WHO WE ARE
Embark on a musical adventure with TURN ON RED
“Bold, soulful, and built on the raw energy of live performance, Turn on Red brings a fresh punch to modern rock and blues. This six-piece powerhouse blends with rich vocal harmonies, gritty guitar work and tight punchy grooves into a sound that feels both classic and new. Fronted by two dynamic singers Tracy and Ari and flanked by Derek and Dan, the band delivers a vocal presence that’s unmistakable. Their versatile and complementary styles create a signature blend of soaring leads and warm harmonies. Behind the voices, Turn on Red’s rhythm section, with Kevin on the kit and Tony on bass, lays down a deep, driving foundation while electrifying guitars and keys push the music into bold, colorful territory. Influenced by the legends of blues and rock but driven by their own creative edge, the band shapes each set into a high-energy journey through groove-heavy blues and jazz, soulful ballads, and rock anthems built to raise the room.”
Tracy Kolarich
Lead Vocals
A toddler hippie turned high school headbanger, Tracy draws from an eclectic mix of influences—Metallica’s fire, Aretha’s soul, and Susan Tedeschi’s grit. Her love for music sparked early, dancing and singing around the coffee table with her brother to Suite Judy Blue Eyes while her dad spun the sounds of Woodstock on vinyl.
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On a 22-hour road trip to Florida, Tracy belted out the entire Grease soundtrack on repeat—giving her mom a headache but winning over her dad as her #1 fan. That same fearless passion drives her today. As one of the frontwomen of Turn on Red, Tracy channels power and raw emotion into every performance, bringing people together and spreading joy through the music. A recent cancer survivor, she carries with her an unshakable reminder: Life is short—so eat the cake, support local music, and spend the time.
Ariadne Drakonakis-Kambas
Lead Vocals
Ari is a curly-haired spark of energy, movement, and balance: a rockstar mama who went from Greek dance to center stage—with a detour through downward dog. Born with rhythm in her bones and ouzo in her DNA, she started her journey playing the piano and singing with her sibs before belting out harmonies a cappella with Boston University's Terpsichore. By day, she’s practicing the healing arts, teaching yoga, and gardening like it’s an Olympic sport. By night, she welcomes the chance to join her crew to lend her pitch perfect voice to anything from roadhouse blues to songwriter melodies. Her inspirations come from immeasurable amounts of Joni Mitchell, Rachel Price, Nanci Griffith, Eva Cassidy, CSNY, Stevie Wonder, and Patty Griffin.
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Whether harmonizing on stage or planting natives, this mama’s in tune with nature and got the moves, the voice, and the vibe to bring a smile to just about any curmudgeon.
Dan Wilson
Guitars and Vocals
Dan had the good fortune to study under folk legend Dave Van Ronk, who taught him to approach the guitar like a piano, blending Blues and Ragtime styles. He later expanded his musical range with guidance from another iconic mentor, Frank Christian, who introduced him to Classical and Jazz influences. Today, Dan is lucky to have found a talented band where he can bring all these diverse styles to life, enriching their performances with his unique musical voice.
Derek Ambrosi
Keyboard, Vocals and Guitar
Derek has been chasing sound since childhood, when a rubber band on a door handle became his first makeshift guitar. That early curiosity grew into a love shaped by a wide range of influences: the soul and grit of James Brown and Ray Charles, the pulse of early hip-hop, the timeless melodies of The Beatles, the introspective edge of Death Cab for Cutie, and the pure energy of punk-pop bands like Weezer.
He brings those influences together in Turn on Red, blending classic and modern sensibilities into an authentic, energetic presence. As a songwriter, Derek’s music reflects a deep respect for the past while carving out something distinctly personal—songs that are melodic, heartfelt, and unafraid to explore new textures.
For Derek, making music is about following that same spark of discovery from childhood—chasing the moment when sound becomes connection.
Kevin Lalumiere
Drums & Percussion
Kevin began playing drums at the age of six, banging on pillows with drumsticks to impress his babysitter while jamming along to Van Halen’s 1984 cassette. From early on, he embraced the philosophy: “play the song, not the instrument.”
Kevin draws inspiration from legendary drummers such as Steve Gadd, Omar Hakim, Russ Kunkel, Steve Jordan, and Rick Marotta, combining these influences, creating Turn On Red’s unique rhythmic sound.
He proudly performs on a mid-'80s Yamaha Recording Custom 6-piece kit, paired with Zildjian cymbals, combining classic tone with dynamic versatility.
Tony Mercaldi
Bass
Inspired to study the bass at age 13, Tony has spent much of his musical career playing in various bands, collaborating with individual artists, and contributing to numerous recording sessions. His portfolio of musical influences spans a full century, beginning with his grandfather — a jazz musician who performed alongside legends such as Bobby Hackett, Louis Armstrong, and Doc Severinsen. As a tribute, his grandfather’s label remains in clear view to Tony on the headstock of his bass.
Tony also draws inspiration from Tony Levin, Leland Sklar, John Paul Jones, John Entwistle, Jamerson, Flea, and Geddy Lee – many of whom he has had the opportunity to chat with. Blending these influences, he has developed a unique playing style, vision, and approach to music.