Meet the Band

Jerry Hemby was born and raised in Florida and is regarded as one of the finest guitarists to come out of the state. He has been performing for over 40 years, and has studied with the world renowned guitarist Greg Howe.  In the 1970’s Jerry and his brother (the late) Thom Hemby were London Records recording artists with the band Hot City, and released the song “Leaving,” which ranked in the Top 40 on the Billboard charts.

Jerry has toured with bands such as Alice Cooper, Rare Earth, and The Romantics, just to name a few. Jerry Hemby also toured the Southeastern United Stated for many years, performing on the "chitlin circuit" with his band Fantasia, where they often followed acts like Molly Hatchet and Mothers Finest.  He and his late brother Thom Hemby released two CD’s, “Feel the Heat” and “Thom”, both outstanding recordings.  Jerry has also had the opportunity to be the band leader for the legendary Floyd Miles Blues Band. Floyd Miles was also a member of the Allman Brothers and Friends Band.

In 2011 Jerry won the National Anthem Contest for Guitarists, put on by Orlando radio's WMMO, beating a veritable who's who of central Florida guitarists. His prize was the opportunity to perform his version of the National Anthem before the B52's concert at the Amway Center in front of thousands.

Jerry is not only an accomplished guitarist, but is an excellent singer as well. His musical contributions to Penta are inspired, and Penta is proud to have him in our ranks!

Michael grew up in Columbus Georgia, but has been a resident of Florida since the 1980s. Michael began to reveal his talent for music when he was asked to sing solo in the church choir at the age of nine. At the age of 13 Michael taught himself to play guitar and piano, and by the age of 21 was on the road with a rock band performing at venues all across the country. Michael is also a talented songwriter that  received some local airplay for a song that he penned called “EZ come EZ go.” In the early 90s Michael was offered the position as lead singer for the world renowned Derek trucks band which he was forced to decline for personal reasons. Michael has played in several local bands over the years including Bite the Bullet, the Lucky Dogg band, and Rodeo Drive, preforming at Church Street Station, Disney World,  and other local venues. Michael has opened up for many recording artists over the years including Charlie Daniels, Foghat, Toby Keith, Keith Urban and many more. Michael is a world-class singer, songwriter, and musician, and is arguably one of the most versatile vocalists in the nation. A cross between Lou Gramm, Paul Rodgers, and Steve Perry, Michael’s vocal style is guaranteed to astonish even the most sceptical critic. 

Dan Emerson has been in love with music from an early age, especially after seeing the Beatles change the world on live TV in 1964. Dan has been playing bass for about 45 years and has covered a lot of ground. The Daytona Beach native worked the Florida rock circuit in the late 70’s and early 80’s, then took a more corporate musical route with the Top 40/show band Lovers, touring all across America and working in many major hotels and casinos including Resorts International and Trump’s Castle in Atlantic City, NJ. He even spent two weeks in Saudi Arabia playing Top 40 music for the employees of ARAMCO.

In the mid 80’s Dan joined the popular Orlando area band Sound Society. He worked extensively at Walt Disney World’s Tomorrowland Terrace and at Church Street Station with this band for many years, and they also appeared at many Sunset Serenade concerts, performing alongside Firefall, The Association, and The Dickey Betts Band, to name a few. They also had the honor of being selected by PanAm Airlines to go to Lockerbie, Scotland to entertain the townspeople at an elaborate party thrown months after the Flight 103 disaster. This gig stands out as Dan’s most memorable job ever, as the people of Lockerbie were so emotional and appreciative.

Since the mid-nineties Dan has worked in a variety of projects, playing smooth jazz, Latin, blues, funk, Top 40, reggae, country, and more, but is happiest to be rocking out with Penta as they forge one of the best reputations in the area.

Penta's dynamic drummer hails from Buffalo, NY and has studied with Joe Frontera (Blue Ox), Anthony Miranda (director of percussion at the University of Buffalo), jazz great Louis Marino (Billy Holiday, Buffalo Brass) and John Roland (Buffalo Philharmonic).  Matt has worked live with many Buffalo-area bands, and has recorded with rock group Elliot, Carlena Williams (former Ikette with Ike & Tina Turner), and Dream Electrik. While with instrumental jazz fusion band Dream Electrik, Matt opened for national acts like Pieces of a Dream and Cabo Frio, also. 

Matt is very comfortable in many genres,  and his precise fills and excellent time help Penta groove like no other! As if moving all four limbs independently isn't hard enough, Matt manages to play harmonica at the same time on certain tunes! His complex and exciting drum solos are a highlight of every show, as well.