Frank Torchio (male singer) has been performing for over four decades – as a vocal impersonator and comic impressionist. In the 1980s he performed at comedy clubs in Manhattan, such as, The Comic Strip and The Improv. In 1995, Frank won first place as Rochester’s Funniest Bigshot at Rochester’s Geva Theatre‘s fundraiser, Stand Up for Geva. In 2003, Frank began singing with Nik Entertainment’s Rochester Rat Pack. Shortly thereafter, he formed Frank’s Rat Pack.
Shanthi Kelley (female singer) is a graduate from Roberts Wesleyan College with a B.S. degree in Vocal Performance. She has been teaching in her own voice studio “Studio of Shanthi A. Kelley” for the last 12 years. She is a lead singer on Holland America Cruise Lines. She has sang with Nik Entertainment Company, Gateswingers, and Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. In 2011 she performed at the RochesterInternational Jazz Festival Big Tent Stage. She has recorded commercial jingles for the Greater Rochester/ Buffalo area. Shanthi began singing with Frank’s Rat Pack in 2011.
Julie Ketchum (female singer) attended the State University of New York at Potsdam where she also attended the Crane School of Music. She participated in several choral ensembles there and was featured as a soloist in The African-American Heritage Concert in 1992. Julie began performing with Nik and the Nice Guys shortly after graduating from SUNY Potsdam in 1993. Julie began singing with Frank’s Rat Pack in 2008.
Brandon Kelley (Saxophone, clarinet, flute) received an M.M. in Music Education from Ithaca College and a B.S. in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College. Currently he teaches Chorus and vocal lessons at the Wheatland-Chili Central School District. Before this current position he taught High School Studio Orchestra, High School Pit Band, jazz bands at all grade levels, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, 7th Grade General Music, Junior High Concert Band, and Beginning Band. He plays the saxophone, flute and clarinet locally with Franks Rat Pack, Nik Entertainment, various pit bands and frequently as a substitute in other groups. Outside of Rochester he performs on Holland America and Cunard Cruise Lines. Brandon joined Frank’s Rat Pack in 2013.
John Simons (percussionist) started his musical career as percussionist for the 62nd Army Band, El Paso, TX. He then attended Berklee College of Music and toured the US as band leader and drummer for the Boston based show band, Amazing Tales. In 1982 John received his Bachelor of Music from Syracuse University. John is currently the principal percussionist for Nik & the Nice Guys and also plays drum set for Fever, Shama Lama and Nik Lite. In April of 2016 John joined Frank’s Rat Pack as percussionist.