The players
The band
A Tribute to Billy Joel
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Doug Leax is the founder, pianist, and lead vocalist of PIANO MAN — A Tribute to Billy Joel. A lifelong musician and performer, Doug brings his love of Billy Joel’s music to the stage from behind the piano, capturing the energy, emotion, and storytelling that have made these songs timeless. As a Long Island musician, Billy Joel’s music has always had a special connection for Doug. Rather than trying to impersonate Billy Joel, his goal with PIANO MAN is to authentically celebrate the music — from the familiar hits to the deeper album cuts longtime fans love. Doug has performed throughout the New York area and beyond, both with PIANO MAN and alongside other tribute and live music projects. Whether performing with the full band or in the more intimate Piano Man Duo, he focuses on creating a show that connects with the audience and makes them part of the experience.
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Joe DeMaio; Born in Brooklyn and raised in Bellport New York with more than four and a half decades of experience playing a wide range of musical styles, this guitarist is excited to join a band paying tribute to the legendary music of Billy Joel. A lifelong passion for performance and musicianship shines through every note.
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Sal DeVitto is a powerhouse rock drummer and a staple of the New York music circuit, widely recognized for his heavy-hitting precision and deep-groove "pocket" playing. Carrying on a prominent musical legacy, Sal brings decades of high-caliber stage experience, an elite rock lineage, and an infectious energy to the rhythm section. For years, Sal served as the foundational backbone for Big Shot, the nation's premier Billy Joel tribute band fronted by Mike DelGuidice. Locking down major venues and concert halls, his performance style earned high praise for capturing the signature, aggressive "DeVitto feel" on the drums—a trademark groove pioneered by his brother, legendary longtime Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto. Sal is now currently recording with the band, Seven Is The Man.
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Paul O’Dell began his musical journey at the age of eight on upright bass, later expanding into electric bass and a wide range of styles. Cutting his teeth on local stages, he developed a strong live-performance foundation across rock, jazz, and fusion. Along the way, Paul studied with some of the most respected names in modern bass, including Victor Wooten, Bunny Brunel, and Mike Frost—an influence that shows in his tone, groove, and musical instincts.
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Chris Forte is a versatile multi-instrumentalist born in NYC and based in Port Jefferson, NY. He plays soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, as well as flute. His wide-ranging skills have led him to perform across numerous styles, including jazz, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, musical theater, R&B, and rock. Chris has performed at clubs, restaurants, wedding venues, theaters, and various live music events for over 40 years. He has also recorded saxophone and flute tracks for many vocalists.
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