Jumpstreet Band Member Bios
Krista LaForte (Lead vocal)
With an extensive background in theater, voice and dance, the captivating Krista brings a wonderful presence to the stage. Presently working with the theater group "Anna Smulowitz Productions" of Newburyport, MA, she has performed most recently in "Godspell" and "The King and I," and worked behind-the-scenes as costume director. An admirably versatile singer, Krista is also a vocal soloist at Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport, where she is assistant director of the children's choir.
Mike Ruggelo (Drums, Lead vocal)
Mike is the founding member of "Jumpstreet" and has studied with legendary drummers Alan Dawson (Dave Brubek, Lionell Hampton, Oscar Peterson), Bob Moses (Patmetheny) and Dave Mattacks (Paul McCartney, Elton John, George Harrison, Jethro Tull). He has performed with various bands and artists over the years including Chubby Checker, The Coasters, The Marvelettes, The Chiffons, and The Drifters. Mike has also appeared with Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Fifth Dimension, Boston Music Awards winner Shirley Lewis, and Peter Calo (guitarist for Carly Simon and "Hall and Oates").
Raleigh Green (Guitar, vocal)
Raleigh is a guitar teacher, performing musician, and visual artist. He attended Boston's Berklee College of Music where he enjoyed private studies with Jon Damian, Mick Goodrick, Wayne Krantz and many other world-class musicians. Berklee also awarded Raleigh with the B.E.S.T. scholarship, the Quincy Jones Award, Professional Music Achievement Award, and graduated summa cum laude. Additionally, Raleigh holds a BFA from the University of Missouri with a focus in watercolor painting and computer-aided multimedia. Raleigh is currently on the music faculty at Phillips Andover Academy in MA, and the National Guitar Workshop in CT. In 2008 Raleigh completed a guitar method book which is published by Alfred Publishing.
Joe Brogan (Tenor saxophone, Flute)
Active in the New England Jazz, Classical and Rock scene for more than 30 years. Joe holds a B.A. in Music from the Berklee College of Music, and an M.A. and C.A.G.S. from Boston State College. A noted adjudicator and clinician for music ensembles, Brogan has performed in 30 states and 4 countries, as well as on cruise ships, often combining performances with teaching clinics. He is currently the Director of Fine Arts in the Dedham Public Schools and Director of the Babson College Jazz Ensemble.
Joseph Brogan, Jr. (Trumpet, Flugelhorn)
Joe is the youngest member ever to perform with Jumpstreet. He is a virtuoso student currently attending the Berklee College of Music and is a past recipient of the Berklee World Scholarship. Before attending Berklee, Joe studied at the Hart School of Music and the University of Hartford. He is extremely active in the areas of Jazz, Rock and Blues. He is a current member of the Babson College Jazz Ensemble, and Dedham Hot 9 Big Band Jazz Ensemble. Joe Brogan, Jr., is also a past member of MDC All-Star Band and the New England Conservatory Youth Wind Ensemble.
Mark Retallack (Keyboards)
Mark holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical piano from Houghton College and has attended master classes with world-renowned concert pianists Anton Kuerti and Mia Chung. He has studied jazz piano with Charlie Banacos, Jeff Covel and Luciano Salvatiore. Mr. Retallack has been awarded Arts Council Grants for his Educational Seminar on Audio for Commercial and Industrial video. He has composed and produced music for National Video Studios NY, NY and written jingle music for AT&T and various local advertising agencies. He teaches piano and MIDI music production and has performed extensively in jazz trios and quartets.