About Us!
Velour is a dynamic trio based out of Ocean City Maryland with the capability of scaling up to a five-piece band. We specialize in electrifying performances of 70's, 80's, and 90's rock and R&B. From high-energy shows to soulful renditions, we bring the best of classic music to your events. Our passion for music drives us to deliver unforgettable experiences, creating lasting memories for our audience. So, whether it's a private party, wedding, or corporate event, Velour is available for hire to rock your world!
Meet the Band!
John Rivero
Lead Keys
Johnny Vagabond (John Rivero) started playing piano at age 5 and never looked back. He studied privately and at Shippensburg University, finishing his studies at the Cumberland Valley School of Music. Classically trained, he switched to jazz and pop styles and began performing semi-professionally in his teens, finally quitting a day job in marketing in 2003. He played in a high end professional wedding/corporate band with Billboard artist Erin Cruise for five years. He then began finding work on the cruise ships as a solo piano artist, sailing for months at a stretch for both Carnival Cruise Lines and Disney. He also led a band under his own name, gigging in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. He toured nationally with indie artists Salem and Milo Matthews, as well as working with Gospel/Jazz singer Kerensa Gray. He's appeared on various CDs over the years as a session player, including a live album from Salem and Alaska artist Shawn Zuke's second solo effort. A versitile player, John switches from Rock to Jazz to Funk to Blues--not to mention solo piano--with the ease of the true professional.
Lynn Litzinger
Lead vocals
With DEEP roots in professional musical theatre since the age of 6, Lynn came to Ocean City during the pandemic. She has dueted with Michael Smith the past five years sporadically, and met other bandmate John Rivero while they were working in another band. She has been the lead singer in several bands, including a Patsy Cline tribute band, and a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
Lynn has an eclectic taste in music that she shares with her bandmates which helps shape the variety in our setlists. She is also married to Velour's professional sound technician which is a bonus!
She has played many of the OC venues the past few years, but has now found a home with a shared passion project with her two bandmates Michael & John.
Michael Smith
Lead Guitar, keys, and vocals
Michael has been a mainstay of the Ocean City music scene for over 20 years performing as a soloist, with his well known duo Pearl for 6 years and presently also with Reform School which has been the house band at Bourbon Street on the Beach for the last decade; hosting their well known open mic night on Wednesday's.
For 10 years he split time between Ocean City and the open ocean performing as the featured piano bar entertainer with Carnival Cruise lines....where he coincidentally shared a contract with fellow bandmate John Rivero.