Rob Babson: Rob is the founder/bandleader/front-person/M.C. of the Delta Knights. He is also the band’s lead vocalist, lead guitarist and chief songwriter/arranger. He's even been seen and heard playing blues harp, bass and even ukelele.  Rob is always honing his chops and vocal repertoire, ever eager to please his audience. Although swing, rhythm and blues, blues and classic rock are his preferences, Rob never rules out anything if it’s good.

     Rob has been in show business since elementary school. As a musician, he has performed throughout New England and Tennessee since age 15. The Standish, Maine, native has fronted and led several successful local groups - specializing in diverse styles of music - including The Corvairs, Cool Shade of Blue, The Wildcats, Double Shot and Minus 500. 

     Rob has performed at local and international competitions, representing Maine in the International Blues Talent Competition in 1996.  Rob has performed in pit orchestras doing Broadway Shows.  Since 2007, he has been involved with Freeport Community Players' Home Time Radio Hour, singing, acting and playing guitar in the pit.  Rob studied guitar privately with Mike Silvestri, Gary Richardson, and Tony Gabourey. He studied voice with David Goulet and Debbie Scannell. 

Rob's Equipment at a glance:

Guitars:

Fender American Standard Stratocaster

Fender American Deluxe Reissue Telecaster

Epiphone Casino CH

Larrivee Acoustic

Amps:

Fender Blues Deville

Rivera Quiana Studio

Sandy Pardee: DK's bassist/lead vocalist/M.C., now in his fourteenth “official” year with the band, was the missing link of The Delta Knights. Along with his musical talent, Sandy brings a healthy sense of fun, diversity, professionalism and an effective stage wit.  In 1998, Sandy came into his own as a “Knight,” not only in his great strides as a musician,  but by becoming a true team player. He has helped the band immensely by contributing his time and skills in helping the business side of the band grow, almost single-handedly designing the website you are currently visiting, and designing marketing materials. The band owes Sandy a debt of gratitude. The band would not be what it is today without his contributions.
     Before moving to Maine in the early ’90s, Sandy played in several bands throughout the northeast, and among other accomplishments, released one of the area’s first independent CDs with his Boston band, the Gordons. He also expanded his varied skills by touring with national recording artists Sonic Joyride as media specialist and videographer. In 2001, Sandy contributed to the “Box of Chocolates” CD by local artist John Stivers (released in 2002) and co-wrote, played, arranged and recorded songs on a second CD as part of a volunteer project with the Maine Youth Center called "Message To My Friends"(released in 2005).

Darren Whitney: Our reed man has played on and off with The Delta Knights since 1999, joining the band full-time in 2009.   Darren is highly skilled on Tenor, Alto, Soprano Saxophones and Flute.  Since an early age, Darren has been inspired by many styles of music. Growing up and listening to the recordings of many musical greats such as Marvin Gaye, Charlie Parker, Poncho Sanchez and Sting, inspired him to start playing the saxophone. He discovered that the saxophone could be a vehicle to expressing the emotions inspired by these great artists. Because of his diverse taste in music, he participated in every musical situation available to him, from top 40 bands and reggae to jazz and funk.

     After high school, Darren had the opportunity to play in the world-renowned college big bands of North Texas State before returning to Maine to receive his BA in English Literature from the University of Southern Maine. In 1997 he had the pleasure of playing on Motor Booty Affair’s CD, “Can You Feel the Love,” which received airplay on MTV’s hit series Road Rules and Real World.  Darren is on a constant mission to create music in any genre with exciting passionate musicians and always trying to deliver performances filled with the exuberance and warmth audiences and concert promoters expect.

Brian Hodgman:We are happy to announce that Brian is the "new kid" on the Delta Knights Band block and our new permanent drummer.  In fact, he really isn't new to the band.  For those who have followed the band for any length of time, he was a familiar sight on the Delta Knights bandstand as one of our most solid substitute drummers.  After serving splendidly in this capacity for more than 10 years,  and the time came to fill the drum chair, well, let's just say that between his qualities as a drummer and as a person, it wasn't a hard choice to make.
     Brian started playing drums in the High School Band. He studied with Dick Demers early on, and has performed with many bands over the years filling in when he could. Some of the bands and performers are Cherrie Bonny, Malinda Liberty, Denny Breau, Frank Coffin, Rick Graham, Jeff Farnsworth, The Blues Bullies, The Blue Willow Band, and many others. When he played drums with Malinda Liberty, he got the chance to open for many Country Stars, such as Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette and Waylon Jennings.  Brian has also done studio work with many local musicians such as Denny Breau, Tim Bishop, and Jim Gallant to name a few.

     Brian loves many kinds of music and different playing styles and we're looking forward to working with his knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. Oh, and he sings, too! We're glad to welcome Brian aboard, and we're all looking forward to what he'll add to the next chapter in the Delta Knights saga.