You may know him from numerous fundraisers and benefits such as this past weekend’s Travis Manion Foundation Heroes Run where he sang the Star Spangled Banner. You may choose to see him at this coming Friday’s Eagles Fly For Leukemia Golf Tournament. Jim Bannach participates in as many charity events as possible and is always willing to help out a good cause.
Since he was a mere five years old, he has been playing the piano and even began his first band in 5th grade with five other young men. These five best friends named themselves “The Lemon Meringues” and had the time of their lives together throughout elementary school.
Jim has his mother and father, Herbert & Ruth, to thank for his musical talents since they paid for many piano lessons throughout the years. He is so grateful for all that they’ve done for him that he doesn’t even make them pay a cover charge when they come to see him!
Right after high school, Jim went on tour with a band called “The Sacca Twins Revue” for approximately four years. It was throughout these few years that Jim met his musical partner, Phil Taormina.
Together in 1979, Jim and Phil formed the BLT Band with their friend, Sal Labruna, which is still very successful to date. Phil is the guitarist, Jim is the singer and plays keyboards, and Sal was the drummer. Ten years ago Sal left the band and Jim’s son Michael took over as their drummer.
The BLT Band has performed at well known venues such as Casears & Resorts Casinos in Atlantic City. They are a cover band and play a variety of music from Sinatra and Led Zeppelin to current hits from Lady Gaga. They currently play at Lighthouse Pointe in Wildwood in the summer months as well as every Friday throughout the year at Avalon Links Restaurant, among many more!
They always take requests and put their own twist on songs that allow us to enjoy songs that we already know and love even more! The most popular requests seem to be “All I Ask Of You” from The Phantom of the Opera, “Piano Man” by Billy Joel and “Don’t Stop Believin” By Journey.
The BLT Band is always changing things up, so don’t ever expect a set to be repetitive! Every member of this band is highly sociable and each musician enjoys getting to know their audience on a personal level.
Jim Bannach has four beautiful children, Michael, Jamie, Madison and his newest addition Kelley Louise who is only 9 months old. He also has a grandchild, Gianna that he loves dearly. His number one hobby is spending time with his family. He also enjoys golfing in any spare time that he has left. Jim loves being a performer and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
For additional information and a full entertainment schedule contact Jim at (856) 207-3520 or visit BLT Band on Facebook..
