Running Down A Dream

Follow You Down

Beverly Hills

Summertime

Formed in 2014 in Lexington, Kentucky, The Banditos were born when bassist Billy Halls posted ad on Craigslist wanting to form a 90’s cover band.  Singer and rhythm guitarist Jeff Ponatoski was the first to reply to the ad.  Drummer Daniel Marifjeren was the next member to respond.  Halls then enlisted the guitar capabilities of friend and co-worker Josh H-wood Mitchell and the unnamed band was born.  The band began practicing in Daniel’s basement in Richmond, KY, and began building their catalog of 90’s rock tunes.  

The band played a private show in October of 2014 after just a handful of practices and received great reviews from party guests. After the show the band needed to decide on a name for the band.  They posted an online poll of several names and ultimately the name “The Banditos” was selected by the band.  The Banditos is a rock song from the rock band The Refreshments and is a favorite of Halls and Ponatoski. Late in 2014, Josh Mitchell had to leave the band due to time commitments.  The band quickly scrambled and went back to Craigslist for help.  They immediately found lead guitarist Eddie Farler and a new practice home in Lexington, KY.  The Banditos thought something was missing with their lineup and found the proverbial unicorn in keyboardist Steven Miller.  The Banditos were now complete.

The Banditos have created a set list of 40 plus songs and began booking shows.  The Banditos played their first show at Madison Garden in Richmond, KY in January 2015.  The Banditos cranked out several hits from the 1990’s including songs from Tom Petty, Counting Crows, Cracker, Gin Blossoms, Tonic, Dishwalla, Radiohead, Matchbox 20, Weezer, Marcy’s Playground, Smash Mouth, Better Than Ezra, Sublime, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Eat World, Stone Temple Pilots, Poison, Blink182, Soul Asylum, Green Day, Lit, Eve 6, 3 Doors Down, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Collective Soul, Incubus, Kid Rock, and The Refreshments.

In January of 2015, The Banditos exceeded 250 likes on their Facebook page and have developed a following of all ages.  The Banditos fit best in establishments that cater to the 25 to 45 year olds and are currently booking shows and looking to boost their fan base.  The Banditos want to create a professional and fun environment and continue to rock the 90’s for generations to come.  No show is too small or too large for The Banditos.

If you wish to book or contact The Banditos please do so by e-mail, text, phone, or via Facebook.  The contact information is listed below.

e-mail: BanditosBandKY@gmail.com
Text / Phone: 859-539-3530 (Billy Halls)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanditosKY