About the Band

The Band was conceived when a promoter heard Lisa singing a Janis tune during a sound check. He told her she needs to do a tribute to Janis and before she knew it she was booked! The search began for players who were interested, but for the first 2 years it took 2 guitarists, 3 bassists and 2 keyboard players. Finally she found the right line up with Michael, Stewart, Richard & Rick to form what is now known as "The Janis Joplin Experience starring Lisa Polizzi”.

About the Members

Lisa Polizzi: Lead Vocals

was raised on the music her parents listened to which was rockabilly & Motown. Her first musical influence was Elvis Presley but even at age of 17 someone approached her saying she reminded them of Janis Joplin. After continuing to hear it, she decided to go for it in 2017 and formed the tribute to the legendary singer.

Lisa has played all over the Tri-state area including festivals, theaters, wineries & campgrounds to some of Long Islands biggest venues. Prior to The Janis Joplin Experience Lisa started singing publicly in her teens and formed her own cover band in 2014 named the “Lisa Polizzi Band” which she still performs with often.

Some of Lisa's accomplishments are being voted one of the top 3 singers on long island. A direct support act for Rascal Flatts. She won a singing competition on Fox5N, won female rising star at an award ceremony held in Dollywood in Tennessee. She was also being considered for the role of Janis on Broadway receiving 2 callbacks after auditioning.

Richard Thomas: Bassist

Richard is from L.A. California and has played and recorded with Ike Turner, members of Buffalo Springfield, Spirit, Three Dog Night, The Beach Boys, Eddie Van Halen before coming to NYC.

He has played countless shows in hundreds of bands over the years in London, Mexico City, Honolulu, Detroit, Vegas, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis and Denver. Playing in The Janis Joplin Experience is the cumulative result of a life playing The Fender Bass.

Stewart Lieberman: keyboards

Grew up in New Hyde Park, NY. born in 1956 and has been playing piano since 1962. At 15 he studied Classical and Jazz Piano, learned music theory and was introduced to artists like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner. He played with the group Jumpstreet in the mid 1970s with members of the Band Cameo. In 1979 he moved to Los Angeles and became musical director for Ja’Net Dubois, (actress on the TV show Good Times). Ja’Net was also the singer on the Hit Song “Movin On Up” from the TV show The Jefferson's. Stewart also played on sessions with members of the Marvin Gaye and Barry White band. In late 1980 he returned to NY

and is now performing with "The Janis Joplin Experience starring Lisa Polizzi”.

Michael Leccese: Guitarist

Classically trained at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. In and out of small bands for 45 years. Michael’s Claim to Fame is The Sea Breeze in Babylon with The Urge.

Rick Wolanski: Drums

Has been playing drums for over 30 years starting when he signed up at the Long Island Drum Center for lessons. From there he started performing all over the Tri-state music scene. Some of his influences are Steve Smith, Ohmar Hakim and of course John Bonham. Rick plays many different musical styles ranging from Classic rock, Motown, and Pop.