Meet the BAnd

Under Construction Band, is an Ithaca-based dance band for all generations and all occasions! 
With a dance-able mix from the 50's to current hits, rock 'n roll, country, funk, pop and originals. 
Every song gets you on your feet and dancing! 

Steve Hubble

Born and raised in Ithaca, Steve first became interested in playing guitar at the age of 9. After teaching himself for 3 years, Steve began guitar lessons at age 12. In only 2 years he put together his first band, Kold Steel. In addition to lead guitar and vocals, Steve's range of talents include bass guitar, piano, keyboards, harmonica, banjo, and drums, as well as writing lyrics and composing music.
Formerly Steve organized and played with Current Set of Standards (CSOS) and Central Music Company (CMC). Steve also played guitar, keyboards and harp with Bernie Milton and the Soul Patrol, and keyboards with Big Daddy and the Dukecains.
In 1996, Steve created the band Under Construction, based on the philosophy that each musician equally share in the spotlight, be encouraged to excel, and share in mutual respect of each other's talents and differences. "If a musician doesn't have fun playing in this band, it's their own fault, said Steve." We are Under Construction and will always be under construction for the rest of our lives."

Fernando "Pup" Martinez

This accomplished drummer knew he wanted to play drums as a fourth grader in Lubbock, Texas.  Pup’s father bought him his first drum set that began his musical career. At age 11, he played for professional bands in the area like the Latin Beats and at 13 with the Night Walkers.  At 14, he was recruited to play with Los Premiers* on a three month tour to fill in for their drummer. While living in Lubbock, he played with many more bands.
 
He eventually made the move to Ithaca, New York in 1987, where he met his neighbor Bernie Milton and auditioned for him. Pup played on and off for the next four years with Bernie Milton and the Soul Patrol.  He also played with Oscar, Oscar, Oscar doing studio sessions, Radio London, Triose and Under Construction where he is currently the drummer, singing lead and backup vocals.
 
Pup lives in Van Etten, New York with his wife Tammy and family.
“Music is my history and it all began with a small drum set …”

*On April 18, 1997, Pup was among the band members of Los Premiers recognized by the "Buddy Holly Walk of Fame", Civic Lubbock, Inc. which honors West Texans who devoted their lives to art and music.

Nate Cowles

Nate, a native of Newfield, New York, began his career in 2007 as part of the Newfield High School Jazz Band.  After high school, Nate joined a slow jazz band called Bat Cat before moving to Florida to go to school.
 
Upon his return to New York he started playing with Under Construction as a “fill in” bass player for almost five years, as well as start a band with his friend called Dapper Dan.
 
Nate says the biggest influence on his music is Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cat Empire and Victor Wooten.

Lorna Hubble

-Ever since being a little girl and growing up near Worcester (pronounced Wusta), Massachusetts, Lorna has always loved to sing. Just ask her older sister who spent her childhood annoyed by Lorna's habit of singing with the headphones on, banging sticks together, and singing whenever and wherever an opportunity presented itself.
Lorna's powerful, versatile voice is breathy with an intriguing quality. After listening to Lorna belt out a few songs, it's apparent that she has listened to Patsy Cline as well as Aretha Franklin. She has a very powerful voice, flexible enough to allow her to perform a wide variety of styles, and has been likened to singers as different as Joan Baez and Janice Joplin. Although performing at several weddings, Lorna remained stuck in Karaoke land until she met Steve Hubble and became the lead singer for Under Construction in 1996 (as well as becoming Mrs. Hubble).
The combination of the dance-able music and the commanding, passionate sound of Lorna's voice makes Under Construction a distinctive and instantly appealing band.

John Wiser

Born in Corning, NY John started playing upright bass when he was 12 and in junior high joined the orchestra bass section.  In high school, he formed a band that played the hits of the day for school events and local teen clubs.  That was when he purchased his first electric bass.  Although the band played covers of bands popular at the time, John’s real love was Jazz.  Upright greats Ron Carter, Eddie Gomez, Charlie Haden, Eugene Wright and the great Ray Brown opened the door to improv.  New upright players like Christian Mc Bride, John Patitucci, & Brian Bromberg are among his favorites today. Motown’s James Jamerson was a big influence in the early years as well as Stevie Wonder.  Current electric bassists like Nathan East, Jimmy Haslip, Pino Palladino, Roco Prestia, and the great Jaco Pastorius, have further influenced his style.  As an all-around fan of the lower registers John also played tuba in high school, college, and with area concert bands.
John moved to Ithaca in 1978 and has played with local musicians covering many styles.  With cover bands Small Change and the Magnetics he played local venues like the Water Front, The Haunt (when it was on Green St.) The Rongo and numerous college gigs around the state.  His performances with opening bands include shows for jazz saxophonist Joe Farrel, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Fleetwood Mac. Travel included summer-long stints on Cape Cod and winter forays to Key West playing dates at Sloppy Joes.  After a few years of touring, John returned to Ithaca where he performed regularly with local musicians in Green House Effect, and bands featuring saxophonist Joe Salzano, Chad McLaughlin, Biff Hannon as well as other outstanding musicians in the southern tier.
As a new member of Under Construction, John splits his time gigging with Blues Plate Special: playing the blues for over 21 years at local venues and blues fests and sharing the stage with blues greats Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Duke Robillard, and Elvin Bishop.  John is also a regular “stray” with Stratcat Willie and the Strays. 

 The Musician’s Prayer
      By B.J.Hoff

You’ve given me the words, Lord, and the Music, A song of life that’s new and unrehearsed,
You have given me the joy that makes my heart sing, even though at times the tears come first,
You’ve taken all my yesterdays of discord, a clash of cymbals, meaningless and vain,
transposing all the noise into a love song, that floods my very soul with its refrain,
You’ve taken all the gifts I once thought mine, Lord, and changed the composition of their worth,
Reclaiming what was yours transfigured by rebirth,
You’ve given me the theme for my existence, and I will sing your glory all my days,
For now Lord and forever, be my music and make my life a symphony of praise.