The group played with unbridled enthusiasm. With the addition of Paul Preston (clarinet/vocals), Jim Koteras (trumpet/vocals), and Carl Conrad (tuba/bass), Santa Maria formed a raucous quartet that would entertain guests for the next three years. Playing banjo, guitar and singing two nights a week, Santa Maria (who understood the value of quality musicianship) convinced the owner of “The Speakeasy” to add more musicians.
It was 1966 and Phil Santa Maria was performing as a single act at “The Speakeasy Restaurant” in Niagara Falls, New York.
