Signify

In 2004, the rock scene in New York was changed forever. Signify was born. Dawnette Darden's frankenstein-like creation of the best musicians New York had to offer.

Darden, dubbed 'the miniature Tina Turner' after her incredible voice and style, had previously toured throughout Europe and North America as a member of numerous different musical acts. After years of doing this, she finally realized that what she really craved was a band of her own. As a result, Dawnette took it upon herself to recruit the most outstanding musicians she could find with intentions of creating a musical masterpiece.

The most notable example of the dazzling caliber of talent Signify brings to the table is Lead Guitarist Jimmy Gallagher. Gallagher, who has won three state wide guitar titles and who has been presented with two coveted performances at Carnegie Hall, is currently featured as the lead guitar player for the legendary southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. In addition, Jimmy has also been sought after by select members of Blue Oyster Cult, Sting, Alice Cooper, The Stones, Billy Joel, Santana, Steely Dan, Grateful Dead, Pete Best, Ray Charles, Beach Boys, Carly Simon, and Blues Brothers. Watching Jimmy's performance on stage is dynamic, electric and mesmerizing. You can hear influences of Steve Ray Vaughn and Steve Gains blended in with Jimmys unique blistering speed and nuances.

Next was Signify's bandit on the bass, Jay Rivera. Jay is an elite veteran of the world stage. He has performed in front of crowds of up to 100,000 people in stadiums and forums across the country. Rivera has also opened, and performed as a guest, for some of the greatest southern rock bands ever, such as Saga, Lynrd Skynrd, Molly Hatchet and Charlie Daniels. In addition, Jay has enjoyed many recording sessions with the worlds top musical acts, such as Anita Ward and Funkadellic. Now, as a member of Signify, Rivera's soulful touch adds many new dimensions to the group’s energetic grooves and versatility.

Signify's newest member, drummer Dave Giacone, holds down the rhythm for this stellar group of elite musicians. The tandom of Rivera and Giacone, who seemingly never miss a beat together, may be one of the best bass/drum combos in the state of New York. Giacone, who prides himself on being a fulltime musician, has played with a vast number of bands in his day. These influences and experiences have shaped him into the accurate, precise, and versitile musician he is today.

The perfect compliment to Signify's drummer, Dave Giacone, is percussionist Chris Casper. Casper infuses the sounds of the tambourine, congas, maracas, and other instruments into the bands mixed repertoire of Caribbean and Latin music. However Casper's value stretches far beyond what he does as a percussionist. Acting as Signify's "utility" man, Casper substitutes from time to time on the drums and keyboard, and most importantly, he supports Dawnette Darden by delivering smooth backup vocals to provide the audience with the full effect of Signify's unique sound.

Last, but certainly not least, is Gary Quenqua (AKA Gary Q) on the keys. The talented Long Island native has a variety of musical influences to his credit. Gary Q began as a drummer in his teens, he soon felt the need to expand his musical knowledge by learning both guitar and keyboards before he was 18 years old. Gary graduated with a BA degree in Musical Composition from Fordam University and he has played with a number of bands over his day. Gary considers his main influences to be Weather Report, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Peter Erskine, Jaco Pastorius, Keith Jarrett and Brian Auger. As the designated musical director for Signify, Gary is able to focus on tightening up the performance of the band making each show better than the one before it.

After months of scouting and recruiting, Dawnette Darden's masterpiece was finally in place. She immediately fell in love with this musical allstar team she had assembled, and was quick to infuse her natural songwriting ability, outstanding voice, and superior stage presence and personality into the cohesive unit who now call themselves, SIGNIFY.