Stages (1997-98)

Formed by Jeff and Jay in 1996, Stages is continually evolving through many changes, both musically and personally. The band was still in existence as recently as 2001 and, with a new vocalist, released an independent CD, "Unspeakable Things". The bio below was fromJaytee’s stint with the band:

Stages is a band with a diverse musical sensibility and strong attention to melodic structure. The band believes that to survive in an ever-changing musical atmosphere, it must adapt musically to the times while continuing to be creatively satisfying to the writers. In other words, there is a definite bridge between keeping the band happy and keeping the fans and industry happy with the band. As a constantly evolving group, Stages proves it can be done.

Jaytee Minton
Vocals
Heavily influenced by Steve Perry (Journey), Ann Wilson (Heart) and Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin), Jaytee officially began her musical career at age six with classical guitar lessons and membership in a children’s choir. She discovered rock in her teens and fronted many cover and original bands in the TriState Area, including The Task and Mind’s Eye, before joining Stages in 1997. In addition to school choirs and bands, she studied voice at VIT, the vocal program at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA.

Jeffrey Wozniak
Guitar and Vocals
Jeff has been a part of the Toledo music scene since 1986 and has performed throughout the TriState Area with many cover bands. Influenced by Randy Rhodes, Dream Theater, Fates Warning, I MotherEarth, and Jeff Kollmann, the self-taught axemeister has been playing for 13 years and says he took up guitar because he thought “KISS was really cool with makeup”, although he assures the band he will never attempt this himself.

Jason DeVaughn
Guitar and Vocals
Jason was born and raised in Toledo and was encouraged to pick up the guitar at an early age by his grandfather, who entertained at family gatherings. His influences include Queensryche, Iron Maiden, and Journey. He has been playing since the age of 11, and is in continual pursuit of the emotional rush created by the music around him.

Tony LaScola
Bass Guitar
As a student of jazz, Tony was influenced by Geddy Lee (Rush), Jaco Pastorius, and Stanley Clark and has a dynamic taste in music. Formerly of Euro-K, an alternative rock band formed in 1984, Tony contributes a solid touch to the bottom end of the band.

Dean R. Smith
Drums
Dean began his percussion career in 1980 in the school band. Early influences were jazz great Buddy Rich, Neil Peart (Rush) and Alex Van Halen (Van Halen). His stylistic and technical exposure includes jazz, blues, and concert bands; orchestras; percussion and marching bands. The music of Rush, Van Halen and Led Zeppelin inspires him and is the driving force behind his rhythmic thunder.