Berlin Calling Band

BERLIN CALLING - Our Story

Valerie Irons-(Lead Vocalist):
Valerie grew up in Southern Maryland and moved to Virginia in 1994. She had a life-long dream of being a singer but never thought she had the ability. She fondly recalls time spent with her cousin, Mike, in her basement singing along to a wide range of songs. She thought that Mike was an amazing singer and that the only song she could even attempt to sing was Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. Fast forward many years when her daughter, Abigail, was taking vocal lessons for musical theatre. Valerie asked her daughter’s teachers if they were interested in a slightly older student. They took her on as a student and the rest is, as they say, history. Valerie fell in love with singing and hasn’t stopped since.

Valerie’s musical influences include Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, Chrissie Hynde, Miranda Lambert, P!nk, Pat Benetar, Lady Gaga, Debbie Harry and Patsy Cline.

She has been in a number of acoustic projects and bands in Northern Virginia since she began her training, but found her musical home in 2017 with Berlin Calling. She’s thrilled to get to channel her inner Madonna and perform with her extremely talented bandmates. Back in the 80’s she was such a big fan of “big hair” that she’s been accused of carrying the trend a little too far into the 90’s.

Dave Dowgiallo-(Drums/Samples):
Dave started playing percussion in the 4th grade and continued in concert band through high school. At the age of twelve he bought his first drum set at a flea market for $50 using money he earned from mowing lawns.

"At the time I bought my first drum set, KISS was 'the hottest band in the land', so I began trying to play Peter Criss' 100,000 years drum solo. Then I heard Rush's live album, All The World's A Stage, and that changed everything."

"Reuniting with Dave (guitarist) after many years has been a blast, and playing with all of the talented musicians that form Berlin Calling is a privilege. To have the opportunity to play great music from the 80's and to have the chemistry we all have as a band makes it so much fun."

Dave has been in several bands over the years that played all around the D.C. area , including Fusion, Up to 11, and Fracture.

Dave hits things made by Pearl drums, Zildjian and Sabian cymbals, DW hardware, and Yamaha/Roland electronic drums.

Dave Mairs-(Guitarist/Vocalist):
A lifelong Maryland resident, he's a self taught guitar player who started playing guitar at the age of 15. His first concert was Boston and Sammy Hagar in 1978, where he sat in the front row. It was a life changing experience, and one that would shape his love for music and performing for the years to come. He has played in many bands throughout Southern Maryland, Fusion, Viper, and most notably "Fear No Evil."

Influential artists include: Tom Shultz, Alex Lifeson, Glenn Tipton, Dave Murray, Adrian Vandenberg, Randy Rhoads, and George Lynch. Dave plays modified Ibanez RG series guitars, and uses Quilter, Mesa Boogie and Marshall amplification.

He founded Berlin Calling with lifelong friend and drummer, David Dowgiallo. "It's a joy to be reunited with David again, and fun to be playing 80's New Wave music with the other talented members of Berlin Calling. Great things to come with great friends!"

Fun fact: In 1980 Dave and David played in their very first band together "Fusion."

Kevin Pritz-(Bassist):
Kevin was born in Washington DC. He traveled worldwide (via military family), but spent most of his time growing up in the Northern Virginia area. Influenced early on by many groups including Rush, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, The Kinks, The Police, and later The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, and Stone Temple Pilots; he still enjoys all types of music. In the 80's, Kevin's college roommate turned him on to rap, including the incredible Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Soul Sonic Force.

Kevin is a self-trained guitarist/turned bass player, and has been in various Northern Virginia based cover bands including Stop Thief and Chasing Isabelle. After a brief hiatus, he found Berlin Calling thru an ad on Craigslist. He keeps his sanity by indulging in various activities such as golf, fishing, and PC gaming, but primarily spending time with his lovely wife and two daughters.

Kevin's gear consists of Fender basses, Tech 21 products, Genzler amps, Genz Benz cabinets, and ten fingers.

Cris Salas (Keyboards and backup vocals):
Cris is a true child of the 80s - born in 1970 in sunny Mexico City, started playing piano at age 8. Cris discovered synths in his early teens and got together with friends to play in multiple garage bands. Watching the music video Video Killed the Radio Star as MTV started broadcasting was a life changer for Cris and led him to pawn all his belonging to purchase his first synth - an ensoniQ SQ-80.

During the 80s, Cris’ main influences were Van Halen/Hagar, Journey, Duran Duran among many others.

Cris has continued to play in bands throughout his life and most recently, while living in Atlanta Ga, played keys with That 80s Band.

Cris feels very privileged to have been invited to join Berlin Calling (after stalking them for 2 years) - “it’s not easy to find a group of such talented musicians with common musical taste”

Former Bandmate/Sub Keyboardist: Rafael Schardosin: (Keyboards/Sax/Backing Vocals):
Rafael is a Brazilian musician who started his musical journey in the South of Brazil when he was ten years old. Rafael is a multi-instrumentalist, who’s primary instrument is the Keyboards. He also plays Alto Saxophone, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Harmonica and a little Drums.

Rafael started performing on stage at the age of fourteen. He has played in all of the major pubs and concert venues in Brazil, and has traveled the entire country performing. He also has performed at many venues in other countries across Latin America.

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