About Us

The band is composed of several singer/songwriters and a combination of amateur and professional musicians whose primary purpose playing with The Americana Cats springs from the joy and “rush” of playing a variety of good music without the pressures of trying to be a band. That’s all right. We became one anyway.

Band members:
Victor Garza: vocals & bass
Tom Mulroy: vocals & guitar
Kevin O’Hara: vocals & guitar
Ted Rhodes:  vocals, harmonica, & guitar
Lisa Swansbrough:  vocals , guitar, & percussion
Richard Warner: vocals, mandolin, & guitar
Tom Wolverton: vocals, steel guitar & dobro

Bios of members (a work in progress):

Ted Rhodes
A singer/songwriter who began gathering musicians to play Americana music informally outside the Lucky Llama Coffeeshop in 2013. The core of regulars that came each week eventually grew into the more formal The Americana Cats. Ted plays the harmonica and guitar. Known on the South Coast as a community activist and photographer. More info available at TedPages.com or Ted’s Facebook page. His song “Hot Sauce & Zydeco” is available on CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon.com and other sites.

Kevin O’Hara
Kevin is a surfing/singer/songwriter California native who migrated to SB in 1976. Kevin’s influences have been the California aesthetic; the guitar & harmonies of CSNY as well as an eclectic mix from Willie Nelson to Mumford & Sons. Kevin has played in local worship bands since the early 80’s. He appreciates the opportunity to play regularly “en plein aire” with other talented musical impressionists.

Tom Mulroy
A California native, Tom has been a Carpinteria resident since 1985. Passionate about playing acoustic and electric guitar and singing, he likes to play a variety of musical styles ranging from folk to rock tp reggae to blues and everything Americana.

Lisa Swansbrough
After a 25 year absence from music to focus on a career as a graphic artist, Lisa joined the group in June 2014. A native of Southern California, she’s played percussion with the Cal State Long Beach Marching Band as well as for an Alternative Folk Rock band during the late 80s. Recently she’s played with the Cochino Daddy Band as well as Michael Edward. In addition to playing drums, cajon, and other percussion instruments, Lisa plays the acoustic guitar.