If you were in Philly in the late 90s – early aughts and went to First Friday back when it was almost entirely in old city, you probably have seen the Beach Balls playing on the street. They were the three piece band doing acoustic guitar and cello versions of classic rock songs with a classical trained Opera singer. The band was Robert Fanelli (Split Aura, Wünderband, Action Plus, Shellito) on guitar; Ed Groff on Cello and OperaJames Colabelli (RIP) lead vocals. Derek Ayers (Split Aura, Action Plus) also added persussion on the cd) Check out their cd Ball Sounds with very unique versions of very well know songs.
