Forte: LA's Premier Party Band
"When it comes to festive events, Forte's high-energy show takes it up a
few notches..."
- The Desert Sun
Forte is one of the most musically diverse dance bands in the Los Angeles -
Southern California area. Forte is like having several bands in one,
transporting the audiences through the decades with timeless classics;
starting with jazz standards, 70's classic rock to disco, 80's pop & funk,
90's R&B, hip-hop & alternative, and the most up-to-date hits for younger
listeners. This gives Forte the diversity of a DJ but with the energy only
possible with a dynamic live band that knows how to tailor its show for
each event. In addition to the hottest nightspots in town, Forte regularly
performs at regional concerts, festivals, "celebrity" & corporate parties,
and casino/ resorts. In addition, they are available for all commercial
and private functions. Leading the pack is lead male vocalist Gino
JaVierre (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) MCs with the authority and
charisma to loosen any crowd. Lead female vocalist, the beautiful Julie
Nugent, has been trained vocally and theatrically, and possessed the sound
and energy to be one of the top female vocalists around. This dynamic duo
is backed by Roger Bueno (bass guitar, vocals), Keith Janes (drums,
percussion) and for certain events, horns and dancers.
Gino JaVierre, male vocalist and leader of Forte, is also and accomplished
guitarist in his own right, who has played and recorded with various major
artists from Tom Petty to Dizzy Gillespie, as well as producing and
arranging. Along with his original signature sound, Gino is known for
incredible authenticity when covering classic guitar-oriented songs.
Learning the classics on the violin at an early age and receiving awards
and scholarships won him a seat with the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic
Orchestra. However, his love for the rock/pop music took him out of the
orchestra pit to studying guitar intensely for the next few years. Playing
with a greater variety of musicians drew Gino to the piano to expand his
compositional scope. This versatility as a multi-instrumentalist is vital
to the Forte sound.
Julie Nugent supplies Forte its distinct sound with her tremendous vocal
range. Once you've heard her go beyond stylistic boundaries, her years of
vocal and dance training become evident, but just as important her intense
energy and rapport with the audience. With Forte, she has built up a fan
base that makes their presence known at their shows.
Roger Bueno: A master of the electric bass, this consummate musician
creates pulsating bass tones that propel the band's rhythmic intensity.
This world-class bassist is fun to watch even when laying down a serious
groove. Having graduated from the University of Miami, Roger has immersed
himself in playing and recording with various artists for Capitol Records,
Blue Note, and Universal Records.
Keith Jones: The heartbeat of the band comes with 15 years of professional
experience playing with notable artists such as the Temptations, Dwight
Yoakum, the Neville Brothers, and members of Lynard Skynard. As a graduate
from the Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood, Keith also stays
busy doing drum clinics and seminars in Southern California. On and off
stage, this is one drummer who possesses an energetic and outgoing
personality that's infectious to audiences.
However impressive the individual credits and experience, it is Forte's
vibrant and audience-winning style of entertainment that has resulted in
much favorable response and repeat engagements. Their growing mailing list
keeps their fans informed of their appearances on a monthly basis.
The following is a sample of Forte's performance references:
Resorts/Casinos/Hotels:
Disney Hotel, Loew's Coronado Bay, Commerce Casino, Spotlight 29 Casino,
Oasis Resort, Sheraton Hotel, Lake Arrowhead Resort, Doubletree Hotel,
Swiss Park
City Parks & Recreation
Temple City, Buena Park, Fountain Valley, Chino, Ventura, West Covina,
Baldwin Park, Hacienda Heights, Rancho Cucamonga
Company & Corporate Events
Bank of America, Cool Fuel, Home Savings of America, Darnell Health Care,
Doctor's Hospital of West Covina, McDonald's Corporate, Ontario Downtown
Association, Washington Mutual, Allen Avenue School District