, he plays with Kathy in the incredible Stevie Nicks tribute band, Nicks In Time. His music biography reflects a solid reputation for synthesizer soundcrafting, where he expertly recreates the sounds of the artists he covers.
On stage with the Radiogypsies Band, Doc utilizes Alesis keyboards, along with Gibson and Fender guitars. He also maintains a diverse collection of Kurzweil, Moog, Korg, Hammond, and Yamaha keyboards, paired with Guild, Gibson, Martin, Epiphone, and Fender guitars.
Jody Lewis - Bass Guitar and Vocals
Jody's music biography began at age 7 when he learned bass clef while playing trombone in the elementary school band. He later picked up the guitar in junior high and transitioned to bass at 15. Throughout high school and beyond, he played with various bands, eventually joining the Enforce band, an original/cover band known for performing at major clubs in the region, including Hammerjacks and Steeltown in Baltimore, as well as the Bayou in Georgetown, Washington DC, from the late 80's into the 90's.
By the mid 90's, he entered the pro cover band circuit, performing with popular regional bands like Crushing Day, Cathy Zebron, Bigger Better Faster More, Right Foot Red, and The Reagan Years. His journey in the music scene eventually led him to become part of the Radiogypsies Band, further enriching his band biography with a diverse array of experiences.
James Peck - Drums
James Peck is a self-taught drummer from Northern New York, and his hard-hitting style is heavily influenced by legends like John Bonham, Bill Ward, Neil Peart, and Don Brewer. He began his music journey by performing in clubs at the young age of 14. Over the years, he played with regional favorites such as Hit Squad, Moteaf, Wirlwind, The Snow Monkeys, and The Shadows. This experience laid a solid foundation for his music biography.
Throughout his career, James has had the privilege of sharing the stage with significant artists, including Willie Nelson, George Jones, Rita Coolidge, Rick Derringer, Blue Öyster Cult, Leslie West, and Molly Hatchet. After taking time off in 2004 to raise his son, he made a triumphant return to music in 2016. In 2024, he joined the Radiogypsies Band and continues to perform actively, adding to his dynamic band biography.