• Alan Williams (Lead) San Luis Obispo, CA

    I purchased my first guitar at 19. My many influences included Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, SRV, Mark Knopfler and, of course, so many of the old blues’ greats, such as, the ‘three Kings’, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. How much time do we have? I played in bands in and around Southern California. I eventually landed in San Louis Obispo and started playing at blues jams. I was a founding member of Back Pages and the Pickled Beats. My wife, Magda, and I moved to Prescott in 2018 and I joined Joe’s Garage (now, Once Bitten) in 2019. This band has evolved and grown and I’m playing the music I have always wanted to play. Great folks, great chemistry, great music.

  • Jeff Bateman (Bass) Seattle, WA

    When I retired from the military, I was looking for a creative outlet, so I decided to try the bass. That was over 10 years ago, and It's been a love affair ever since. When you and the drummer are locked in tight and the lead guitarist is feeding off those chord tones and the rhythm with amazing riffs, man, there is nothing like it. Moments of absolute bliss. And, I hope, for you as the audience! People getting up to dance to our music is so fantastic! I was a founding member of Joe's Garage before I joined the LowDown Blues Band. Sometimes things do come full circle and I consider myself very lucky to get to play with Alan and Ken again, as well as working with Paul and Tom who form a solid back beat for Once Bitten!

  • Ken Simeral (Rhythm & vocals) - St. Louis, MO

    I grew up in St. Louis during the ‘50s and ‘60s. I sang in grade school and high school choirs and vocal groups. When I saw the neighborhood girls crying and carrying on about the Beatles and Rolling Stones, I switched my priorities. I wanted to be George (or Mick) and play guitar. I was part of an acoustic duo. in college. We played coffee houses and pizza and beer joints. After college, I focused on my career (in Soils and Botany) and the raising of three sons (while my guitar gently wept in the closet). In 2015, I retired and began playing again. It has developed into a passion. It has been fun playing with real musicians who just happen to be very nice people.

  • Paul Simons (Percussion) Boston, MA

    I was a founding member, and drummer for the Connecticut rock and blues band, The Wild Ones. I have performed as the sole percussionist for the 369 Theatre Company in the Boston area and for the Tennessee Williams Festival in Provincetown, MA. I also performed as a percussionist (Djembe drummer) for 8 years with the Cape Cod African Dance and Drum Ensemble. I’ve provided various live rhythms (African, Latin, Haitian) for Katherine Dunham Method dance classes and other venues in Vermont and New Hampshire. My wife and I moved to Oak Creek in 2018 and I have played the local music scene since. My influences have been , Buddy Rich, Dino Danelli, and Bernard Purdie, to name but a few.

  • Tom Galella (Drums) - East Orange, NJ

    We moved to southern California when I was 14. The move exposed me to a lot of great music. My favorite drummers are Hal Blaine and Simon Phillips. It has been more than 50 years now. During that time I have toured with a number of bands and spent my fair share of time in the studio providing the back beat. one notable gig was working with studio session guitarist, Will Ray (of the Hellecasters). I helped on a solo album. My wife and I moved to Prescott Valley a short time ago. I found work with local artists, Billy Reno and Merri McKee. I am excited to be a part of Once Bitten. to quote Willie Nelson, “I believe it’s going to be one hell of a ride.”

Once Bitten Band: A Melodic Fusion

The Once Bitten Band stands as a harmonious testament to the power of collaboration between new found friends, united by a shared passion for the diverse tapestry of music that has shaped their lives. With deep reverence for the rhythmic storytelling of traditional blues and an unyielding curiosity to explore the ever-evolving world of classic rock, our sound emerges as a multifaceted fusion of these genres and everything in between.
At the very core of our musical identity lies a unique rhythm section that defies convention. We intertwine the driving force of acoustic drums with the vibrant and hypnotic sounds of African percussion, blending in compelling influences from the realms of Latin and Haitian rhythms. It is in this creative marriage of diverse beats that our sound finds its pulsating heartbeat, offering a captivating experience to all who lend us their ears.
Drawing inspiration from legendary bands from the Allman Brothers to ZZ Top, Robert Johnson to Gary Clark Jr., Santana to R.E.M, we strive to do justice to the art of storytelling through our music. Through lyrics and melodies, we embark on a voyage that transcends the realm of ordinary, providing our listeners with a vivid and immersive narrative that evokes a range of emotions. The stories we tell are diverse, some are old and some are new. They are woven delicately into the fabric of our songs, fueled by a desire to connect with our audience on a deeper, more soulful level.
But it is the guitar that serves as the enchanting voice of our melodies, often taking center stage to deliver intricate and tasteful solos. With skilled hands that navigate the fretboard and hearts that pour passion into every note, we weave an auditory tapestry that speaks directly to the very essence of our audience's being. We relish in the magic of the guitar, harnessing its potential to move both our fingers and the souls of those who listen.
What sets us apart and brings us to life is the undeniable groove that cascades through the compositions. It is a groove that possesses a magnetic power, compelling our audiences to move in harmony with the rhythm. We relish in the sight of bodies swaying, feet tapping, and heads nodding to the infectious beat that emanates from the stage. It is in these moments of shared euphoria that the true essence of our music is fully realized.
Once Bitten thrives on the stories we tell, the captivating solos we deliver, and the groove that unites us all. We invite you to venture with us as we embark on an unforgettable musical journey, an exploration of melodies and rhythms that transcend time and bring people together. Embrace the fusion, feel the power, and let us take you on a sonic adventure that will leave your soul both once bitten and forever enchanted.