Baldwin band on the rise

When Non Stop to Cairo guitarist Nick Diamond nearly lost his fingers in a freak shop accident in February, the then-three members of the Baldwin band weren't sure if they would be able to continue.

"We didn't know where the band was going at that point," said Matt Ezzo, the band's bass guitarist. "It was very iffy if he could play again...but we knew he could sing."

So Diamond did just that, jumping on vocals while they brought in three new musicians to play with them, including a saxophonist and trombonist — not your average rock band instruments. But the six Baldwin residents — Diamond, Ezzo, August Harris, Tone Ramirez, Andrew Hagerty and Dave Bartlett — seemingly knew exactly what they were doing, because after only two months playing together, Non Stop to Cairo won the 2009 Long Island Music Festival.

"Obviously, it was a good choice...it gave us a little bit of validation," Ezzo said of the newly formed band's success at the L.I. Music Festival.

Most of the band mates have different musical tastes and talents, ranging from rock, punk, emo, hip hop, rap and metal. But while that unique combination of styles may seem like it would make writing songs more difficult, Ezzo says it actually helps the band stand out from others. "We know that with our diverse backgrounds, when we take that and put it together, that it's bound to create something new," he said. "We look at making songs as original as possible."

The band had no shortage of tour dates this past summer, doing upwards of 20 shows. But despite their notoriety, you won't see the members of Non Stop to Cairo keeping any money for themselves. Every penny they make from shows is put right back into the band’s coffers, and used to purchase or fix their music equipment.

Currently, the band's main focus is to record their first album. As a trio, the band recorded an extended play album, or EP, but the six-man band has yet to do so. They are looking to create a record with eight to 10 songs, and hoping for a March 2010 release date.

At home, the members enjoy the support of their former music teachers in the Baldwin School District and at New World Music, whom helped them develop their musical talents. And for three band mates, all of whom work at the same Baldwin deli, their boss is understanding of their dedication to the band and they are given the time off when they need it.

And while every band dreams of becoming rich and famous someday, the members of Non Stop to Cairo say it's more about the music, and being a part of something they love.

"I don't think we look at it like we gotta have millions of dollars and girls everywhere," Ezzo said. "In the business, we want to be able to support ourselves. But being able to do the thing you love for the rest of your life and being able to support us is obviously the dream for all of us. It's definitely where we shine.”