Unforgettable Classic Rock Night Ahead

For nearly 64 years, Ken Botelho has lived and breathed music, with the drums as both his foundation and his passion. His journey has taken him from local Rhode Island clubs in his youth to national tours and high-profile stages across the country. Most notably, Ken toured as part of the Classic Rock All-Stars, performing with members of legendary groups like Iron Butterfly, Alice Cooper, Sugarloaf, and Cannibal & the Headhunters.

Beyond his life as a performer, Ken carved out a celebrated career in television production. As President of Century Productions and later Vice President at NBC, he directed and produced major televised concerts, specials, and events, earning six Emmy Awards and 27 Telly Awards along the way. His career in entertainment gave him a rare dual perspective: not only as a performer, but also as a leader who understands the mechanics of building unforgettable live experiences.

After decades of success in Florida—where he rehearsed nearly 800 times with high-caliber bands and performed sold-out shows statewide—Ken returned to Rhode Island determined to continue his craft. He invested in building a professional music studio in his home and assembled The Contenders, blending seasoned talent with fresh energy.

Ken’s drumming style is rooted in power, precision, and groove, always driving the music forward with authority. As the founder and leader of The Contenders, he brings unmatched professionalism, deep musical roots, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the spirit of classic rock alive.

For Rob, the guitar has always been more than an instrument—it’s a voice, a tool for storytelling, and the centerpiece of his musical identity. From his earliest days learning riffs in his bedroom to commanding live stages, Rob has spent years refining his craft and shaping a style that blends technical precision with raw, emotional fire.

Rob’s influences draw from the golden age of classic rock guitarists, whose passion and innovation left a permanent mark on him. Yet, he has never been content to simply imitate. Instead, he has carved his own path, developing a sound that can move seamlessly from gritty, hard-edged riffs to soaring, melodic solos. His ability to balance rhythm and lead with equal strength makes him not only versatile but also indispensable in a live band setting.

Before joining The Contenders, Rob played in a variety of projects, building his reputation as a guitarist who could adapt to any stage and any crowd. His professionalism and dedication have made him a musician others trust—a player who always shows up prepared, passionate, and ready to elevate the music.

With The Contenders, Rob has found a home for his artistry. His playing has become one of the band’s defining elements, providing both power and nuance to their sound. On stage, he doesn’t just play the guitar—he commands it, pulling audiences into the music with every bend, run, and chord.

For Zachary “Zeal” Gomes, guitar is more than a passion—it’s his identity. Picking up the instrument at age 14, Zach quickly discovered that playing guitar was not just about learning songs but about creating emotions, stories, and experiences. Influenced equally by legendary rock icons like Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, and Kirk Hammett, as well as the dynamic soundtracks of anime, video games, and film, Zach has developed a style that fuses raw rock intensity with cinematic depth.

His dedication led him to Hollywood, where he graduated cum laude from Musicians Institute with a degree in Guitar Performance. There, he not only honed his technical mastery but also embraced a broader understanding of music as a language that transcends genres. His hard work earned him respect from peers and mentors, and his graduation marked a milestone that solidified his commitment to pursuing music at the highest level.

Outside of the classroom, Zach built a strong online presence through his project “Zeal”, sharing covers, originals, and collaborations that blend his influences into a distinctive sound. With more than 40,000 followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, his work has connected him with fans worldwide. His recognition as an official affiliate of Fender and Seymour Duncan further underscores his standing in the guitar community.

Now, as a member of The Contenders, Zach brings youthful energy, technical brilliance, and boundless creativity to the stage. Whether delivering fiery solos, laying down intricate rhythm textures, or blending harmonies with his bandmates, he adds a unique dimension to the band’s classic rock foundation. For Zach, joining The Contenders isn’t just about playing music—it’s about honoring the songs that shaped him while helping to carry the torch of rock forward for a new generation.

Donn Collings discovered music early, starting on trumpet and trombone at age 10 before picking up guitar at 14 and finding his true home on bass by 17. His early influences came from legends like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, The Beatles, and The Who, shaping a musical personality that blends blues groove with rock grit. From the beginning, Donn understood that great music isn’t just about notes—it’s about feel, swing, and energy.

Over the years, Donn has been part of numerous projects that defined his identity as both a performer and songwriter. His first major band, Asylum, showcased his versatility as both bassist and vocalist. Later, with Street Legal and No Class, he embraced the glam-metal energy of bands like Poison and Motörhead, performing across the East Coast and building a loyal following. Returning once again to Asylum, Donn stepped into the frontman role, writing and releasing original material that reached audiences far beyond the clubs he played.

Career highlights include performing at iconic venues such as The Living Room, Agora Ballroom, JR’s, and Webster Theatre, and sharing stages with rock giants including Extreme, LeatherWolf, Ratt, and Twisted Sister. He also worked with New England legends Run 21 and Young Neil & The Vipers, even recording vocals in the studio when Atlantic Records scouted Neil for a solo career.

Donn’s strength lies not just in his resume but in his presence. As a classically trained vocalist and self-taught string musician, he blends discipline with instinct. His bass lines lock tightly with the drums to drive The Contenders’ sound, while his adaptability ensures every live performance feels fresh and alive.

For Donn, joining The Contenders represents the culmination of decades of experience and the excitement of new beginnings. He brings not only groove and power but also a love of collaboration, ensuring the music comes alive with every performance.

Joanne Rodgers is a powerhouse vocalist whose voice bridges the grit of classic rock with the soul of rhythm and blues. From the very first note, Joanne has a way of commanding attention — not just with range and technique, but with an ability to make every lyric feel lived and every song feel personal.

Her musical journey began early, rooted in a deep love for performance and a natural instinct for connecting with audiences. Inspired by iconic rock front-women and soulful balladeers, Joanne developed a versatile voice that could move from tender ballads to high-energy anthems with ease. As she grew, so did her stagecraft — a combination of vocal strength, confidence, and presence that made her stand out in every ensemble she joined.

Over the years, Joanne has fronted cover bands, participated in studio projects, and built a reputation for being a consummate professional. Whether singing in small clubs or on larger stages, she consistently brought the same intensity: a commitment to making the audience feel part of the performance. Known for her meticulous preparation, Joanne arrives at every rehearsal with the same energy she brings to the stage — ready to listen, adapt, and lift the band around her.

Joining The Contenders has marked a new chapter in her career, giving her the opportunity to channel her influences and experience into a band that values passion, precision, and authenticity. Her voice provides both the spark and the glue for the group, transforming powerful instrumentation into performances that resonate deeply with audiences.

On stage, Joanne doesn’t just sing — she inhabits the music. Every phrase carries intent, every chorus lands with conviction, and every show becomes an exchange between performer and audience. She has the rare ability to take timeless classics and make them feel immediate and fresh, honoring the past while giving the songs her own dynamic signature.

For Joanne, music is more than entertainment. It’s about connection — with the band, with the crowd, and with the spirit of rock itself. As The Contenders continue to grow, her voice and presence remain at the heart of their mission: to deliver unforgettable shows that remind audiences why they fell in love with rock and roll in the first place.

Forged in passion, defined by resilience, and built on decades of experience.

The Contenders are a powerhouse Classic Rock band founded by veteran drummer and bandleader Ken Botelho, whose career spans over six decades of music, production, and live performance. Ken’s journey has taken him across sold-out stages in Florida, where he played nearly 800 rehearsals and countless concerts, earning widespread recognition and respect for his dedication to the craft.

After relocating to Rhode Island to be closer to family, Ken invested in creating a professional rehearsal space and began assembling a lineup of musicians who shared his vision: a dynamic, high-energy band rooted in integrity, commitment, and the timeless sound of Classic Rock.

Through determination and perseverance, The Contenders have attracted a team of seasoned players and multi-talented vocalists whose energy and versatility allow them to perform a wide variety of classic hits with authenticity and power. Each member brings a unique background, blending decades of experience with fresh creativity to deliver an unforgettable live show.

At the heart of The Contenders is a commitment to more than just playing songs—it’s about recreating the spirit of an era when rock music was bold, honest, and unifying. Whether it’s the driving beat of the drums, the soaring guitar solos, or the harmonies that bring the music to life, The Contenders embody the sound and the soul of classic rock at its very best.

With momentum building and a clear vision ahead, The Contenders are poised to take their place on Rhode Island’s live music scene—and beyond.