(click on a band member's name or photo to read bios)

Instruments: (left-handed) Original 1963 Hofner Beatle Bass, Rickenbacker 4001 Bass
and a custom Ofet Tilev German-made four string, keyboards.

     Dave was born into a musical family. His father retired from a long run of factory work in order to open a piano teaching studio on the south west side of Chicago, and performed as a pianist in the cocktail lounge circuit during the mid 1940s while supporting a wife and four children.  Dave’s older sister and two older brothers are professional musicians as well.  Being surrounded by music in his home, Dave took an early interest in music and began piano lessons at a young age.  His college education includes a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree in music theory and performance (piano).  After receiving his music degrees, he taught jazz piano at The American Conservatory of Music and Roosevelt University in Chicago from 1984-1996 and simultaneously owned his own commercial music business in downtown Chicago writing and producing jingles for Coca Cola, McDonalds, Coors Beer and more.  He is currently a faculty member of Saint Xavier University and Joliet Junior College teaching courses in music theory and music history.  Dave joined his first band in 1973 while attending Northern Illinois University as a keyboardist.  His performance career developed playing keyboards with several bands and as a band leader since 1977 in all musical styles.  In 1996 he decided to learn electric bass guitar and along with Heath Chappell, formed The New Invaders in February of 1997 and regarded it as a special interest project.  Dave’s unrelenting quest for success has kept The New Invaders on an upward swing ever since.

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Instrument: 1968 five-piece Maplewood vintage Gretsch kit.

 Heath was born and raised in North Carolina and is the son of Fred Chappell, well known author, novelist, and professor of English at The University of North Carolina.  Heath studied music privately and at The School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C.  During those years he toured the Eastern seaboard, backing such artists as Rosanne Cash and Tiny Tim.  Heath received a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Miami and while in Florida, backed musicians such as Joe Williams, Stan Getz, and members of The Miami Sound Machine as well as performing on cruise ships.  Since settling in Chicago in 1984, Heath has performed full time in all musical styles with acts such as The Déjà Vu Big Band, The Steve Hashimoto Quartet, Suenos, (Latin Jazz), Mothra, (Original Jazz), Flippomusic, (World Jazz), The Midway Ramblers Cajun Band, Cerqua/Rivera Dance Ensemble, Corky Siegel, Al Rose and the Transcendos, and Throw, (original alternative rock).  Heath met Dave Nuccio in 1989 by becoming the drummer for Moonlighting, a successful corporate band that disbanded in 1997. Along with Dave, Heath is a founding member of The New Invaders.  Heath brings his experience, work ethic and dedication to the stage that cannot be duplicated nor surpassed.

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Instruments: VOX Jaguar and Alesis Syn, guitar.

     Dave Huizenga grew up in suburban Chicagoland.  Dave started playing at school dances and teen clubs in front of popular Chicago groups such as the Cryan’ Shames and the Shadows of Knight.  From the early 70’s to the mid 80’s, Dave played full time with club bands “Chariot” and "StarDriver." 

     Dave’s focus turned to recording and music production for the television industry.  His credits include composing the music for Bill Kurtis’ “The New Explorers” and “Investigative Reports” on PBS, as well as the current popular “Cold Case Files” on the A&E Network.  Dave is currently working on a new series for the History Channel, “Investigating History.”  Dave has now come full circle; playing the same tunes he started with back in the 60’s. He is the keyboard player and vocalist for The New Invaders.

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Instruments: (left-handed) A vintage electric model 330, twelve-string Rickenbacker
semi-hollow body/vintage six-string Heritage hollow body and a Fender Stratocaster, bass guitar.

     Joe began playing the guitar in 1976.  His first band, “Airwaves”, played classic rock and original material in which Joe played lead guitar and was the lead vocalist from 1979 to 1984.  He then joined the band, “Group of Individuals”, an all-original punk band and played bass guitar from1984 to 1988.  At the same time, Joe was also performing with a classic rock/original band called “Parallel Vision” and played bass guitar as well.  From 1989 to 1991 Joe returned to lead guitar in a 1960’s garage pop cover/original band called “The Shindigs”.  He joined the Beatles tribute band, “British Import” in 1991 to play the George Harrison role until 1993.  From 1993 to 1997 Joe was with an alternative cover band called “The Watchmen”, but because of his love for Beatle music he also was performing with a Beatles tribute band, “The Mopheads” from 1994 to 1999.

     Joe joined The New Invaders in July of 1997 as lead guitarist and lead vocalist.  He also doubles on bass guitar and drums as The New Invaders’ stage show and versatility develops. His fellow musicians consider Joe as a consummate pro with a work ethic that is unrivaled.  He is a credit to the music industry.

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Instruments:  Gretsch Country Gentleman and Guild 6 string acoustic, woodwinds.

     Jimmy Herter hails from the South Side of Chicago.  Although his roots are in the Midwest, Jim and close friend Jim Caprio headed out west in the late 70’s and found their niche in the L. A. scene.  Their band found themselves opening for the likes of acts such as the Talking Heads and the Romantics.  Later in the early 80’s, Jim’s band, playing 60’s music, opened up for Jan & Dean, The Strawberry Alarm Clock and Gary Lewis and the Playboys, among others.

     Jim played lead guitar and sang for Nicolette Larson from ’85 to ’95.  He also toured overseas with "Beatlemania Live,” playing the part of George in this and other Beatle tribute bands.  He also performed in a famed faux Monkees tribute “The Missing Links,” playing Peter Tork. Jimmy returned to Chicago in 1997 playing with “Montgomery Street," and he now brings his 60’s expertise to the New Invaders, on guitar and vocals.

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     Melody Mallin, The New Invaders newest and youngest member of the band, began her singing career at an early age, starting with school choir in the 5th grade and also performing with the Glen Ellyn Children's Choir.  Her passion and love for music grew with time as Melody's parents continued to support and encourage her endeavors.  Following high school, Melody received a scholarship from Benedictine University and majored in Voice.  She also has had 7 years of classical vocal training.

     While attending college, Melody joined her first band, an EMOL - Punk group called "Kids Need Heroes."  After a short stint with that band, she quickly joined forces with her father's quartet called "Patient," which was later renamed "The Melody Mallin Band."  During this period, Melody was invited to appear with The New Invaders on occasion to perform some of the great female hits of the 60's.  In short time, Melody was showcasing her talents with The New Invaders by singing the great hits of Dusty Springfield, Cher, Grace Slick, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin and more!  Many fans have commented that Melody was born in the wrong decade and would have felt right at home growing up in the 60's.

     Melody is no longer a part time performer with The New Invaders, having just recently been asked to join the band as a permanent member and will be onstage for all shows in the future months to come.

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