The North 40 is Country that Rocks!
We're a six-piece, high energy country band featuring male and female lead vocalists and all live instrumentation including pedal steel. We cover classic to contemporary country and classic rock including artists such as Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, Toby Keith, The Mavericks, Tanya Tucker, Trisha Yearwood, Linda Ronstadt, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Doobies, Tom Petty, and many more!
Whether dancing, line dancing or just listening, we make sure everyone has a great time!
THE BAND
Mark Battle:
Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Mark grew up in Prairie Village Kansas and started playing guitar after seeing a Tommy James and the Shondells concert on TV. He moved to Florida in 1981 and has played professionally ever since. Over the years he has played many styles including Rock, Funk, Disco, Reggae, Soca, Blues and Country. Mark has backed singers from The Temptations, The Drifters, The Platters and The Sherrell's, as well as two national Elvis tributes. He has opened for Mark Chesnutt, Darrel Worley, Jake Owens, Trace Adkins and others...
Sylvia Zanelli Simon:
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Sylvia started singing at the age of 4 and never stopped. Since relocating from Houston, Texas in 1985 she has performed throughout South Florida as lead vocalist from duos to small orchestras entertaining at private and corporate events including the Kravis Center, opening for Restless Heart and a private event for Celine Dion. In addition to live performance, her 3.5 octave range and excellent ear for harmony have enabled her to record on various projects in studios from Criteria Studios in Miami to Echo Beach and other local studios in Jupiter.
Jeff Rothstein:
Vocals, Bass
Jeff hails from New York and began playing bass in high school. He attended the University of Miami where he received a BA in Music. Jeff has played in several bands since then including a twelve-year stint in a wedding and function band in Boston, MA.
Jim Felicio:
Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar
Jim was born into a musical family and began playing the trumpet in elementary school and through college continuing the tradition of his father, grandfather and great grandfather who all played the trumpet in popular big bands, vaudeville acts and concert music orchestras of their time. His music path branched off through the British invasion, classic rock, country rock and traditional country music on the pedal steel and electric guitars and his varied musical influences make him a perfect fit for our style of country that rocks!
Jonathan Washam:
Keyboards, Vocals
Although born in California, Jonathan grew up moving from one Air Force base to another and spent most of his summers in west Texas. He went to high school in Merritt Island, FL which he considers his hometown. One of the newest member of The North 40, Jonathan plays the piano & organ and provides vocal backup. He also plays guitar, accordion, trumpet and a number of other brass instruments. Jonathan has played with the Eddy Street Band (which opened for the Neville Brothers), No Agenda, Raised Higher Band, Rolling in the Deep (Adele tribute band) and The Long Run (premier Eagles tribute band). He has also played in several orchestras, was actively involved in leading the contemporary music ministry at his church and has written a collection of songs for youth-oriented church services.
Keith Tillman:
Drums, Vocals
Keith began playing country and western music in high school with his family in and around Okeechobee. He went on to play with several Rock bands and prominent Top 40 and Show Bands in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area which led to traveling all over Florida and the Southeast US. After extensive travel, Keith reunited with his brother in West Palm Beach to play in a country and western band and permanently settled in Palm Beach County.
Keith played in the Calhoun Band and Border T at numerous local clubs and events. He also played with or opened for several well known country artists including Jerry Reed, Bobby Bare, Penny DeHaven Shoji Tabuchi, Mel Tillis, Gene Watson, Johnny Paycheck and even played drums for the legendary Johnny Cash in West Palm Beach. Keith was all too happy to join The North 40 and once again play the quality classic country music that has been a connecting thread through his entire musical career.