DOCK Holiday Band Members:
Stark Willow
Lead Vocalist
Many ask who is Stark Willow...? The powerhouse frontwoman of Dock Holiday, delivering raw vocals and undeniable stage presence that demand attention. A lifelong performer, channeling her drive into music and live performance. Her background in Performance and theatre fuels her energy on stage, making every show a full-body experience for both her and the crowd. Known for her versatility and edge, she’s built a reputation as a vocalist who can command any stage and elevate any lineup. With Dock Holiday, Stark Willow brings it all together—gritty vocals, fearless performance, and a passion for live music that leaves audiences buzzing long after the last note.
W
Lead Guitarist/ Songwriter
Since and very early age W heard music in his head. To the point where writing songs was an everyday occurrence. Growing up in awe of other musicians he was a late bloomer to learning an instrument. “Music was an obsession but more from a fan standpoint at first. I remember thinking these friends’ bands I would support must have thought I was a weirdo. I just loved the idea of being in and playing a band.” He adds.
“Ever since I was a kid, I was obsessed with music.”
His early influences like most musicians were the Beatles and progressed to The Who. “Pete Townsend remains a huge influence on my writing to this day. Then Van Halen, Rush, and finally The Police who were so impactful that it changed my entire writing style.”
He explains his progression musically.
“I had been playing in various bands, but I could never get the right configuration. At that point I was playing guitar but switched to Bass to find a band quicker. I set out to learn most of the Police’s catalog. I didn’t realize that in general I was acquiring the dexterity to play Jazz and Reggae melodies. By learning each song, my entire playing and writing style changed the way I approach any instrument to this day. It has more to do with feel rather than technical ability.” He laughs.
“This is why the DOCK Holiday sound is so unique.”
Neil "NEILIO" DeRiggi
Saxophone / Background Vocals
Neil DeRiggi is a stellar Saxophone player and has been playing professionally since he was a teenager. His style is influenced by: Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Clarence Clemens, and Raphael Ravencroft. Neil is an integral part of the Dock Holiday twitch and Swingle sound!"
Anthony "TONES" Colonna
Bass Player "Tugger"
Thinking back, I realize that it's been a pretty long road traveled with the one and only band that I've actually been a member of--Indulgent Lucie which later became DOCK Holiday..
I found myself sharing a house in Kings Park, with drummer John Scinta, friend and one of the original founding members of the IL band. I had no musical background, never played an instrument other than a tambourine and the plastic flute like thing they call a recorder. I quickly realized that if I'm going to survive living in this house with John and his double kick
Pearl drum set, I'd better start making my own noise or resign to spending the evenings with sound deadening earmuffs on my head while he pounded away in the basement. All I could do is watch the plates rattle in the kitchen.
John’s brother Mark used to stop over with his guitar and play through the giant Peavey stack mostly whatever Led Zeppelin song he knew.
"Come on Tony, get a bass so we can jam on stuff"
John would repeatedly say.
Sam Ash, a local music store, had a sale, just under two hundred bucks later I'm finally holding my very first real instrument--a Gibson Epiphone bass guitar. The only problem was I hadn’t a clue how to play it or how it was going to affect my life.
No sooner could I say "Bass lesson", and who shows up at my front door? Walter Willems along with Sandy Iverson, who I remembered from high school. The way I remember it, it went something like this:
"I heard that Tony plays bass. Sandy sings, and I think we should start a band."
Just like that, I found myself in an original act."
Walt at the helm with his Ibanez ax, Sandy on the mic, John, fully armed and ready to pound his drums. My only problem, I was a lefty trying to figure out my righty bass.
I suppose the "originals" part came from the fact that in the beginning, we could not play any cover songs. I was not much help with that either but Walt had some bass playing
background, and a boatload of patience. He began to instruct me on what to do with the bass now firmly hanging from the strap off my right shoulder. Things were now much different.
This is by no means a typical story you would hear from most musicians on how they ended up in in a band. I guess it is safe to say that Walter Willems has been one of my greatest influences in music and a rather large factor in what ended up influencing my style of playing. These days, I write my own bass lines.
Walt still breaks out the cattle prod on occasion to give me and our current band mate’s direction.
John "Johnny" Ludwig
Drums and Percussion
It's no surprise John Ludwig wound up playing drums, given his famous drum manufacturer last name. However, he actually started his musical journey playing the clarinet in the school band.
Yet, he had a deep seeded passion to play the drums which was heavily influenced when his father played his large collection of swing jazz records while growing up.
“The music would be blasting on the home stereo most weekends.” says John fondly. “I think it’s no surprise that my early influences
included jazz drummers: Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich.” Later more contemporary influences included Phil Collins and Stewart Copeland.
John started taking private drum lessons at age 14. These lessons proved valuable. A natural style of playing emerged—one that was jazz based and intricate.
“Before joining DOCK Holiday, I played in several original rock bands including: WedgeMusic, Back 2 Back, and Phoenician Minds.”
John is also a skilled drum teacher “I value the process of teaching and find it to be a very rewarding experience especially with beginning students.” He says confidently.
“To this day I love writing out drum music charts to my favorite songs just for fun.”