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The Red Riders have been playing jump blues and swing music since January 1999.Vintage sounds of the 40's and 50's classics come to life with their renditions of hot energetic swing and smooth R&B ballads.Since that time they've played such dates as the Democratic National Convention in Boston 2004, many balls at Tuckerman Hall, fundraisers at the Worcester Art Museum, a dance at Arlington Town Hall for over 300 "swing invader kids"and the National Harley Davidson Rally on Shrewsbury Street. Getting their start at weekly swing dances at Gilrein's, and now working with Alan of Dance2Swing Studios at numerous big, full and fun dance halls all over the area,not to mention numerous weddings, club dates, private parties and club dates.

They placed in the Pheonix Readers Poll two years in a row and in the Wormtown Sound Awards 2003 and 2004. Their latest CD "Swing Baby!" received an extremely flattering review from Scott McLennan from The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.This new CD along with their previous recordings"Everybody Jump" and "Jumping For Joy"can be heard regularly on local radio stations such as, New England's Jazz Station WICN 90.5FM and WCUW 91.3FM.
They've also shared the stage and earned the respect of industry giants, Duke Robillard, Kim Wilson, Little Charlie and The Nightcats, James Harmon, The Dirty Dozen, Toni Lynn Washington and Roomful of Blues.

Their 13 song CD, "Swing Baby!" was recorded
with engineer, and legendary trumpet player and Berklee professor Jerry Seeco.

The band consists of Tyra Penn vocalist, Dan Hunt guitarist,
Ririka Masuda saxophonist, Gail Hunt bassist, Hiro Tokushige on trumpet,
Neal McNanna on baritone sax, and Rick Petrilli on drums Joe Zupan on percussion and Kevin Aucoin on saxophone in Ririka's absence

Ririka Masuda is a Berklee College of Music graduate of 1996. Playing the saxophone for over 20 years, in addition to the clarinet and flute, she has studied under such greats as Joe Viola, George Garzone, Billy Pierce, Herb Pomeroy, Ben Schwedener and George Russell. Whether playing out or teaching, people are always amazed at her great tone and inventive solos. Ririka has been a tremendous asset to the band from the very first gig, and brought the band another asset, her husband Hiro on trumpet.
Ririka & Hiro recently had a baby boy, Amato that we named our CD, Swing Baby! after.

Hiro Tokushige has played trumpet for over 20 years. He has studied music at Berklee, majoring in performance and jazz composition. He studied there under Jeff Stout, Ken Cervenka and Greg Hopkins. He also plays valve trumbone. He is a consummate professional and Hiro and Ririka make a terrific horn section. Like his wife, music plays a big part in his life. Hiro's main interests are jazz and blues, but also has a degree in Economics and recently found a new love, baseball.

Dan Hunt has played guitar since the age of 11 and has studied with local legends such as Rich Falco, Joe D'Angelo and Peter Clemente. Playing out professionally for over 20 years in all sorts of musical fields, he finds swing to be the most fun and creative. Dan is also a Luthier, and has built his own guitar, and does repairs in his spare time.

Also available for guitar lessons in the styles of swing, jazz, blues, folk, rock and country. Contact Dan at
Clemente Music
43 Granite Street, Worcester
clemente-music.com 508-754-7319

Native Massachusettsian Tyra Penn got her professional start singing on the gay-bar/cabaret scene in Chicago, and now sings around New England with two eponymous jazz quartets (featuring Sai Ghose on piano and Paul Courchaine on guitar, respectively) and the Paul Combs Pocket Big Band in addition to The Red Riders. Her powerful vocals are a great match with the lively jump blues outfit. Tyra is also the jazz coordinator and morning DJ on WICN 90.5FM.

Gail Hunt has been playing music all of her life.She picked up the bass in the fall of 1998 and was playing out professionally only months later. With a background in guitar and piano, the bass seemed a natural step. She attempts to book this band, and her other band Jubilee Gardens, along with being secretary, treasurer, and band-mama to both outfits. Gail also designed this website with the help of Dan and special thanks to his brother Steve for technical support and all his help.

Joe Zupan moved to New England only a couple of years ago from the Left Coast and had already made quite a name for himself. Joe moved from drums to percussion instruments, figuring he's be bringing less stuff to gigs. Well his set up has grown, and he has more to set up than anyone- funny. He adds great flavor to gigs he can make. He & Rick plays great together. Joe is also the percussionist with Jubilee Gardens, and eclectic mix of original rock and folk. Joe also plays drums with a jazz trio called Take Two Trio. He is also a jazz DJ on New England's jazz station WICN 90.5FM.

Neal McNanna is recently back from playing and living in Spain where he performed with the Drifters. He also currently plays with many bands, including the Worcester Jazz Orchestra. His baritone saxaphone parts and entertaining solos add a great presence to the group. He also has a magical wrist when it comes to persussion instruments such as the snake. He is loads of fun on stage and off. And his beautiful wife Pia is our top CD saleswoman.

Rick Petrilli has been playing drums since he was a kid. Surrounded by music in his early years with his father Al Petrilli, being a professional jazz guitarist, and teacher, music just came natural.
Rick adds a terrific big band an jazz feel to the band's rhythm section. We're thrilled to have him. You can also catch Rick play frequently with bassist Ken Steiner, Dave Birkin & The Hot Shots, JohnnyWalker & Stingy Brim and Dave Hughes & The Alley Cats.