One question we get asked from time to time is:

"Do you guys use backing tracks?"

The short answer is...mostly no.

It's a fair question, especially today when technology plays such a big role in live music. The truth is, there's no single "right" way to put on a great show. Every band has its own philosophy, and we have a tremendous amount of respect for the musicians we share the stage with.

For Smokin' Renegade, we've simply chosen a different path.

When you come to one of our shows, what you're hearing is, for the most part, being created by the musicians standing right in front of you.

The harmonies are sung live.

The guitar solos are played live.

The keyboard parts are played live.

Those moments when five musicians lock in perfectly and the room seems to come alive—that's what we chase every time we step on stage.

Now, before anyone calls us out, there are a couple of places where short keyboard sequences are used to recreate sounds that would otherwise require a literal third hand. Those sequences are created specifically for our performances and are used only when a part simply can't be played by one keyboard player at the same time as everything else. They're there to support the music—not replace the live performance.

Everything else? That's us.

Could we make things easier by relying more on technology? Absolutely. But we've found that the challenge is part of what makes performing so rewarding.

Learning those incredible Boston harmonies.

Capturing the power and precision of Styx.

Recreating the signature sounds that made Foreigner legendary.

It takes countless hours of rehearsal, listening, and refining. It's not always easy, but when it all comes together in front of a live audience, there's nothing quite like it.

The beauty of live music is that no two performances are ever exactly the same. Sometimes the crowd pushes us to another level. Sometimes a solo takes on a life of its own. And yes, sometimes someone misses a note. That's part of being human, and it's also part of what makes each performance unique.

The original recordings will always be there, polished to perfection. Our goal isn't to replace them. It's to honor the music while bringing our own energy, musicianship, and personality to every performance.

At the end of the day, most people aren't wondering whether a band is using backing tracks. They're there to sing along, dance, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy a great night of classic rock.

If they leave smiling, humming a favorite song, and looking forward to seeing us again, we've done our job.

We'll simply keep doing what we've always loved—walking on stage, taking a deep breath, and creating the music together, one note at a time.

Because for us, that's where the magic happens.

There's just something special about a summer Friday night in South Florida when the music starts and the crowd keeps growing. Last Friday at Old School Square in Delray Beach was one of those nights we'll be talking about for a long time.

From the first song to the final encore, the energy in the park was incredible. Seeing so many familiar faces—and plenty of new ones—singing along, dancing, and simply enjoying a night of live classic rock reminded us why we love doing this.

A big shout-out to our friends The Flyers, who opened the evening and absolutely knocked it out of the park. They set the tone perfectly and had the crowd warmed up long before we hit the stage. It's always a pleasure sharing the bill with such talented musicians.

We also want to thank Victoria and the entire team at Old School Square. From the moment we arrived, everyone made us feel welcome and took great care of us. Great venues aren't just about the stage—they're about the people behind the scenes who make everything run smoothly, and this crew was first class all the way.

To everyone who came out, sang with us, danced with us, and made Friday night one to remember...thank you. Your energy fuels every performance, and we never take that for granted.

We'll see you at the next show. Until then, keep supporting live music, keep supporting local venues, and keep turning it up!

If you were anywhere near Central Florida this week, you know it was HOT. We’re talking 100+ degree afternoons where just walking from the parking lot to the venue counted as your daily workout. Thankfully, The Savannah Center keeps things much cooler indoors…because Smokin’ Renegade brought plenty of heat of our own!

We had the privilege of spending two amazing nights at The Savannah Center in The Villages, performing our Boston Tribute on Wednesday and returning Thursday with our Styx Tribute.

We’ve been fortunate enough to bring our Boston show to The Savannah Center before, but Thursday marked the first time our Styx show hit that stage, and what a way to introduce it!

The crowds both nights were absolutely incredible. The energy never let up, and one of the coolest parts was seeing so many familiar faces return for Night Two after rocking with us on Night One. Apparently one dose of classic rock just wasn’t enough…and honestly, we completely understand!

We also have to thank the amazing staff at The Savannah Center. From the moment we pull in until we’re loading out, they treat us like old friends—or at least like we’re much more famous than we really are! Their hospitality is second to none, and it’s one of the reasons we always look forward to coming back.

And then there’s the real magic happening behind the curtain.

The sound engineers, lighting team, and stage crew are simply phenomenal. They don’t just run the show—they become part of it. Every spotlight, lighting cue, dramatic ending, keyboard intro, soaring harmony, and screaming guitar solo is perfectly timed with the music. They make us sound bigger, look better, and occasionally convince us we’re actually playing an arena instead of just pretending to be rock stars for a couple of hours.

To everyone who packed the house, sang along, clapped, danced, and cheered us on—thank you. Your enthusiasm and support are what make these nights so special, and seeing so many of you come back for both shows was the biggest compliment we could ask for.

To everyone at The Savannah Center—thank you for your incredible hospitality, professionalism, and for always making us feel at home. Working with such a talented crew is a pleasure every single time.

Now if someone could just arrange for the outside temperature to be about 30 degrees cooler next year, we’d appreciate that too!

Until then, thanks for another unforgettable visit to The Villages. We already can’t wait to come back next year and do it all over again.

Rock on!

– Smokin’ Renegade

Every once in a while, a band takes on a project that makes you equal parts excited… and terrified.

For Smokin’ Renegade, that project was Rosanna – The Music of Toto.

After months of planning, rehearsing, fine-tuning arrangements, and asking ourselves, “Are we really ready for this?”, we finally debuted our first full Toto tribute show on June 26 at the iconic Daytona Beach Bandshell.

And what a night it was.

This wasn’t just another setlist. Toto’s music is legendary for a reason—complex arrangements, incredible musicianship, soaring vocals, and songs that have stood the test of time. We knew from the very beginning that if we were going to perform this music, we had to do it justice.

To help bring these incredible songs to life, we welcomed a sixth member to the stage—Stacy Cartechine. Stacy and I have been friends since grade school, so having her join us for this new adventure made the experience even more meaningful. Her outstanding keyboard work and beautiful vocals blended seamlessly with the band, adding the rich layers and harmonies that are such an important part of the Toto sound.

Were we nervous? You bet.

Launching a brand-new tribute show is a leap of faith. You can spend hundreds of hours rehearsing, but you never really know how the audience will respond until those first notes ring out across the venue.

Thankfully, the fans who joined us at the Daytona Beach Bandshell on June 26 made us feel right at home.

From the opening song to the final encore, your energy reminded us why we love taking on new musical challenges. Seeing people singing along, dancing, and embracing this new chapter meant more to us than you’ll ever know. It confirmed that Rosanna – The Music of Toto is something worth pursuing.

Of course, we’re also our own toughest critics. We already have a list of little things we’d like to tighten up, polish, and refine. That’s part of the fun. Great shows aren’t built overnight—they evolve with every performance, and we’re committed to making this one even stronger each time we take the stage.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who joined us for our debut. Whether you’ve been following Smokin’ Renegade for years or this was your first time seeing one of our tribute shows, you became part of a very special night in our band’s history.

We’re incredibly excited to continue bringing Rosanna – The Music of Toto to audiences throughout Florida alongside our Boston, Styx, and Foreigner tribute performances. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us and to share this music with even more fans.

Thanks for believing in us, supporting live music, and joining us for the very first chapter of this adventure.

We’ll see you at the next show…

And remember… Hold the Line!

What a week it’s been.

Four shows in seven days, and every single one brought something special. From packed rooms to new stages to a bittersweet goodbye, this run reminded us exactly why we love doing what we do.

We kicked things off at Double Roads Tavern, where the energy was high right out of the gate. That place always feels like home—loud, engaged, and ready to go from the first note. You set the tone for the entire week.

Next came a night that meant a lot —our farewell show for GDR - The Greatest Decades of Rock (several of the same band members, plus the lovely and talented Jill Minor). That band has been a big part of our journey, and saying goodbye wasn’t easy. But if you’re going to close a chapter, that’s how you do it: surrounded by friends, great music, and a crowd that understands what it all meant.

Then it was on to a midweek curveball: a rare Wednesday night show at the Athens Theatre in DeLand. We didn’t quite know what to expect going in, but you all showed up in a big way. Seeing that kind of turnout and enthusiasm on a weeknight meant a lot to us. The Athens is such a special room, and you helped make it unforgettable.

We wrapped things up on the west coast with our first time playing Mango Rita’s in Fort Myers. New venues always bring a bit of the unknown, but this one delivered. Great crowd, great vibe, and an awesome addition to the places we can’t wait to return to. Huge thanks to everyone who came out and made us feel welcome.

Four shows. Different cities. Different vibes. Same incredible support from all of you.

As always, we don’t take any of it for granted.

More shows are on the way, and we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to see you out there. Until then—thank you for making this past week one we won’t forget.

Since forming this band eight year ago, we've always been driven by one thing—bringing great music to life and delivering an unforgettable experience for our fans. Whether we’re playing high-energy rock favorites or deep cuts that true music lovers appreciate, we’re constantly looking for ways to raise the bar.

That’s why we’re excited to share what we’ve been working on behind the scenes…

We recently announced this, but we are officially expanding our show to include a brand-new tribute: “Rosanna – A Tribute to the Music of Toto.”

This isn’t just a small addition—it’s something we’ve been pouring a lot of time, energy, and passion into. The music of Toto is iconic, layered, and incredibly dynamic (not to mention REALLY high to sing),  and we’re committed to doing it right. From tight vocal harmonies to intricate musicianship, we’re working hard to capture the sound and spirit that made these songs legendary.

You can expect to hear many of Toto’s biggest hits—songs that defined an era and continue to resonate with fans today. Tracks like “Rosanna,” “Africa,” and “Hold the Line” are just the beginning. Our goal is to create a tribute experience that feels authentic, powerful, and true to the music we all love.

We’re incredibly excited about how this is coming together, and we can’t wait to bring it to the stage.

Stay tuned for more details, including our official debut date, upcoming performances, and sneak peeks along the way.

As always, thank you for your continued support—it’s what allows us to keep growing, evolving, and doing what we love.

— Smokin Renegade 

On March 28, we had the chance to check off a new milestone—our first time performing at OCC Roadhouse in Clearwater, FL—and it’s safe to say it exceeded every expectation.

The moment we arrived, we knew this place was something special - an amazing layout designed to be a fun atmosphere for enjoying live music.  The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, making sure everything ran smoothly from load-in to last call. That kind of professionalism and care doesn’t go unnoticed, and it set the tone for a great night.

The sound crew? Absolutely top-notch. Every note, every harmony, every hit landed just right, and that makes all the difference when you’re trying to deliver a high-energy show. We felt locked in from the first song, and that’s a testament to the team behind the board.

We also want to give a special thank you to the owner, who was nothing short of gracious. It means a lot to be welcomed like that, especially on a first visit.

As for the show itself—we brought a full night of Styx and Foreigner tributes, and the crowd was right there with us. Singing along, feeding the energy, and making it one of those nights where everything just clicks. There’s nothing better than feeling that connection, especially in a venue like this.

First shows at new venues can be a bit of a question mark—but this one turned into an unforgettable experience. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity and hopeful it’s the first of many more nights at OCC Roadhouse.

If you were there, thank you for being part of it. If you missed it, we’ll be back—and you won’t want to miss the next one.

One of the coolest parts about being in this band is the opportunity to travel. We’ve had the chance to play stages all over Florida, meet incredible people, and experience some amazing venues along the way. A few of our members have even toured nationally in past projects, playing to big crowds in cities across the country. Those experiences shaped us, sharpened us, and gave us a deep appreciation for what live music can do.

But at the end of the day, there’s nothing like playing at home.

The local music scene is where it all starts. It’s where relationships are built, where bands grow, where fans become friends, and where Friday and Saturday nights turn into memories that last for years. No matter how far we travel, we truly enjoy playing locally and being part of the community that supports us.

There’s something special about looking out from the stage and seeing familiar faces — people who have been with us from the beginning, people who bring friends to shows, people who request songs, sing along, and help create that energy you can’t manufacture. That connection is powerful. It reminds us why we do this.

We also believe in supporting the other musicians in our area. The local scene isn’t a competition — it’s a community. Every band, every songwriter, every venue owner, every sound engineer plays a role in keeping live music alive. When you come out to see any local act, you’re helping sustain something bigger than just one night of entertainment. You’re keeping creativity thriving in your own backyard.

We’re proud of the opportunities we’ve had across Florida, and we’re grateful for the experiences that have shaped us. But we’re equally proud to be a local band. To play neighborhood venues. To headline hometown stages. To share bills with other local talent. To be part of something that feels authentic and connected.

So whether you’ve seen us in another city or right here at home, thank you. Your support — not just for us, but for all local musicians — makes this possible. Keep coming out. Keep supporting live music. Keep showing up for your local scene.

We’ll see you at the next show — right here at home. 🎸

Our recent travel show at Clermont Performing Arts Center was one for the books.

From the first note to the last, the crowd brought an incredible level of energy. The room was alive—singing along, cheering between songs, and giving us that electric connection that every band hopes for when they travel. It didn’t matter how far from home we were; the audience made us feel right at home.

Just as impressive was the team behind the scenes. The staff at Clermont Performing Arts Center were welcoming, professional, and genuinely excited to have us there. That kind of hospitality makes a huge difference, especially on a travel date.

And the production? Absolutely top notch. The stage setup, sound, and overall production quality were outstanding. The stage and sound crew nailed it from start to finish, giving us a mix that felt powerful and polished, and allowing us to focus on what we do best—putting on a great show.

Nights like this remind us why we love getting out on the road. Amazing fans, great venues, and talented crews all coming together to create something special.

A huge thank you to everyone at Clermont Performing Arts Center and to the incredible crowd that made this night unforgettable. We hope to be back soon—and if you were there, thank you for being part of a truly special show.

We couldn’t have asked for a better way to launch 2026 than our first show of the year at Double Roads.

From the moment we hit the stage, the energy in the room was electric. The crowd was loud, engaged, and ready to go from the first note to the last encore. Singing along, clapping, dancing, and feeding off every riff—this was one of those nights that reminds us exactly why we do this.

Double Roads delivered the perfect atmosphere: packed room, great sound, and a crowd that felt like part of the band by the end of the night. Every song seemed to lift the energy another notch higher, and by the final stretch, it felt like the whole bar was moving together.

To everyone who came out early, stayed late, and brought that incredible vibe—thank you. You helped set the tone for what we hope will be an unforgettable year of shows. If this night was any indication, 2026 is going to be something special.

Huge thanks to Bill, Donna, and the entire Double Roads crew for having us and taking such great care of us. We can’t wait to be back.

If you missed this one, don’t worry—more shows are coming soon. Until then, we’re still riding the high from an amazing night and an even better crowd.

See you at the next show 🤘