History: What is a Barking Pupfish? Back in the early 1980's, three guys who played in different bands together decided to join forces to become one.   Kerry Rose on bass, Phil Mancini, mandolin and Tom Hegarty on guitar and vocals formally became the Barking Pupfish which was an unplugged acoustic version of a band called "The Daily Basis."    In the mid 1990's Renee' Johnson, combined her sweet octave mandolin talents with Phil's crazy mandolin style rounding out the group's arsenal of original tunes ranging from folk to jazz, bluegrass to reggae and snippets of   everything in between.  The blend of the strings set your soul on fire as the combination became a force to reckon with.   In 2000, guitar sensation, Alex Amathda, at the young age of 15, brought the group to a whole new level with his unmatched Spanish style. In 2006 the group evolved with the addition of friends Claudia Trembus on Mandolin, Mark Griffin on Banjo, Cuatro and Harmonica, Sam Sloneker on congas and percussion. This added new spices and flavors to the recipe.      "Always a great time! Just like sitting on your front porch with the ones you love. Peace and love through music. That's what the *Barking Pupfish are all about!"- Tom Hegarty          *The name was origninally borrowed from Phil's son's Boy Scout group. The name fit the humor                                                      and demeanor of the band.  Everyone loved it so the name stuck) Barking Pupfish Biography: Tom Hegarty: Vocals and Guitar.  Father of six and a Grandfather of three (soon 4) takes both his music and his family serious. He has played guitar for over 30 years and written over a hundred heart-felt songs that make up a large portion of the band's song list and style. Kerry Rose:  Bass.  A pro musician for over 20 years,  plays bass, guitar, keyboards and mandolin.  Married to Shelly for 25 years and lives in the high desert with 3 dogs.  He has a great appreciation for a wide range of musical styles. Phil Mancini:  Mandolin.   A mandolin builder who built several of the band's mandolins.  Currently living in Maine and working for the Post Office.  He still plays with the band on occasion. Renee Johnson:  Mandolin and Octave Mandolin. Has an extensive background in classic European music and American bluegrass.  Works for the Post Office.   Claudia Trembul:  Mandolin.  A loving free spirit.  Studying to be a doctor and looks forward to bringing a healing touch to her patients. Alex Amathda: Guitar.  Is a student at College of the Desert in Palm Desert currently studying music theory. He has been to many countries and has a great interest in travel. Sam Sloneker:  Plays congas and percussion since the early 50's.   One of the foundations of the hi-desert music scene since 1995.   He appeared with many fine jazz and Latin groups, including the bands of Joe Loco, Cal Tjader, and the famous Cuban composer, Rene Touzet; he recorded with Touzet, Manny Lopez, Nelson Riddle, Buddy Bregman, and others, and performed in Las Vegas and Reno.   His lifetime love affair and involvement with music is among those things in his life for which he is most grateful; he is also a co-creator of the popular Ritmo Loco Afro-Cuban Jazz Quintet.        This site is still under construction.        Please E-mail for more        information and bookings