Experience the Heartbeat of Modern Country Music!
The Tommy Guns Band began with Tommy Dunleavy and Adam Sorber, who started TGB with a shot and a promise to build a new local country band like neither of them had ever seen before. From that moment on, the Tommy Guns Band was born and has been keeping country music alive in NEPA ever since!
Starting the band right required the best people and the right country band lineup. With Adam on Pedal Steel Guitar and Rachel on Fiddle, the dream became a reality! Fifteen years later, Tommy has retired, and Adam has moved on, but Rachel has kept TGB going. With her favorite friends and musicians Dirk, Don, Joe, and Grant by her side, the Tommy Guns Band still embodies the spirit of rock and roll style fused with country roots, and is dedicated to delivering electrifying performances and authentic music that resonates with fans from northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.
Who is the Tommy Guns Band?
Meet the passionate musicians who bring our vibrant sound to life.
Rachel Galassi
Lead Vocalist & Fiddle player
Rachel Galassi brings the perfect mix of powerhouse vocals, fiery fiddle playing, and infectious energy to The Tommy Guns Band. A lifelong musician from northeastern Pennsylvania, Rachel has been performing on stage for more than 25 years and knows how to light up a crowd with her love of music.
Rachel began her stage career in the band Crush, led by the late and great Eric Rudy. She later became the lead female singer and fiddle player in Farmer’s Daughter, where she discovered her country fiddle chops. It was when Tommy Dunleavy and Adam Sorber called her and asked her to join their new Country Band that Rachel joined The Tommy Guns Band in 2011. Although Tommy and Adam have both left the band, Rachel remains as the band’s last remaining original member.
When she’s not rocking out with the band, Rachel is an orchestra director and music educator, sharing her passion for performance with the next generation of young musicians. Her background in classical training and orchestral conducting gives her a unique musical edge that shines through in every show.
Whether she’s singing one of her favorite country songs or tearing it up on the fiddle, Rachel’s talent, heart, and stage presence make her an essential part of The Tommy Guns Band experience.
Grant Williams
Bass Guitar
Grant Williams is a prominent Scranton, PA-born bassist. He picked up the instrument at age 17 and has spent the last two decades immersing himself in the local music scene and releasing acclaimed solo music.
His early life and career took off in the Pennsylvania region, where he evolved from an avid listener to an active performer and session musician. Throughout his musical journey, he has balanced playing in various regional bands such as Graces Downfall with his own solo projects.
Don Cannon
Lead Vocalist & Rhythm Guitar
Started my first band as a rhythm guitar player around 1995. It was called Half Of Henry (one of the best band names ever!). After shuffling a few members, that band eventually turned into a band called Bleach. (Incidentally, I still had hair back then and used to bleach it blonde!)
Bleach did fairly well in the local scene but never really “made it”. We added a new frontman and in 1998, rebranded as “Hoosier Daddy?” and things took off for us. At our busiest, we played 150 shows a year and traveled within about a five-hour radius of the Scranton area to play shows.
After HD? ran its course, I was playing in an acoustic/electric trio, which was actually the first act to play at Bar Louie when it opened inside Mohegan Sun Pocono casino. Management liked us but was looking for bands, which prompted us to start Fake Uncle Jack, my third 5-piece band, which ran for about 8 years with great local success.
The following year, one of the most fun bands around was born. The 3-piece Barrel-Chested Beer Bellies! I moved to bass, we all wore coveralls and fake beards while playing the most eclectic setlist that included acts such as Tool, AIC, Usher, Lou Rawls, The Little River Band, and any other songs we could have fun with! We traveled with a 10’ video screen, and fans couldn’t wait to see what we would come up with next!
Sadly, COVID put an ultimate end to that band, which led to my focus on acoustic solo and duo work. Even though I had been consistently playing acoustic shows throughout my band years, it was 2020 that really forced the issue. I still play in Jug O’ Jack, the duo I formed that year, as well as a lot of solo work.
The Summer of 2021 brought a new challenge that I expected to be temporary. I was asked by a prominent local country band to fill in for three shows near the end of that summer, which I agreed to do. I never expected that to lead to a permanent position with Tommy Guns Band, but here we are, five years later, and I couldn’t be happier about the invitation to continue playing with such great people and musicians. This partnership has also spawned a country acoustic duo, which I also love to perform with.
It’s hard for me to comprehend that a guy who picked up his college roommate’s guitar in 1992-93 and learned a handful of chords somehow forged a 30-year “career” in the fantastic music scene around NEPA. I’m very grateful to all the venues I’ve played and continue to play, as well as all the people with whom I’ve played. I’m not sure what my life would’ve been if not for music…
It’s been a hell of a ride!
Dirk Dekker
Lead Guitar
Dirk Dekker is the heart and soul of The Tommy Guns Band’s signature sound. His amazing lead guitar work and easy-going stage presence bring a spark of energy to every show. Whether he’s tearing through a blazing solo or laying down smooth, soulful licks, Dirk knows exactly how to get a crowd on its feet and keep the good times rolling.
A truly soulful musician at heart, Dirk blends the best of modern country with rock and classic influences to create a sound that’s fresh, fun, and full of life. He’s known for his amazing tone, creative playing style, and his ability to make every performance feel like a party.
When he’s not on stage, you’ll find Dirk jamming with friends and recording musical projects. His mastery of music and genuine connection with fans make him an unforgettable part of The Tommy Guns Band experience.
Joe Pleska
Drums & Vocals
Joe Pleska is the driving beat behind the Tommy Guns Band, keeping the energy high with his dynamic drumming and intense stage presence. A seasoned musician with years of live performance experience, Joe has played with popular regional bands including Crush and Tin Pan Alley, where he honed his rock-solid rhythm and versatile style.
In addition to anchoring the groove, Joe occasionally takes the mic—singing and chatting with the crowd to keep every show fun, engaging, and full of personality. Whether he’s laying down a steady country backbeat or adding flair to a high-energy anthem, Joe brings both musicianship and charisma to every performance.
Offstage, he’s known for his sense of humor, positive attitude, and genuine love for connecting with audiences through great music.