
Vocals, Guitar, Ukulele, Harmonica
Sam Sims performs on guitar, ukulele and harmonica, incorporating folk-rock and island influences, to create his own acoustic soul/pop sound. Many of Sam's original compositions have a laid-back feel inspired by nature.
Sam has shared stages with respected acts such as Willie Nile (who frequently plays with Bruce Springsteen), Steve Forbert, The Beach Boys and Rob Machado (surfer extraordinaire). Sam Sims Band opened for Bob Marley’s legendary band, The Wailers in 2014 and 2015.
Sam's songs have been licensed and featured on prime-time television shows, and the music is featured on radio stations globally.
Sam has performed at the NAMM show, showcased at venues during the Sundance Film Festival and played on The Mountain Morning Show, Park City, UT. Additionally, he has performed at variety of venues in locations including: New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Hawaii, California, Utah, Washington DC, Texas, Nicaragua, Tobago, and Costa Rica. In March 2019, he performed at the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival in Mexico. Sam has performed at events such as Film One Festival, Rock the Farm, and The NJ QuickChek Festival of Ballooning.
Sam has volunteered in the United States and Nicaragua with organizations such as the Surfrider Foundation, Clean Ocean Action, Mary's Place and the CFC Loud N Clear Foundation.
Some of Sam’s musical influences include Van Morrison, David Gray, Jim Croce, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. Sam’s personal interests include swimming, yoga, surfing, SUP and meditation.
Lead Guitar
Kyle Ward is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who started playing guitar at eight and drums shortly thereafter. He recently graduated from Berklee College of Music and has been lead guitarist for award winning bands along the New Jersey Shore. His band Ardvark Smile won the "Rock-to-the-Top" Contest at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park after beating out 100 other groups and selling out their headlining show at the venue. Kyle is also the lead guitarist for renowned groups such as the WimBash-All Stars.
Congas, Tumba, Bongos, Djembe, Timbales, Clave, Cabasa, Tambourine, Cow Bells, Shakers, Chimes, Kalimbas, Cajon, Turkish Drum, Guiro, Drum Kit
GENRES: Blues, Classic Rock, Folk, Reggae, Island, Funk, Hard Rock, Latin, R&B, Latin Jazz, Smooth Jazz and Soul
CAREER: Dimitris began his musical journey at age twelve, learning to play drums inspired by teen friend Tico Torres of Bon Jovi. His passion to play hand percussion came later in life inspired by Shelia E. of Prince. Dimitris has performed with musicians of multiple genres, and has performed internationally with colleges, cruise ships and land excursions. His performances have sailed him through the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Aegean, and Ionian Seas.
Dimitris has worked as a studio percussionist and drummer with many artists. He has performed with over 400+ musicians and bands and is the percussion player and backing singer for the Sam Sims Band (which includes the multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter Sam Sims and guitar virtuoso Kyle Ward). Dimitris has played music internationally in numerous countries. He has performed at the NAMM show, and opened for the Legendary Wailers as well as The Beach Boys with the Sam Sims Band.
OUTREACH: Dimitris, is a member of various non profit organizations; the Count Basie Theater, and Musicians on a Mission. Furthermore, he has helped the Monmouth County Arts Council, Joan Dancy & PALS (People with ALS) Foundation, Light-of-Day Foundation, Mary's Place, CFC Loud N Clear Foundation, Monmouth Cultural Center, Sandy Hook Concert Series, Film One Festival, Highlands Clam Festival, and Monmouth University Fundraiser For Humane Society of Tinton Falls.
MUSICAL INFLUENCES: Acoustic Alchemy, Arturo Fuerte, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Crosby Stills and Nash, The Eagles, Four Play, Gypsy King, James Taylor, Joe Cocker, Journey, Kenny G, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, Rodriquez, Santana, Greek Artista-Natassa Theodoridou, Shelia E, Spiro Gyro, Stevie Wonder, Train, Yanni, Jack Johnson, David Gray, ZZ Top and ZAZ.
PERSONAL LIFE: Dimitris enjoys weight lifting, biking, paddle boarding and traveling to places where he finds inspiration (such as the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Italia and the Greek isles). He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, family, and friends. While playing music, Dimitris was a banker in his past career. His love for music and percussion spans a lifetime.
Bass Guitar
Aaron plays bass guitar, regular guitar, drums, and also sings vocals. He specializes in 80's and 90's music, but is extremely versatile in most genres.
Genres: Grunge, Psychedelic Rock, Club Rock, Acoustic, reggae
Influences: The Doors, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Days of the New, Faith No More, Gaslight Anthem, Alice in Chains, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, Chris Cornell, Victor Wooten
Musical Groups & Experience: Bassist of Sam Sims Band, Taylor Tote Band, and Omega Train, EMW. Lead singer of Woodfish. Also a guest performer with Moroccan Sheepherders and Carnival Dogs.
Aaron has also appeared on the First Downtown All Stars of Red Bank album "Bright Lights on Broad Street" and is being featured on the upcoming album "Magic on the Navesink". At a young age, Aaron has performed at a surprising number of venues across the United States as well as internationally. Aaron has performed twice at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California. He has also appeared on HGTV, and has opened for The Beach Boys with the Sam Sims Band.
Drums, Percussion
Pongsapak was born and raised in Chiang Mai, Thailand and has been playing drums since the age of fourteen. He learned to play the drums through worship music at church and blues gigs at local bars in his hometown. Pongsapak has been part of a variety of groups ranging from full orchestras to small fusion-jazz combos. His experience in his early years of performance has inspired him to pursue an education in Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee College of Music. During his time at college, Pongsapak worked as a studio drummer for many of the local artists and performed at Boston Symphony Hall. He currently lives in New Jersey, enjoying his life with musicians and friends through his love of music. In his free time, he explores the world taking pictures and writing songs to document his travels. His influences include Radiohead, Fela Kuti, Led Zeppelin, Tony Williams, The Kinks and many more.