Artist Spotlight: The Trip Performs at Anthology

Steve Fazio from Pasadena, CA, has performed worldwide as a guitarist for Danelectro. Steve Bonino, originally from New York, plays Bass and was one of the KIDS FROM C.A.P.E.R. during the ‘70s Saturday Morning TV show. Mike Lewis all the way from Mt. Vernon, IL, rocks hard on drums and has performed alongside Robert Plant and many others throughout his various tours to other countries. And guitarist Erik Johnson, coming from Glendora, CA, is the son of the Surfaris (WIPEOUT) guitarist. These four individuals make up the popularly energetic and crowd-pumping cover band, The Trip, and they will perform live during Collectively Redefined, An Anthology of Music & The Media on Friday, September 23, a unique event hosted by your friends at DiscoverSD.com, SignonSanDiego.com + Night&Day.

Join us for an evening of live music, free drinks, and interactive entertainment at Anthology, San Diego’s premier luxury supper club in Little Italy. RSVP now for the VIP cocktail reception with hosted Svedka cocktails from 9-10pm and no cover. Get details here.

In anticipation, we sat down with Steve Bonino to learn about The Trip’s sound and experience.

DSD: How did you guys all get together?

The Trip: The history of the current lineup for The Trip begins with Steve Fazio (guitar) and I (Steve Bonino, bass) branching off from a prior band we were in together called the Gypsy Beggars.  The new band launched about a decade ago with a new guitarist, Erik Johnson (current) and a different drummer. I met Erik at a club in Long Beach while he was performing with another band and invited him to join us, which he did.  Our current drummer, Mike Lewis has been with us for over two years and had previously subbed on many gigs with us.  We all thought he would be a great fit and were very happy when he consented to join us.

DSD: What’s the story behind the name, The Trip?

The Trip: I think Erik coined it at a band meeting.  It seemed short and to the point...Let us take you on a musical "Trip" kind of thing.

DSD: What genre of music do you cover?

The Trip: Rock.

DSD: During a live performance, how do you interact with the crowd?

The Trip: We are a very nice bunch of professionals who thrive on doing a good job for our clients.  Interestingly, we all thrive on the crowds.  The energy they give and we give back makes for an exciting experience hopefully for all involved.

DSD: What is the biggest gig you’ve played?

The Trip: We haven't played the Forum yet, but our big gigs come at corporate functions where the attendees number in the thousands.  I don't recall our first off hand, but I do remember over four thousand at a Microsoft event that was held in San Diego by the ocean.

DSD: Where do you guys typically perform year-round?

The Trip: We have performed at Petco Park, the USS Midway, Disneyland, House Of Blues Hollywood, Dodger Stadium, Pasadena Convention Center, Anaheim Convention Center, The Grove - Anaheim, Del Mar Fairgrounds - San Diego, Queen Mary - Long Beach, The Canyon Club in Augura Hills, Birch Aquarium - San Diego, Aquarium Of The Pacific -Long Beach, The Gaslamp District – San Diego, Old Town - San Diego, San Diego Polo Club, Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Marathon, MCAS Miramar, Camp Pendleton Marine Base - San Diego, The El Cortez Historic Hotel - San Diego, Lemoore Naval Air Station, The Pebble Beach Beach Club - Carmel, Balboa Bay Club - Newport Beach, Hotel Del - Coronado, Loyola Marymount University - Los Angeles, Four Seasons Hotel - Santa Barbara, Orange County Fairgrounds - Costa Mesa, several casinos, many top hotels as well as many night clubs.

DSD: Where is your favorite place to play?

The Trip: Anthology, of course!  Actually, I can't think of any place we don't enjoy performing.

DiscoverSD.com, SignonSanDiego.com + Night&Day Present Collectively Redefined: An Anthology of Music & The Media at Anthology on Friday, September 23, featuring a live performance by The Trip. RSVP now for no cover from 9-10pm and to enjoy our hosted cocktail hour featuring Svedka Vodka. Get more details here.