Melaena is a 6-piece cover band based out of Norwich-New London, CT whose sole mission is to execute music that "makes you want to dance." Melaena has been built on a foundation of musicianship, showmanship and professionalism mixed with raw talent. For over 30 years Melaena has been performing songs from every decade, from Top 40 to Motown to classic rock to current hits; Music that hits home is perhaps what has kept them ranked as one of the top cover and wedding bands in the area.

Melaena is available for your weddings and private functions, or look for them in your hometown bar or pub. COME FEEL THE GROOVE!

 
BOB STRAUB - Vocals, Saxophones, Flute, Percussion

One of the founding members of Melaena in the mid 70's, has performed with numerous national acts including Motown Greats The Temptations and The Four Tops. Bob plays sax, flute, percussion, bass, keyboards and is one of Melaena's lead vocalist. Bob states: "This current group of talented musicians I'm performing with is, by far, the most versatile I have ever performed with. Funk, Rock, R&B, Alternative, and some current country are all part of our repetiore. Just too much Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


RICH KORNACKI - Drums, Percussion

Rich played in a variety of local cover bands before joining the Melaena band around 2005. He was also the drummer for many years for Connecticut progressive rock band After The Fall.


CHARLIE HEDDING - Bass, Vocals

Charlie has been a mainstay on the Southeastern CT music scene. After a decade plus performing with the local favorite band Five After Five, Charlie brings his solid bass playing and vocal talents to Melaena.


HILARY CARBONI - Keyboards, Vocals

Hilary has been performing professionally since the mid 70's and has shared the stage with national acts Eddie Money, The Guess Who, and NRBQ. Notable local acts Hilary has been a member of include New Wave Band Cheaters, Rock Band Daze, and for 17 years performed with Five After Five, one of the premier Motown and Rock cover bands in CT. As a member of Melaena, Hilary adds horn, organ and piano parts to the mix.  


STEVE BELGRADE - Lead Guitar, Vocals

Steve is the latest addition to the band, joining officially in October 2019. In the past, Steve has been with Karl Kelly Band, Five After Five, Cimarron, Vice, Baxter and others. It’s great to be reunited with Charlie, having started back around 1966. Keep on Dancin’!


BERNIE SANTORE - Vocals, Guitar

Since joining Melaena in 2017, Bernie has brought his signature vocals and guitar along with over 40 years of experience performing in local bands such as Cry Wolf , Five After Five and other musical formats. “I feel my musical background fits well with Melaena’s brand of Rock and Roll and Soul! I’m happy to be on the Melaena Train and looking forward to the ride!"