Founded by Larry Maligie in 2012 Esplanade Band is nothing but fun and quality!! They play hit after hit from the late 70’s and 80’s that you can’t help but dance and sing out loud with! All hit songs you know and love! Inspirations from bands like Journey, Blondie, Pat Benatar, The Police, Bon Jovi, Heart, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Loverboy, Tom Petty, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Huey Lewis… Just to name a few..
Separated from other bands by their experience, quality of their full sound and layered vocals the multi-generational Chico group is fronted by Amy Widener as lead female vocalist. Born and raised Chico native Amy brings an unprecedented vocal range and diverse styling second to none. You’ll find Amy also performing acoustic originals and covers around town with her husband as “Amy and Luke”. And in this band everyone sings! On electric guitar and vocals lifelong multi-instrumental musician Bill Hammond brings his arrangement skills and helps the band in building awesome harmony layers. Bill has years of experience directing bands for live worship performances. His guitar sounds mirror those melodic and searing leads most familiar to the 80s songs you have come to love!
Lee Kremer picks up the bottom on bass and vocals. Lee brings extensive band experience and has been in many bands in Chico like Freeway, Chaser and The Rockhounds. Laying down the smooth 80’s grooves and vocals on drums Ron Relf also a long time Chico musician has played in Chico bands including Ralph Shine Blues Band, Chaser, Polkatz and also currently playing also with the Def Cats. Rounding out the full 80’s sound and bringing those spot-on, sweet 80’s keyboard tones and vocals to the band is Larry Maligie on keyboards. Another long time Chico musician Larry has played with fun bands like Indeed, The Rubberband, Chico Ska Orchestra, Urban Legend and Swamp Daddy.
Esplanade Band is an 80’s dance party experience from the first note until the last note with non-stop energy the whole night. It’s hard to sit still and not dance and sing when this band is in the house!