thE caSTAWAYS bAND

Mike Kakias, lead singer, says "I traveled a lot with my parents, who had a Greek Continental band. After so many years they settled in Columbus Ohio and began performing at the Aegean Supper Club and the Yasou." Born in Pittsburgh, Kakias started developing his own knack for music when the leader of a Hawaiian floor show asked him to fill in for his vacationing drummer for two weeks - a gig that turned out to last two and a half years. The group traveled to Minnesota, Massachusetts, Texas and Missouri, among other places, performing two show a night, six nights a week at times.
   Mike returned home to Columbus where he played in rock and show bands. He has even performed in country and disco bands. He has had several highlights in his long career, such as playing for the Lettermen in Columbus, two weeks in the Poconos with Joel Grey (from the movie Cabaret), and the fabulous Scott Reed. However, his biggest joy is performing with the Castaways. "The guys in the band are the greatest" Kakias says. "With Gary on guitar, we've got the master of musical knowledge. His son Chris on bass, and a hell of a drummer, lays it down like no one else can, and then some." Kakias continues, "And the backbone Mr. Darrell Garlock on the drums, has the percussion background to fill in anywhere."

Gary Facemyer, guitarist for the band, has been in music most of his life. His wife told us, "If Gary had his choice, he would only play music." Music is truly the elder Facemyer's dream. During the seventies he was a member of a big band hailing out of Michigan. Now, not only is he in one of Northeast Ohio's most popular bands, he also has his own in-home studio, where he writes and records his original music. Gary has written and produced a Christmas CD containing some of his original music. Facemyer is, in many circles, a guitar legend. He has been entertaining people for years and loves everything about music. To hear him play is nothing short of hearing excellence. 
 

Al Facemyer, guitarist 

Kris Facemyer, bassist, is Gary’s son and is following in his fathers footsteps. With a lot of his father’s influences, he has himself built quite a reputation as a solid area musician. Extremely versatile as well, Kris is also capable of handling himself on the drums as well as he does on the bass. Facemyer on bass makes up one-half of one of the best rhythm sections in Northeast Ohio. 

Dave Black, drums, is a force to behold: daring, explosive, and impeccably groovy. Dave mixes styles with the taste and versatility of a master. When not working with Alma Gitano (Flamenco-influenced latin/jazz), The Castaways (a variety act), or Steve Gordon he teaches drum lessons and does freelance work. He also is a participant at Hudson Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio and Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.