Band Biography
The RiffSurfers are a New Jersey band where the whole is much greater than the sum of their parts. Each member has their own distinct style, but when together, something magical happens. They are soulful at times, but can rock out just as hard. They need to be seen to be believed
Jeff Hornlien
As the sole guitarist, songwriter, lead vocalist, and mad scientist of
the Riffsurfers, Jeff Hornlien uses his natural gifts to shape the fine rock
music that has become the band's trademark. What you hear from the band is
a direct result of Jeff's life experience and artistic accomplishment.
Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Jeff spent his formative years as a
lead guitarist, playing in some of the hottest bands in New Jersey. Following
some modest success in several bands, Jeff finally decided to do his own thing
and pursue a solo career. His catalogue of original tunes now numbers about 70.
Jeff still spends long hours in practice, honing and shaping his skills and
nurturing his love of electric rock guitar.
Jeff Hornlien has played at Crash Mansion, The Bitter End, The Hook, The Stone
Pony, The Saint, Krome, The Lion's Den, Meow Mix, CBGB's, The Limelight, The
Birch Hill, The Brighton Bar, among many venues. He has played with Slaughter
and Jason Bonham
Jeff Hornlien is influenced by: Lenny Kravitz, Santana, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani,
Dave Matthews Band, Paul Stanley, Jimi Hendrix, Dream Theater, Bon Jovi, and
Jeff Buckley.
Jeff has achieved local air play on 95.5 The Rat and 106.3 WMCX-FM. Jeff's
TV credits include appearances on the Local Band Spotlight, created and hosted
by Mike Gamache on Comcast Cable TV.
Jimmy Diamonde
Jim attended Berklee College of Music and has taught privately, as well as at Rutgers University and Brookdale Community College.
Jim is most heavily influenced by Jaco Pastorius, Jack Bruce, Mel Schacher, Tim Bogert, James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and composers George Gershwin, Bix Beiderbecke, Lalo Schifrin, and Ennio Morricone.
Jimmy Diamonde calls Jeff, Jenna, and John his "family" and says they are saving his life with music and most valued friendship.
Jenna D'Onofrio
Jenna D'Onofrio is a working musician and music educator with a career
that began upon graduating from Rutgers University in 2001. Jenna has played
previously with Play On Words, Trial Run, and Groove Absolute. Jenna is
also still playing music with her friend Charlie from Dead Emotion.
Jenna is heavily influenced by Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Johann Sebestian
Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Frederick Chopin.
Other Musicians that have influenced her are:
Stevie Wonder, Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Thelonius Monk,
The Mighty Lemon Drops, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Nirvana,
Iron Butterfly, Medeski Martin &Wood, Chick Corea, Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Jenna would like to add that she feels that she has found her home with the
Riffsurfers and is excited to watch this project grow and be a part of it!
John Kraemer
John Kraemer has had a life-long interest in percussion and began
playing at age 12 after discovering Kiss and listening to Kiss Alive.
John played in a couple high school bands, but nothing serious. Upon entering
college in 1995, he became the founding drummer for the metal band Minotar,
which recorded two full-length CDs in 2000 and 2002 with Glenn Evans (formerly
of the New Jersey speed metal band Nuclear Assault). Minotar played many shows
in the tri-state area and opened for Six Feet Under in North Jersey in 2004.
After serving in the National Guard 2004-2006, and with Minotar 's schedule
winding down, he auditioned for Blue Man Group in early 2007, where he was
one of ten finalists for the new show opening in Universal Studios, Orlando FL.
He didn't get the gig with Blue Man, which turned out to be a very lucky break
for The RiffSurfers.
John was able to learn the RiffSurfers catalog in record time while maintaining
the hectic recording and performing schedule, making him invaluable as the
newest member of the band.
John was born in Point Pleasant, NJ, and is currently a resident of Toms River.
Some of John's influences are:
Bands: Kiss (of course), Rush, Dave Matthews Band, Van Halen, Pantera,
Lamb of God, Dream Theater, Yanni, Fantomas, Strapping Young Lad, (old)
Fear Factory, Anthrax, Arch Enemy, Alien Ant Farm, Sepultura, Lacuna Coil, and Testament.
Musicians: Dave Lombardo, Gene Hoglan, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Vinnie Paul,
Igor Cavalera, John Tempesta, Chris Adler, Terry Bozzio, Neal Peart, Carter
Beauford, Mike Portnoy, and Steve Smith.