We’re five guys that met, one way or another at Sue & Jerry’s Farmer’s Market in Oracle Az. One thing led to another, now we’re playing in the Oracle, San Manuel, Catalina & Oro Valley Arizona area. We also play the Spirit Room in Jerome Arizona and the 10-12 Lounge in Clarkdale Arizona every six months. Keep track of where we’re playing next on our handy-dandy gig calendar.
Interested in booking us? Send us a note via our Contact page and we’ll get back to you real quick!
HMBB Bio’s
Frank Martinez – Elder Sage – Guitar/Vocals
Frank’s family has been playing music for decades in the Catalina & Oracle area. His Grandfather played in a band as well as his son, Sonny with his brother David. Many folks remember the “Six-Teens” playing music in the mid to late sixties. Frank began playing a few chords after being shown three of them by his Father, Sonny. His Dad said, you get to where you can play those chords well, (C, F & G) then I will show you a few more. Well, one thing led to another and soon word got around that not only could Frank Martinez play the guitar, but the guy could also sing as well! At that time, a band called “Open Range” was playing at the Lariat in Catalina. One evening, the band asked Frank to get up and sing a tune. Frank was inducted into the Open Range band and began singing and playing with the band for a while. Frank started a new band called “Haywire” and played at the Lariat in Catalina for quite a while.
Frank related one of his proudest moments was playing with the famous Walter Haynes. Walter is in the Pedal Steel Guitar Hall of Fame and had relocated to this area. He actually contacted Frank and asked if he could play some music with them.
Musical influences include Frank’s son Rocky and Merle Haggard.
Rocky Martinez – Lead Guitar/Vocals and our Sound & Electronics Guru
Rocky Martinez happens to be the youngest member of the Hold my Beer Band and Frank’s son. Frank has several, being prolific in such matters. At any rate, Rocky got started picking at the guitar at the age of 11 or 12 years old. Turns out, Rocky was a Rocker to begin with and played in the area for quite a while. He didn’t want to get into too many specifics, unlike SOME members of the band!
Musical influences include Merle Haggard, George Strait & the Mavericks.
Teddy – Drums
Ted Fernandez has been playing drums since he was nine years old. His first drum set consisted of his grandmother’s pots and pans, but he soon graduated to a full set of real drums. Born in the Bay area, he got his first paying job at age 15 while still in high school. Ted has been busy for much of his professional career as a drummer, from playing drums for Dick Clark’s American Bandstand to touring America and backing up Barbara Mandrell, Kris Kristofferson, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and many others!
To say we’re humbled to have Teddy decide he wouldn’t mind coming out of retirement at the age of 80 to play drums with our little band from Oracle.
Ron Chilston – Keyboards and backing vocals (when he remembers)
- Musical Influences: Elton John, Keith Emerson, Dr. John, Jon Lord, Sergei Rachmaninoff
- Ron has performed with Free Agent, (Wyoming early 80’s) and Kidd Sister (Phoenix 88 to early 90’s)
- Keyboard: Roland Juno DS88 & a 49 key Roland Go Piano
- Wishes: Larger hands and longer fingers!
- Enjoys: Long walks off of short piers
- Sports: Go Broncos!
Ron Chilston Bio
Ron began taking piano lessons in the early 60’s with his two younger sisters. The friendly sibling rivalry meant that all 3 children made sure they practiced the piano because they all wanted to be the best of the three! Ron played trombone in grade school, baritone in junior high then added the french horn, bass trumpet and tuba in high school. He was also the student conductor in high school band. Ron spent his post high school years working at the local newspaper in the job printing shop. A few years later, he enrolled in college, earning an AA in general Arts & Sciences. In the meantime, a band had been formed called “Free Agent” and this rocking quintet and sometimes quartet played in Wyoming.
Ron has been a printer, radio dj, dark room lab rat at a custom photo lab in Phoenix as well as a customer service manager and ultimately sales manager. After moving to Phoenix, a new band was formed with his former lead singer from Wyoming who had moved to Scottsdale. The Band “Kidd Sister” soon began performing at venues in the valley for a number of years. Ron was also involved with 3-dimensional lenticular graphics as well as helping to develop an early web application idea whereby professional photographers could showcase and sell their work in private galleries with a username/password given to their clients at a corporate event or wedding.
Ron is currently getting his piano playing chops back after having surgery on his left “Boogie Woogie” thumb in 2020. He’s actively practicing and learning new country tunes while inserting an appropriate instrument on the Roland DS88. He also still builds and maintains websites for a number of clients.
His photography can be seen and purchased online at https://jeromephotos.com.
