Mike Brenner
Saxes, vocals, percussion, recorder, flute, Irish tin whistle
Mike has been playing music since elementary school. After learning the recorder in 3rd grade, Mike transitioned to the clarinet, which he played in his junior and senior high concert band and orchestra. After he discovered jazz in 7th grade, Mike transitioned to the saxophone and joined his high school jazz band and marching band on the instrument. Since then, Mike has never stopped performing.
As a founding member of Flip Like Wilson, Mike takes pride in the accomplishments and longevity of the band. “If you had asked me in 1995 if we’d still be playing in 2022, I would have said absolutely not,” Mike says. “But as long as there is an interest in live music and people want to come see us, we’ll happily keep doing what we do.”
Bob Castaldi
Drums
Bob has been playing music most of his life. As a young boy, he imitated the drumming styles of the classic rock greats such as John Bonham, Neil Peart, and Keith Moon. Bob joined the school band and learned to perform other musical styles on various percussion instruments but was still able to keep his roots in rock! Since graduating from West Chester University, Bob has taught music for Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland and has performed with numerous bands and ensembles.
Bob joined Flip Like Wilson in 1995 and still enjoys performing to this day. He’s grateful for his friendship with the guys in the band and that they’re still able to put on a great show.
Joey Ippolito
Lead Vocals
Joey has been a music fan from the time he was old enough to sit in the backseat of his parents car while FM radio played. Artists like Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oates, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and Todd Rundgren were on heavy rotation. He soon discovered The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, The Doors, and The Who. In his early teens, he discovered bands like U2, The Police, and Prince. Acts like Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy figured heavily into rotation at that time. His neighbor was a founding member of the Philadelphia band Dandelion and introduced Joey to bands like Bad Brains, The Sex Pistols, and Fugazi. From there, MTV and New Wave informed a great deal of what he listened to until the Lollapalooza generation brought on bands like Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
He credits his ability to sing various styles of music to the years he spent listening to a wide variety of music in his room as he attempted to mimic his heroes. In his early twenties, he met the members of Flip Like Wilson and auditioned for them in June of 1995. 27 years later, he remains a member.
“When we get together and talk about music, that’s where I know my bandmates best. It’s nice to find yourself in the position to play music in front of people, especially in such cool places. I get to be on stage with my friends that I respect and admire, and we get to move people. There’s no group of musicians I’d rather play with.”
Kevin McDermott
Bass, vocals, acoustic guitar, sound, and lights
Kevin’s musical journey began in children’s choir. His first instrument was an electric bass when he was 12. At age 14, he developed a taste for live performance, after joining his older brother’s band. This is also when the school orchestra put him on upright bass and the marching band gave him the job of playing cymbals. Mixing live sound for his own bands and for others became an area of interest. Wanting to explore other instruments, he began guitar lessons after starting to learn the bass.
“I had done a handful of 4-piece band jobs with (drummer) Bob when he asked if I might be interested in stepping into the role of bassist for Flip,” Kevin says. “I suppose that I was in the right place at the right time to get that invite. After 7 years, I still learn something new every time I meet up with these world-class musicians.”
Billy Neill
Guitar, Vocals
Inspired by his father, Billy started learning guitar at the age of 12. He started playing clubs professionally at the age of 19 in Philadelphia for various original music artists including Patti Shea, Audio Mob, and Amy Carr. During that period, he was able to open for major artists such as Styx, The O’Jays, and Freddie Jackson at Philadelphia’s Tower Theater, The Academy of Music, and The Mann Music Center.
Billy joined Flip Like Wilson in 1995 as a founding member and has been with the group ever since. “Playing guitar in Flip has been a real joy,” says Billy. “We play so many different styles that it forces me to keep my guitar skills sharp. It’s a blast when people enjoy what we’re doing on stage.”
Joe Naylor
Keyboards, Vocals
Joe is Flip Like Wilson’s newest member, joining the band in early 2022. Joe is a veteran of the Philly music scene having played with established bands like Mr. Greengenes, LauraLea & Tripp Fabulous, Liquid A, and Blue Label. He began playing music in grade school when his parents signed him up for flute and piccolo lessons. After becoming obsessed with the Beatles in high school, Joe taught himself piano and then guitar in college. When you get a chance, please welcome Joe to the band!