TRIFECTA

Norm Arslan

Guitar and Vocals

NORM ARSLAN is a Bay Area native who started out playing jazz and classical trumpet as a boy. For the past 50 years he has studied rock, jazz, and blues with a number of teachers, including Tuck Andress (of Tuck and Patty), Bill Schray (Gelb Music), Barry Namm (Berklee School of Music), and Jerry Beltran (Barrelhouse). For 8 years, he has also attended the California Coast Music Camp. In 1989 he led the effort to gather together several experienced musicians and create a band. After moving to Sebastopol in 2020, he started a new band with several local, talented musicians. In addition, over the past 6 years he has also gone solo, both playing and singing swing tunes from the 30’s–50’s. He continues to study lead and rhythm guitar, as well as lead and vocal harmonies.

Michael Aldrich

Percussion (Congas and Bongos)

MICHAEL ALDRICH received his first Ludwig drum set in 1965 denoting his start in the world of music. He played in a variety of bands for school events and parties until he joined the Air Force. Post an honorable discharge in 1972 Michael switched from kit drums to the Congas and Bongos to pursue music once again. He played in a number of bands for gigs in small venues in his home town of Santa Barbara. For the past 8 years Michael has played for bands in Northern California including over a year touring with the Stevie Cornell Group in California and Nevada.

Ken Hower

Keyboard and Vocals

KEN HOWER is a Sonoma County native who started playing classical and jazz trumpet as a boy, performing in concert and jazz bands from middle school through SRJC. Using his ability to read music, Ken started learning how to play piano first with basic piano course books and eventually playing along with music on a.m. radio. Ken has played in a light rock band from 1979 through the late 80’s, a blues/dance band from 2000-2010, and a rock band from 2010-2013. He joined The Retrofits in early 2023, continuing to expand his skills on keyboard and vocals.