From Mardi Gras, to Cinco de Mayo, to summer and beyond, the Kokomo Time Band is prepping for the Spring-Summer season of 2014 with many new changes in the offing.

“We play all types of parties, and have added so many ’50-’60-’70s oldies that we’ve become more of an Oldies type band,” says band leader Jim Steffan. “Our working repertoire includes approximately 150 tunes and medleys with a lot of Cajun-Zydeco-Tex Mex tunes in the mix as well.” In this way, the band avails itself of the broad flexibility for anything from Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, or a good old-fashioned beach party or cruise in.

Another aspect of the band’s redesign actually includes the addition of some of their own original tunes. Four original tunes, written by band leader Jim Steffan, include: “My Mardi Gras Queen,” “The Chili con Carne Song,” “Teeny Bop-a-Loola,” and “The Kokomo Polka.”

The band basically hails from Chautauqua County, and has members from Fredonia, Brocton, Silver Creek, Jamestown. Personnel wise, members of the Kokomo Time Band include: Brian Bundy, Brocton on guitar and vocals; Spencer Drake, Jamestown, on bass, guitar and vocals; Jeff McCheskey, Jamestown, on keyboards and vocals; band leader Jim Steffan, Fredonia, on drums and vocals; and band website designer Russ Faraci, Silver Creek, on percussion.

Other members of the Kokomo Time Band family who also play at special events are: Warren Sischo, Jamestown, on guitar, bass and keyboards; James Iarocci of the Fibs, Buffalo, on bass; and Jim Cunio, Ripley, on keyboards.

Much of how the band has changed and evolved can be seen on its website www.kokomotimeband.com where there are several pictures of events and places they’ve played, videos and links to You Tube and Face Book. “We have upgraded our videos on both You Tube and Face Book,” Steffan said. “It’s all relatively current material from 2013 and so people can get a pretty good idea where we’re at.”

Some of the ‘oldie’ music additions for 2014 include: “Walkin’ the Dog,” “Do You Love Me,” “Mother-in-law,” “Save the Last Dance,” “Long Tall Texan,” “I love a Rainy Night,” and a Kokomo Time Band version of “Hang on Sloopy.”

“People love the oldies,” Steffan says. “And with us, everything old is new again.”

The Kokomo Time Band has made changes in music, personnel and their presentation, and are excited about the upcoming 2014 season. They are already committed to Orchard Park’s Caribbean Night on July 23 and Celoron’s Rib Fest on June 7.

Anyone interested in more information about the band or possibly booking the band for a party or event, can contact Jim at 679-4311.