Years back three young men who sang in a church choir would get together after choir rehearsal. They found they had the same fondness for the music of the current day's vocal groups, the Letterman, the Four Coins, Four Aces, Four Lads, and the Vogues, to name just a few. Those were the days when young couples would turn the dial on the car radio searching for their favorite song, of buying records and dancing cheek to cheek to their favorite love songs.
Those hearing the "Choir Boys" enjoyed what they heard and encouraged them to perform. "Armed" with three mikes and a guitar they made their first appearance in a small nightclub and received a standing ovation. Thus, THE SHY GUYS WERE BORN!!! Lead vocalist Chuck Azich - top tenor, Harry Muders, and baritone, Art Ruperto.
Early in their careers, the Shy Guys received so much appreciated help from Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kury. At one time, Joe and wife Jill performed at the prestigious Copa Cubana in New York City. Mr. Kury heard the group and immediately booked them to headline a large Masonic event at the Erepa Grotto in Erie, Pennsylvania. After working all day, the vocal group had to drive more than a hundred miles battling a huge snowstorm to fulfill their commitment. The group was rewarded with encores and a standing ovation. Fond memories remain about the audiences at the country clubs at Kittanning, Ford City, Edgeworth, Sewickley Heights and the Allegheny Club, at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Mr. Elmer Willet, agent of the popular Pittsburgh's own, the Vogues, came to audition The Shy Guys, all of whom had their feet planted on the ground with jobs and families, were not prepared to what was to come next. Willet equipped with a contract, talked about going to New York for pictures in preparation for making The Shy Guys a national success. But the group was unable to accept due to job and family commitments. They were relegated to performing on a local scale. During their early years, The Shy Guys were invited to sing the National Anthem during the World Series games at Three Rivers Stadium. Unfortunately, the Pirates were eliminated before they had a chance to make their debut.
Then came a period of work place's closing, military commitments, and The Shy Guys were silenced. With their commitments fulfilled and their strong love for music, the group decided to reunite.
The vocal group received a God-sent gift when Leon Szura joined the group as director, arranger, and keyboard player. Leon is gifted with “perfect pitch” helped the group tremendously with his outstanding playing, writing and arranging ability. He retired as Director of Music and choral at Quaker Valley High School with thirty-four years of service. Leon also wrote the words and music for the school’s beautiful alma mater. Also, he directed the Saint James Church Choir, retiring after twenty-four years of service. During his distinguished professional musical career he provided piano accompaniment for Sophie Tucker, Mel Torme, Nat King Cole, Kitty Kallen and other great entertainers. During his earlier years, he toured with three bands, writing, arranging and playing sax, clarinet or piano as needed. Leon also wrote music scores for big bands in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Pittsburgh. When going into the recording studio, Leon has the final decision on the vocalists’ and band’s performance.
Tony Calabrese is the group’s guitarist. He is an accomplished musician who performed with many bands throughout the Tri-State area. He also teaches guitar and is the mainstay of all rehearsals, always coming up with new ideas and suggestions. On the road or in the recording studio, he is ready to go. Tony thrills audiences with his renditions of Teddy Bear and Blue Suede Shoes.
Tom LaFlame is the band’s drummer. Tom has played throughout the United States and abroad. While abroad, he performed for Princess Grace of Monacco. At one time he was the owner of two drum shops and traveled the United States exclusively. Tom teaches out of his own studio. He has taught over two thousand students and counting, to play the drums the “right way.” It would be impossible to list all the groups he has performed with throughout his career. Playing two and three “gigs” in one day was not uncommon. Tom also toured with The Four Coins from Canonsburg, PA, who had the million-seller hit, “Shangri-La.” Tom always has the same reply when called for a “gig” or studio recording, “I’LL BE THERE!!!
Sadly our bass player and good friend, Mr. John Kuniewicz passed away in early 2004. He was a member of many prestigious groups including; The Vinnie Vincent and Eddie Frazier Dance Orchestra, The Beaver County Wind Ensemble, and the Legendary Henry Mancini Musical Group. John composed the Ambridge High School alma mater. He was included in The Beaver Valley Musicians Hall of Famee and received The Henry Mancini Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.
Don Knezevich is our current bassist. He graduated from Duquesne University, obtaining a bachelor and masters degree in music education. He toured throughout the United States and Europe as a member of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. He was the Director of the Croatian Fraternal Union, Jr. Tamburitza Federation (1994). Don was the past Director of the Duquesne University Tamburitzan School of Music. He was also the Director of the Clairton, McKeesport, Trafford, Johnstown, Ambridge, Aliquippa, New Brighton and Midland Junior Tamburitzans. Presently, he is the Director of the Conway Sevdah Adult Tamburitzans and the Pennsembles of Versailles, PA. Don performed with many distinguished musical groups including the Vinnie Vincent Orchestra and for forty years with the Lee Tolfa Quartet. He is the former band director at Freedom and Beaver High Schools. He also taught music and Band at Aliquippa, PA. Don was inducted into The Beaver Valley Musicians Hall of Fame when he received The Henry Mancini Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. He was elected to The Tamburitzan Hall of Fame at the Tamburitzan Extravanganza in Orlando, FL in 1995. Welcome aboard, Don!!
