WHO ARE WE?
Formed in 2021, the DD Band’s music was shaped by the advice of a seasoned musical sage in Pennsylvania. “Son, play music that women enjoy, and you’ll have a great fanbase,” he said. Following this guidance, the band incorporated unique tunes that few others do. As a result, they’ve garnered a dedicated following of dance enthusiasts who appreciate their commitment to creating fresh and evolving music. By listening to their audience and introducing new songs that cater to their interests, the band ensures that their product remains engaging and exciting.
The DD Band members are incredibly diverse, hailing from various musical genres, including Southern Rock, Classic Rock, Funk, Motown, and Country. Steve Killian, the guitarist, boasts a long history of playing Southern Rock and has opened for numerous national acts. His Allman Brothers-inspired contributions are spot-on. Lou Fasano, the drummer, comes from a jazz-oriented background and can deliver silky smooth drum performances. Tom Leyava (Tommy Ley), the keyboardist, has played in bands spanning Classic Rock to Disco. Gordon Smith, the bassist, has also played in various bands across different genres. Notably, Gordon is also proficient in playing the drums and guitar. Duane Damiani, the lead vocalist, has sung in bands that covered a wide range of genres, including Classic Rock, Country, R&B, Motown, Vocal Jazz, and Southern Rock. Through their collective experiences, the DD Band has forged a strong bond that is dedicated to creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere wherever they perform. For more information about the band, visit www.theddband.com.
Duane Damiani
Duane Damiani (Lead Singer)
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Duane has been the front man for various bands for many years from PA. to GA. He is the vocalist for Savannah’s own Anne Allman, singing Classic Rock which includes songs from Annie’s Cousin’s band, The Allman Brothers. Through the years Duane has had the great pleasure to be able to also sit in with Tony Richards, former Guitarist for The Rascals, as well as Kenny Loggins and Martina McBride’s Tour Bands. His song list is varied due to his love of different genre’s. Duane started this band in order to play music that people can dance to. Regardless, if it is Rock, Funk, Country, etc. it is all danceable and allows everyone to express themselves and enjoy a night away from the rigors of everyday life.
Steve Killian
Steve Killian (Lead Guitar)
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Had the pleasure of playing with several Classic and Southern rock bands in the Long Island area, The County Line (1975-1978) Bourbon Stills band (1978-2018). Bourbon Stills, had the pleasure of opening for many national acts including The Marshall Tucker band, the Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, Robin Trower, the Dixie Dregs, Jeff Healy, Blues Traveler, .38 Special, Dickey Betts and Great Southern, Johnny Winter, and Leslie West. I was also playing with the Catfish John Band (1993-1995) in between this. and most recent I was with The Mountain Jam Orchestra, a prominent Allman Brothers tribute band in the Tri state area from (2015-2021).
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Tom Leyava
Tom Leyava (Keyboards)
Tom Leyava (Tommy Ley) has been playing rock-and-roll keyboards in the Cleveland area for fifty years prior to moving to South Carolina. Tom started his career as a lead singer for the band "Jersey Bull". Tom was then introduced to keyboard playing on a Farfisa organ. It didn't take long for Tom to switch musical directions after hearing the likes of Jon Lord, from the band, Deep Purple, including Rick Wakeman from YES, and of course Keith Emerson. Tom quickly gave up the microphone for his Hammond organ, which is still his keyboard choice to this day. Tom was introduced to the Cleveland music scene by his recording artist brother, Jimmy Ley, where he was instantly tagged as "Tommy Ley". With his brother’s help, Tommy made it quickly through the band/agent winding up in an eastside band called "Satellite", where Tommy met his future wife, Lori. Satellite performed in multiple states before disbanding. Tom then took a stab at disco for a couple of years in a band called the "Jacks and Jill" before deciding to head back into rock-and-roll, where he still is today. Two children later, (Emily and Phil) and a few years went by, Tom and Lori decided to make South Carolina their home and The Double D Band his new musical outlet.
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Lou Fasano
Lou Fasano (Drums)
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Lou grew up listening to Big Band and Italian music in his hometown of Brooklyn, NY, and started taking drum lesson’s at the age of six. After moving to Long Island he formed a trio with some of his Jr H.S. buddies at the age of 12. The band eventually became a quintet named the Pastels (so we could all wear different colored Jackets!) and he was playing every weekend in a local lounge at the age of 15, and soon was ‘freelancing’ with the Frank Stuart orchestra and other bands in various L.I. & Metropolitan NY catering halls.
Fast forward 35+ years and he found himself in Sun City looking for a band so he could use his “old” drum set. He is grateful for the unending support and encouragement of his wife Arline, and daughters Andrea and Lisa, and thanks Duane and the guys in the DD Band for giving him the opportunity to perform “live music” again !!
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Gordon Smith
Gordon Smith (Bass Player)
He still identifies as an "Illinois Farm Boy," having grown up in a family of six boys. His parents organized them into a kids' singing group, touring churches, American Legions, and local events. Eventually, five of the boys formed a rock band, playing proms, homecomings, and sock hops at every high school within a 50-mile radius of the farm throughout the '70s. In the '80s, he played bass, drums, and rhythm guitar for various rock and disco cover bands. Still married to his college sweetheart, he has enjoyed watching his three sons and daughter develop into talented musicians. As the bass player for the DD Band, Gordon reconnects with his rock 'n' roll roots, paying tribute to his influences: Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, Paul McCartney, Greg Lake, and Mel Schacher (feel free to look that one up). He and his wife are still considered "Yanks," having moved to Bluffton Sun City from Illinois in 2023.
