Performers

Martin O' Brien

Grew up in Ireland and played in various bands along the way before coming to the States where he was the frontman for Beyond Reality,

Weapon-X and a short stint with Sixth House. He’s also been involved in session work along the way along side legendary producer Buck Brundage (RIP) and Grammy award winning engineer Phil Magnotti

and finally the Empath Project. Martin has been compared to vocalists such as Bruce Dickenson, Rob Halford and a host of others, but has defined his own style of singing by pulling key elements from all his influences.

Past Projects include: Weapon X and Beyond Reality.

JD Herzog

A native of CT, started playing clarinet in grammar school in 5th grade and switched to saxophone in 8th grade. He studied clarinet and saxophone with the late Joe Sebastian of Hamden until he was 18.

While traveling through New Delhi India in Sept 1971 he had the opportunity to play second clarinet with the New Delhi Symphony Orchestra, and play with the Hotel Vikram Jazz Band. Traveling to Europe, he visited The Musik Collective Inningan in Augsburg Germany and he played saxophone with them. The highlight was playing on the Spielstrasse at the 72 Munich Olympics. Coming back to the states in 1973 he moved out to California, played in the band Klicken in Santa Rosa CA and studied sax with Fred Mathis. Moving back to Connecticut in 1980, he again studied with Joe Sebastian and played in the band “Blue Eyed Soul.” A 9 piece band playing all the Motown hits. In 1986 he resumed studying jazz theory with the late pianist Drew Salperto. He then became involved with “The Elm City Blues Project” led by the late Ken Mellilo and finally the Empath Project.

Empath

Is a new

Theatrical Rock Band that

is based on the rock performance show Paradise of Dreams. A series of productions created by

Eddi Wheels founder & composer of Eden's Gate Productions,

who has brought in the finest talented performers for this multimedia event. Anastasya Everon and Martin O Brien were the first to collaborate on the project, followed by Jason Costeines as well as new comer Cat Leigh & JD Herzog who with their extraordinary talent has brought life to this new type of multimedia performance show for the whole family .

Mark Zuzick

Born and raised in CT Mark has been playing drums for the last 40 years. Devoted to many bands and session work his main outfit was Dark Truth which later became One Part Human which tour regularly in the Tri state area. He is currently playing with NU M4chine a hard rock local band that is making headway through local venues.

"I've been playing for 40 years. Started when I was 9 yrs old, and took 7 yrs of drum instruction. When I was 5, I was at my Uncle's wedding, and the drummer sat me on his lap and I played his drums. I never looked back!!

Cat Leigh

Is a native of Columbus Ohio who studied music at The Levite School of music for voice and song writing and co-founded the Scioto River Band.

Later moved to CT and studied with SNL blues ledgend Christine Ohlman ( the Beehive Queen) and joined Tifton Carver worship traveling band and toured with George Tift. She has worked with numerous producers on many projects before joining with Eddi Wheels to help complete Empath Vol. 2 for the shows production. Her remarkable talent has helped complete this incredible album.

"The long and short of it is, I love to sing. I've been in a number of projects from traveling Christian worship to original & cover rock, acoustic trios, to funk." Cat Leigh

Anastasya Everon

A native of Israel and currently in NYC, was the first

to collaborate with Eddi on the project. She helped pioneer what the songs were soon to become today. Her high operatic voice elevated the project to another level that helped forge the Empath sound. Besides her love for Rock music, Anastasya loves and also performs for various Opera productions throughout the Tri-State area.

Greg Barnak

Bassist and native of CT has performed with countless local bands and acts in the Tri-State area. He has performed with Mark Zuzick in the band Dark Truth and One Part Human and was a member of Black Mountain Rising. In his earlier career he played in the band High Ridge Crew alongside long time friend and new comer and extraordinary guitarist Eddi Wheels who are friends. He is currently touring with One Part Human a new hard rock show.

Jason Costeines

A native of CT has been playing and performing for the last 25 years.

Winner of I-95 best Singer of the year and also on X- factor, as well as local band such as the Retro maniacs (a splash of the 70-90's era) Jason's imputable career has defied all records. He has been awarded the best new singer in CT in the last few years and still keeps his mark as one of the best rock singers of all times. Jason is currently singing with the Retro Maniacs.

Kristen Werden

A native of Wallingford, Ct

has played with countless of bands ranging from jazzy, blues rock roots to more contemporary and top 40.

An artist like no other with an incredible soulful voice that leaves you mesmerized and embedded deep in the heart of Blues!

Her wonderful talent is the newest lend to join the Empath Project, expanding the show to the next level.

She is currently playing with her new band

Hack Daddys

Michael Lisko

A lifetime CT native, Michael taught himself guitar and keyboards from an early age as well as songwriting. In the 80’s, a band he was in needed a bass player so he picked it up and never looked back. Throughout the 90’s he was in numerous bands including The Dealers & Silent Scream while finalizing in the 2000’s he performed with In From The Cold, throughout the Tri-state area.

Recently, Michael joined the new multimedia production Empath with Eddi Wheels from Paradise of Dreams. “Working on a multimedia production has been a lifelong dream! What Eddi has created is outstanding to say the least. His musical genius and talent has help and guided me in more than I can say! He is truly exceptional!”

Jovanii Ortiz

Originally a native from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, Jovanii moved to New Haven, Connecticut at an early age pursuing a career in acting. He was struck by the acting bug having performed in a few plays including being cast as Charlie Brown in a production of "You're a good man Charlie Brown" where he started showcasing his acting and singing ability. His love for the stage and performance took hold of him and Jovanii was hooked.

Over the years he would continue acting and singing under the name Jovanii De La Cruz. Finding that singing was more enjoyable and less constraining he pursued singing and performing under his last name "Ortiz".

In that time his love for rock music formalize as he fronted several rock bands of different genres. Among those bands were "Turmoil", "Shattered Image", "Switchblade Serenade", "Rattlebone Sally", "Disposable Saints" and "Sunset Suicide." Over the years the desire to create original music had never diminished, always looking to collaborate with quality musicians, Jovanii team up with Eddi Wheels on his epic production of “Paradise of Dreams" where he lend his musical talent to help create the timeless multimedia production.

Aaron Spearin

• CT born and raised

• Solo acoustic musician – singer/songwriter

• Front man for CT cover bands Hattrick and Distilled

• Trumpet

• Early influences – Annie, Kool and the Gang, Grease, Air Supply, GnR, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, Jim Croce.

Aaron is a solo acoustic musician, singer/songwriter. Native born to CT, Aaron’s music career began by making his trumpet sing. During his college years, inspiration hit to pick up the guitar to accompany his voice and start “singing a feeling,” which led to nearly fifty original and dozens of acoustically reimagined cover tunes. Aaron has been involved with a variety of other projects, including providing studio vocals for friends and family, and fronting live with his CT-based cover bands, Hattrick and Distilled.

“It has been such an honor to work with Eddi on such an epic passion project. Eddi pushes me to expand on my musical influences and coaches me in ways to draw out my best studio performances.”

Timothy Barone

Has been a singer most of his life. He has performed his solo acoustic act in clubs throughout CT for decades. He fronted many cover bands including the acclaimed eclectic group Gig*A*Bit.

He is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and has performed professionally in stage plays up and down the east coast from Maine to Florida.

He is also the guest soloist for the University Glee Club Christmas show.

He has performed rock, pop, funk, jazz, show tunes and yes, he’s even done opera at the Schubert Theater in new Haven.

“I love all types of music and am grateful to have the opportunity to perform”. He is excited to be involved with Empath.

Steven R. McClary-Smith

Was born January 21, 1997 in New Haven, CT. He began singing his Jr. year in high school after his music teacher discovered his musical talents. Even with a late start, Steven Went off to study classical voice for 2 years at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. After his time in College, he began performing at BJ’s wholesale Club in Derby, CT during small weekend tabling events.

In October 2019, He was recruited by a costumer for Center Stage Community Theatre’s Production of A Center Stage Christmas in Shelton, CT.

In January 2020, Steven appeared in Brief Cameo Productions of Ragtime The Musical at the Ivoryton theatre in Essex, CT as Matthew Henson and Ensemble.

In January 2021, Steven Starred in Nelson Hall Theatre Production of The Misery Theatre Guild as “The Playwright.” Written and Directed by Timothy Gadomski.

Steven is currently working on his own music and developing himself as a performer. Steven is very honored and blessed to have had worked on this amazing project Eddi Wheels

Jovanii Ortiz

Originally a native from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, Jovanii moved to New Haven, Connecticut at an early age pursuing a career in acting. He was struck by the acting bug having performed in a few plays including being cast as Charlie Brown in a production of "You're a good man Charlie Brown" where he started showcasing his acting and singing ability. His love for the stage and performance took hold of him and Jovanii was hooked.

Over the years he would continue acting and singing under the name Jovanii De La Cruz. Finding that singing was more enjoyable and less constraining he pursued singing and performing under his last name "Ortiz".

In that time his love for rock music formalize as he fronted several rock bands of different genres. Among those bands were "Turmoil", "Shattered Image", "Switchblade Serenade", "Rattlebone Sally", "Disposable Saints" and "Sunset Suicide." Over the years the desire to create original music had never diminished, always looking to collaborate with quality musicians, Jovanii team up with Eddi Wheels on his epic production of “Paradise of Dreams" where he lend his musical talent to help create the timeless multimedia production.

Aaron Spearin

• CT born and raised

• Solo acoustic musician – singer/songwriter

• Front man for CT cover bands Hattrick and Distilled

• Trumpet

• Early influences – Annie, Kool and the Gang, Grease, Air Supply, GnR, Dan Fogelberg, John Denver, Jim Croce.

Aaron is a solo acoustic musician, singer/songwriter. Native born to CT, Aaron’s music career began by making his trumpet sing. During his college years, inspiration hit to pick up the guitar to accompany his voice and start “singing a feeling,” which led to nearly fifty original and dozens of acoustically reimagined cover tunes. Aaron has been involved with a variety of other projects, including providing studio vocals for friends and family, and fronting live with his CT-based cover bands, Hattrick and Distilled.

“It has been such an honor to work with Eddi on such an epic passion project. Eddi pushes me to expand on my musical influences and coaches me in ways to draw out my best studio performances.”

Kristen Werden

A native of Wallingford, Ct

has played with countless of bands ranging from jazzy, blues rock roots to more contemporary and top 40.

An artist like no other with an incredible soulful voice that leaves you mesmerized and embedded deep in the heart of Blues!

Her wonderful talent is the newest lend to join the Empath Project, expanding the show to the next level.

She is currently playing with her new band

Hack Daddys

Michael Lisko

A lifetime CT native, Michael taught himself guitar and keyboards from an early age as well as songwriting. In the 80’s, a band he was in needed a bass player so he picked it up and never looked back. Throughout the 90’s he was in numerous bands including The Dealers & Silent Scream while finalizing in the 2000’s he performed with In From The Cold, throughout the Tri-state area.

Recently, Michael joined the new multimedia production Empath with Eddi Wheels from Paradise of Dreams. “Working on a multimedia production has been a lifelong dream! What Eddi has created is outstanding to say the least. His musical genius and talent has help and guided me in more than I can say! He is truly exceptional!”