A popular staple of night clubs in and around its home state of New Jersey, KATALYST is a powerful rock quartet specializing in classic and current rock. The band has been performing together since 2007 and its seasoned members have many years of experience in the music / entertainment business. The band is at ease performing in night clubs, at private parties and corporate events, and has also performed in Atlantic City and New York City, while continuing to build an enthusiastic following.
KATALYST, a four piece band fully equipped with its own sound and lighting systems, performs the best classic and current rock, ranging from Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac and The Who, to Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow and Bon Jovi. KATALYST focuses on danceable and familiar cover material. Performances feature the beautiful voice of talented lead vocalist, Kathy “Kat” Francis, 6 and 12 string electric guitar work by John Francis, keyboards and bass guitar is covered by Brian O'Sullivan, with John "JT" Torhan keeping time on drums and percussion.
Katalyst: Bio
Kat - Lead Vocals
Kathy “Kat” Francis has been singing and performing since childhood. A graduate of New York City’s “famed” School of the Arts and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she has been classically trained as both a singer and an actress.
Kat has performed all over the world, on cruise ships and in large stage shows featuring Joe Piscopo and Mickey Dolenz. She has also appeared on television on such shows as The Late Show with David Letterman (over 40 appearances), Regis and Kathy Lee, Joe Franklin, Dick Cavett and the Jerry Lewis Telethon, among others. Her appearances also include feature and industrial films, and television commercials.
A studio musician as well as live performer, Kat has recorded commercial jingles and has worked with songwriters on demonstration CDs. She finds most satisfaction, however, as lead singer and songwriter / lyricist for KATALYST.
Kat's influences include Styx, Kansas, Mariah Carey, and Pat Benatar.
Kat uses Shure SM58s, wireless microphones, and in-ear monitor systems as well as Ultra / Ultimate Support stands.
John - Electric (6 and 12 String) Guitars, Bass Pedals, Vocals
John Francis has been performing in various cover and original bands since 1987, playing guitar, bass, and keyboards. He performs all lead and rhythm, acoustic and electric guitars for KATALYST.
His influences include Styx, Rush, Kansas, Asia, Journey, and The Beatles.
John uses vintage Ibanez and Fender electric guitars, Marshall amplifiers, custom pedalboard with analog / digital effects and processors, Moog Taurus pedals, Shure microphones, and custom Legends picks.
Brian - Keyboards, Bass Guitar
Brian O'Sullivan has been playing keyboards for over 35 years. Early
instruction in classical, jazz, music theory and ear training came in
handy when he discovered there weren't any good sheet music books for the progressive rock tunes he wanted to play in his college-days band! Brian picked up the guitar in his teens, and bass followed a couple of years later.
Brian draws influences from many musical genres, counting Keith Emerson, Geoff Downes, Dave Brubeck, Tony Banks, Steve Howe, Jimmy Page, John Wetton, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, Dave LaRue, Robert Lamm, Greg Lake and Phil Keaggy among his influences.
Brian plays Alesis & Roland keyboards, Ibanez bass, Ernie Ball strings, BOSS bass signal processor, Shure mics, and Fender & Dunlop/Tortex picks.
JT - Drums & Percussion
John Torhan, also known as “JT”, has been playing drums for over 25 years, starting at the age of eight. His first experience in working bands began at age 15. Since then he has played in numerous bands, both cover and original, and has appeared on numerous recordings with various groups and for radio jingles. From wedding bands to heavy metal and everything in between, JT has played it all.
JT has many influences from many different styles of music, but mostly from classic rock with Neil Peart and John Bonham topping the list.
JT plays DW drums, Roland V-Drums, and other assorted percussion.