CLEAR FOR TAKEOFF.
CLEAR FOR TAKEOFF, a pop rock band from Ellicott City, Md. People often compare our music to the likes of Weezer, Green Day, and even Queen (without all the makeup). The band is made up of 5 college graduates; Brendan Biondi on rhythm guitar co-lead vocals, Marc LaMartina rocking the keys and co-lead vocals, Justin Bakhshai, aka. “The Persian Thunder” on lead guitar and backing vocals, Joey Enste on Bass Guitar and Joe “The Great White” Whiting on drums.
CFT was formed from the demise of two other Baltimore based bands, The Good Fight & Courting Amber. It took less than 5 months to release our debut album, “Wake the City”, which was recorded and produced by Greg Parker of Amped Recording(American Diary, I call Fives). After a great tour with Echoes in Color this past summer, we arrived home to find out that our song “Rockaby in E-Flat”, was selected to be on Hollister Co. 2010 Fall playlist which was featured in over 1,200 stores worldwide.
Some of the more intriguing things about the band is that 3 of its members are currently in graduate school (Joey is pursuing his MED, Marc his MA in counseling psychology, and Justin is working on his PHD since the smarty-pants already got his MBA), while the other two are accomplished film makers (Brendan’s work has even been featured on the DIY network). The band also does all of its own design and video work in house. The most terrifying fact about the band is that Marc is actually a ninja (4th Degree Black Belt)… well sorta… Well let’s just say if you ever try to steal a chocolate chip cookie from him, you will know what we mean. Oh and Joey was also a volunteer Fire fighter for eight years!
CFT just found out we will be playing at the University of Delaware on Thursday April 7th, opening for the band “You Hang Up” featuring Franky Muniz(from Malcolm in the Middle)! They also have a full slate of shows through march and April in and around the Baltimore area, so please make sure you check them out.
Fri Mar 4 6pm – 11pm
Rock the Cradle @ Stevenson University(March of Dimes Benefit)– Rockland Center, Stevenson University, Owings Mills Campus. 10945 Boulevard Circle, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Sat Mar 12 6:30pm – 7pm
The Bash @ Fallston Fire Hall (Acoustic)
Fri Mar 25 8pm – 12am
“Rock The Smokeout” @ Pickles Pub– Pickles Pub
Wed Apr 6 7pm – 8pm
Hot Topic PROMO Show-Annapolis Mall
Thu Apr 7 7pm – 10pm
University of Delaware w/ “You Hang Up” feat. Franky Muniz– University of Delaware