Biographies of the Chronicle Band Members

Gary Antelept, band leader, plays guitar, harmonica and is songwriter for the band, Chronicle.  Gary has formed bands, which have performed in Chicago, Illinois and Bloomington/Indianapolis, Indiana. 

In Chicago, Gary and Chronicle played at the 95^th Restaurant on top of the John Hancock building.  Chronicle appeared on Chicago’s Fascinating People, with host, Bobby Robinson.  Gary played two of his original songs for a special performance of the National Federation of Music, “Parade of American Composers.”

Chronicle’s Indiana performances have included a recent Reception/Artist Showcase at the Indianapolis Arts Garden in October 2004 for Indiana Art Works.  Chronicle supported two Spirit and Place sponsored programs.  In November 2004, Chronicle provided musical support for the Campaign for a Living Wage, “$15.48.”   In November 2003, Chronicle provided musical support for Planned Parenthood/Voice of the Faithful sponsored program, “Reclaiming Stolen Lives, Healing Survivors of Sexual Abuse”.  Chronicle has played for Faith and Labor Coalition events, including parties and prayer meetings. 

Doug and Dave Johnston, brothers, have been playing music since they were children.  As the rhythm section of Chronicle, they provide the backbone of Chronicle’s sound.  Doug plays drums, Dave bass.  Their father, William Johnston was a trumpet player who formed a 16-member band called Columbia during the Great Swing Jazz Era.  Mr. Johnston supported his sons in all their musical endeavors through the years.  Doug and Dave’s mother went to all their performances, even nightclubs and smoke filled bars.

Doug Johnston first studied music/percussion with Dick Paul.  Doug played with the Marching Band at Arlington High School playing snare drum.  He was one of just a few freshmen to make the squad and he played with the Marching Band until his graduation.  He also played percussion with the Arlington High School Orchestra.  Doug attended Indiana University and found a spot playing cymbals with the IU Marching Band.  After college, Doug studied percussion privately with Jack Gilfoy.  Jack Gilfoy was Henry Mancini’s drummer.  Gilfoy is a native of Indianapolis, a music teacher at IU.  Doug considers Gilfoy to be a mentor, studying with him on and off most of Doug’s adult years. 

Doug has played drums in several different bands, usually stage bands.  He played often at Holiday Inn, Moose Lodge.  Another local influence has been Indianapolis pianist, Dave Hepler.  Doug went to grade school, high school and college with his brother, Dave.  Doug says he enjoys playing with Chronicle. He considers music his life-long profession.  His favorite Band is Chic Corea.  His favorite songs include  “Romantic Warrior” and “Tobacco Road”.

Dave Johnston started playing trumpet at age 9 years old.  He got his first guitar at age 13.  At age 19, Dave switched to playing bass to compliment his brother’s percussion.  Dave was also dedicated to music and strategically thought it would be easier to join a band as the rhythm section.  Also at age 19, Dave exhibited a sense of musical seriousness by taking voice lessons at Butler University and joining the IUPUI Chorus Ensemble.  

Dave has since performed with all sorts of bands including gospel, country and rock.  He sang with the Ripple Tones (a barbershop group) for 4 years.  He then took up with the barbershop quartet, the Pride of Indy.  Most recently he sang with the Scottish Rite Choir.  Dave sees himself as a harmony singer. His favorite song is “Unchained Melody”.  His favorite performers: Carlos Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Jacko Pistorious, Stanley Clark

Amy Lain, is the female vocalist for Chronicle.  Amy has always enjoyed singing.  At 6 years old she sang “Go Tell It On The Mountain” in Church.  The church members warmly applauded, giving Amy a sense of accomplishment and confidence that she could sing as well as singers she had seen on television.  Amy began her study of music at age 7, studying piano for 10 years.  She played with an all girls piano quartet.  Amy played violin for 5 years and at age 13, she purchased her first guitar. Amy received a standing ovation after singing and playing guitar during a high school assembly.  Amy also performed with her friend, Martin, as a duet.  They sang original material and music written by singer/songwriters such as John Denver, Cat Stevens and James Taylor. 

Over the years, Amy’s friends told her she sounded very much like Joni Mitchell.  During college, Amy took advantage of many opportunities for performance both as a singer and actress.  She was involved in 3 musical productions, singing the song “Day by Day” in the popular musical “Godspell.”  Amy sang alto with the Earlham College Concert Choir.  Recently, Amy was a part of the chorus in a production of “Joseph’s Technicolor Dream Coat.”

As a member of Chronicle, Amy loves finding new harmonies.  Her favorite performers include: Joni Mitchell, Emmylou Harris, Police/Sting, Talking Heads, Beatles, and many other singer/songwriters.  Her favorite song is “All City Sounds” written by Gary Antelept.

Josh York, is the piano player for Chronicle.  "My name is Josh York, and I am a proud member of Chronicle. I have been playing the piano for 13 years, and I really enjoy it.   My first experience with the piano was when I was very young. I was at Church and I became frightened of this loud,

boom-y instrument. After I was taken out of the room, I was fine. After the service, my mom took me back to the piano and let me know there was nothing to fear. I have had an interest ever since.

My first piano lesson was at Meridian Music. I was 8 years old at the time.  Piano lessons lasted a while, but during the winter that followed, my piano teacher decided to move back to Germany. I was unable to continue lessons. Also, my parents divorced, and I went 3 years without a piano lesson.

My career formed at the Indiana School for the Blind. I started taking lessons at the school. My perfect pitch was developed at the Indiana School for the Blind. I was involved in jazz combo, where I had won numerous awards. I also participated in a numerous piano contests, and placed high in them.  I graduated from high school in 2003.

The following summer, I went to a training program called Bosma Rehabilitation. This program helps visually-challenged individuals to learn how to live independently, despite their blindness. I stayed at a place called Lucille Raines. It was on a Monday evening that I met Gary Antelept, founder of the band. I thought I heard something on the television. I went downstairs to check it out, and it turned out to be Gary playing some of his original songs. I introduced myself. Once I got to know him, and heard his band, I decided to join.

I currently perform regular solo piano engagements at Von Maur in Greenwood and McCafe in Broad Ripple. I also perform solo at parties, weddings, reception and piano bar venues playing a combination of classical, jazz and hymn pieces.  Chronicle has played for 2 Spirit and Place events, one of which was a program called “Reclaiming Stolen Lives”, a program that dealt with adults who had been abused as children. Another was a campaign for raising the minimum wage.

Chronicle is currently looking to obtain more jobs at this time. Thank you for your interest in me, and also for the band."