Performers
Location
About
We are excited to welcome back Easy Money to the Keegan Ales stage!
Easy Money has been playing around New York since the ’80s with different personnel, but always included Bob Helfant, who writes most of the material, with Joe Hernandez on bass and Mike Minervini on drums. They perform original material and covers you love within the Americana genre.
Bob Helfant: Vocals/Guitar/Composer
Bob has led original ensembles ranging from folk to country to rock. In addition to singing and playing guitar, Bob is a prolific songwriter who wrote and arranged much of the material performed by his bands. He toured extensively before becoming a fixture of the New York City music scene, regularly performing at Trax, J. Ps., Brandy’s and The Other End. He has worked with an unusual mix of artists, including Paul Shaffer, John Belushi, Elliot Randal, Donovan, Melanie, Peter Tork and others. He played the LA scene with his band 1019, hitting all the showcase clubs. He now resides in Shokan, NY, where he played out as a solo singer-songwriter during the Covid years and is once again working with Easy Money.
Joseph Hernandez: Bass Guitar
Joe started his musical career singing in the Saugerties High School choir. He soon transitioned to the bass guitar, inspired by John Deacon and Geezer Butler. He has had the pleasure and privilege of studying under Chuck Rainey while living the weekend warrior musician life for most of the 21st century. He lives in Saugerties with his 2 kids, 3 cows and a fat cat.
Michael Minervini: Percussion
Mike grew up in Woodstock and started drumming at 5 years old, playing along with big bands on the phonograph. He played with many local bands, including the B Boys, who opened for Leslie West. He played out with Sabrina and the Gems and recorded two albums with them at Apple Head Recording Studio. Mike lives in the coolest house in Woodstock, built by him and his father, which includes a stage cut into a rock wall in the back.