There & Back Again was originally formed in late 2002 as a jam session. It was a good way for vocalist/guitarist John Woitko, bassist Mike Manganelli, keyboardist Pat “Hoodie” Manganelli  and drummer Jeff Bonomo to blow of steam once a week while keeping their musical chops in shape. Soon after they started, the jam session grew into a polished rock band. Each musician brought a different set of experiences and influences to the band, which culminated in the band’s live show containing something for everyone. Classic Rock, 80s Hits, Modern Rock and everything in between. If you can dance to it, There & Back again probably plays it.

   In the years since the bands inception, this jam session has ultimately led to shows at nightclubs throughout the Greater Hazleton Area. There & Back Again has also volunteered to perform for various benefits and charities such as The American Cancer Society Telethon, Bonner's Relay For Life Team, and The Hurricane Katrina Relief Telethon.

   In the Fall of 2005 There & Back Again found themselves at a turning point. Founding member, John Woitko was diagnosed with colon cancer. The band immediately decided they would stand by John and wait for a full recovery before continuing.

  
   A few weeks after his bi-weekly chemotherapy treatments started, he began collaborating with Jeff Bonomo on some original music using some of the recent events in his life as inspiration. Within a few weeks, the two men had basic song structures for several songs in place and invited the Manganelli brothers to help finish the compositions.

    As the songs neared completion the band decided to forgo any monetary gain and donate their upcoming album titled “Time Cures Everything” along with all of the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.  The members of There & Back Again hope that the music on this album will make the lives of people touched by cancer a little easier.

    In January 2006 the band released a video for the title track and appeared on the local TV shows Your Life, Community Awareness and WYLN-TV 35 News. They were also featured in several Standard-Speaker newspaper articles including a front-page story.  This article, written by Jeff Drumheller, highlighted John's story and what brought the album to life. They also received a very favorable album review by veteran journalist L.A. Tarone, including an honorable mention in his top albums of 2006 list, appeared in the monthly magazine Panorama and Alan Stout's column "Music On The Menu" in The Weekender Magazine. The title track received airplay on WKAB 103.5 FM.

   In 2006 and 2007 not only was "Time Cures Everything"  featured prominently in the promotion of the 28th & 29th Annual American Cancer Society Telethon, it was also used as the opening & closing theme. In addition, There & Back Again performed a two-hour headlining show both years that was broadcast throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

   Several months after their first American Cancer Society Telethon appearance John Woitko finished his treatments and to this day remains in good health.

   Within the first month of its release, the album "Time Cures Everything" sold approximately 500 copies. Since then it has gone on to sell over 1000 copies and has received critical praise from area musicians, radio and TV veterans.

   In the fall of 2006, Joe Somerdak joined the band as lead guitarist and the band has been rocking local clubs ever since.

   If you wish to book one of the area’s premier cover bands for your club, party or wedding please email us for more information.