The Big Rockstars

Name: Ante Novaselic
Hometown: San Pedro, CA
Instrument: Guitar & Vocals

From European tours to 80’s Europop, guitarist Ante Novaselic has painted a colorful career for himself without a dull moment, and with no end in sight. A seasoned pro in the studio, on the stage, and on tour, Ante plays electric and acoustic guitars, dobro, and mandolin with the passion and skill of a true music lover who happens to have the technical prowess to create memorable melodic lines and textures, always to suit the song. Never one to overplay, he prefers to bend the notes and create colors to express the emotion in the song, beyond just being busy. Born and raised in San Pedro, California, Ante grew up playing guitar with his cousin Krist Novaselic (Nirvana) as he trained for a career as a professional musician. After two years at Grey School of Music and a year of guitar tutoring at home, Ante moved to his native Croatia (Yugoslavia at the time,) for a change of pace. It was there at the age of 15, that he became the frontman of his first band, Rockatanski, and island hopped on the Adriatic Sea and up and down the coast of Croatia playing festivals and events. A chance meeting with a major Croatian band called Forum led Ante to become their lead guitarist for two summer tours of Europe, including Italy, Austria and Germany. He was also hired as lead guitarist for Croatian mega-pop star Ljiljana Nikoloska, before wartime dangers moved him back to the US. Back in San Pedro, Ante started his own Prog/Rock outfit called Echodrift, and went where his talents were needed; lending his guitar chops to the Erik Young Project (opening for Eddie Money, Air Supply, Venice, Pam Tillis. Etc.) Southern Rock/Country act Shawn Michael Schull & Cross Country, indie rockers Danielle Lopresti & The Masses and Mara & The Big Rock Stars, and pop/rock band Costin. He has most recently been touring the US with 80’s synth-pop band, Naked Eyes (“Always Something There To Remind Me”) opening for Berlin, Psychedelic Furs, Flock Of Seagulls, and more. Influenced by Croatian folk, Zepplin, Floyd, Cro-Pop, Knopfler, and Motown, Ante’s musical vocabulary extends well beyond that of a typical American rock guitarist, and into blues, country, pop, jazz and ethnic styles of guitar playing. He is a professional musician in every sense, and a welcome addition to any project.

Name: Jon Poli
Hometown: San Pedro, CA
Instrument: Drums & Vocals

Through the many incarnations of bands and music genres, Jon Poli has had Mara's back(beat) since they started playing together in 2003. Sure, subs may take the chair from time to time while Jon works with other bands, but he always comes home to the best seat in the house.

Name: Pancho Burgos
Hometown: Hermosa Beach, CA
Instrument: Keyboards & Vocals

Berkley grad Pancho Burgos was drafted into The Big Rock Stars after Mara stalked him while he was playing in a Queen cover band, and lured him into playing "Under Pressure" for just one gig. The rest is history. Pancho also writes scores for major film projects and tours with Naked Eyes.

Name: Joe DiLeva
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Instrument: Bass & Vocals

Assistant Principal of an urban high school in East LA by day - ROCK STAR by night, Joe DiLeva has been playing bass in bands across the Southland for years, opening for legends like Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Eddie Money, Air Supply and Venice. He currently lives in Long Beach with his wife and twin sons, and knows more lyrics to more songs than you will ever know. Ever.