Average Joe is a Chicago area rock band made up of longtime, devoted veterans of the Midwest U.S. music scene. Coming together in 2001 and comprised of singer-songwriters, recording artists and studio musicians - many of whom have previously performed together - Average Joe now plays a FUN eclectic blend of contemporary, classic and original rock.

Catch us Summertime at Chicagoland festivals and lakeside establishments throughout the midwest. During the rest of the year, catch them at many of Chicago's functions and fine clubs.

Come out and party with Joe ! ! !

Tom Quinlan, Guitars, Lead and Background Vocals, Percussion, Keys

Tom brought his incredible musical skills to Average Joe in 2002

Tom has been working as a professional musician in the Chicago area for 20 years both as a recording artist and songwriter.  Primarily a guitarist and vocalist, he has performed with several bands including Sabre, Crystal, Stillwater, Cooler Near the Lake and others and performed on numerous commercially released recordings.  While currently performing with Average Joe, he is also writing and recording for "Uncharted" who released their first CD in Fall in 2001.  Tom has recorded as a session player for many of Chicago’s finest musical acts over the years.  He is a co-owner of HolloWood Media,Inc. a Chicago-land record company, studio and publishing company that focuses on promoting, recording and producing local talent.

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Jim Petti , Bass Guitars, Background Vocals

Jim is a 20 plus year veteran of many local rock band favorites including Mistaken Identity. An outstanding bassist, Jim also adds awesome lead and harmony vocals to the Joe sound. Average Joe welcomed Jim to the band during 2008.

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Andy Banathy, Keyboards

Andy joined Average Joe in 2003. In addition to having performed in the past bands with Q and Mike he has performed it all: Classical, Rock, Country, Big Band, Jazz Fusion, Southern Rock & Top 40. He has made numerous appearances at Milwaukee Summer Fest, Wisconsin State Fair, local clubs, and festivals.

Andy started playing classical music at age 8, winning technical competitions 3 times. Feeling the need to perform contemporary music, Andy studied at the prestigious Allen Swain studios learning improvisational skills and reading charts. While attending Marquette University Engineering, he also studied at Milwaukee Jazz Conservatory, honing his licks. Andy and Tom started playing together as members of their very first garage band as mere teeagers and have been in a variety of music projects together for over 20 years along with drummer Mike. Andy brings depth and versatility to Average Joe. He also carves a mean turkey...

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John Biordi, Lead and Background vocals, Guitars.

John co-founded Average Joe with Gino in 2001.

His musical past includes being a cofounder of Midwest recording artist, Phoenix, who performed extensively throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest through the 80’s and 90’s. As member of Phoenix, John opened for and performed with a multitude of Midwest stars such as Commander Cody, Corky Seagal, Heartsfield and Jump in the Saddle band. John, a singer, songwriter and guitarist has written, recorded and performed scores of original songs throughout his career and is currently (for the past many years...) continuing with recording projects..

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Cuz Patrick Sullivan, Vocals, drums, percussion, guitar

After spending much of the time in 2003 helping the band run sound, transporting equipment, fixing stuff and providing a multitude of additional greatly appreciated (and needed) aid to the band...Cuz dusted off his drums during the winter of 2003-2004 when the band was suddenly in need of a drummer. After knocking off the rust that long winter be began filling in for gigs during the summer of 2004. Cuz performed with excellence and has been a permanent Joe member ever since contributing lead and backround vocals, percussion, guitar and drums.

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Gino Fontana, drums, percussion, guitar, vocals

Gino co-founded Average Joe in 2001 with John. Gino left band in 2003 to tour (with another band...), and a few years later took some time off for family obligations. Gino is now back as first string drummer of Average Joe. Welcome back Gino!

Gino has been playing drums since he was taught how to play Green Onions at age 6 by his father (as legend has it) and has had a long and successful drumming career performing with many Chicagoland's top acts.

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Mike Thompson, Drums, vocals, percussion, guitar.

Mike joined the Average Joe line-up as the band's drummer in late 2004-2010, departing from the first string to focus on his other performing acts including Mistaken Identity (MID). Once a Joe always a Joe, Mike continues to fill-in at drums with AJB when possible.

Mike began drumming in grade school because it was the loudest instrument he could think of. Surprisingly, with much family support, Mike studied drums and percussion under several top Chicago area musicians while playing with the local rock band 'Black Amber'. In Milwaukee, Mike's musical adventures
continued as founding member of pop-smash 'Sector Q' and classic rock sensation 'Homegrown' (with fellow Ave. Joe band mate Andy Banathy). Closer to home, Mike has been kicking it out with Chicago recording artist 'Mistaken Identity' for the past 20 years. One of his greatest thrills was opening for the classic rock band "Chicago" on four occasions, including sold-out performances at the Rosemont Theater and the Star Plaza in Merrillville.

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