OPUS TAYLOR
Dr. Lori Ancona-lead singer, keyboard
Born in California, Lori has a background in gospel music and has recorded two cd's. In addition to working as a backup singer for Barry Manilow, she performed with Chubby Checker and the Rockettes in a Super Bowl half-time show during the late 1980's. In addition, she has led numerous church choirs and served as a vocalist at various churches in the central Iowa area. In the summer of 2012, she performed for over 15,000 people at a religious event at the Iowa Events Center. Dr. Lori has a Doctorate in Education degree and works as a junior high vocal music teacher in Des Moines.
Ted Heggen-bass, flute, vocals
A retired junior high school band director and music teacher, Ted's vast music experience includes the Bulldog Brass Band at Drake University, a Broadway Pit Orchestra, the Des Moines Community Playhouse, and numerous Big Bands and Show Bands throughout the United States. He has also worked with various national touring acts, and has performed many times at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. In December, 2013 Ted was named by City View Magazine as "One of Des Moines' Sexiest People".
Jon "Jono" Smith-lead guitar, vocals
Jono started his musical career at age 14 when he was paid $10 to play at a pool-side party at a country club and has been playing professionally and semi-professionally ever since. He has written and recorded many original songs and albums and has toured with numerous regional bands throughout the Midwest. In addition to his role as Opus Taylor's lead guitarist, he has playsed numerous solo and duo gigs including the popular Botanical Blues Series at the Des Moines Botanical Center. He is currently retired from teaching elementary school.
Phil Porter-lead singer, guitar
The son of Phil Porter, Sr....who was the keyboard player for the national recording/touring horn group Chase in the 1970's, Phil, Jr. got his start in show business at age 10 when he and his sister sang as the Porter Kids at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. One night, they were "discovered" by Las Vegas headliner Totie Fields and ended up touring with her for two years until her death in 1978. He has performed on the Dinah Shore Show, and at various Las Vegas venues including the Mint Hotel, the Dunes Hotel, the Maxim Hotel, and various others. He has also performed with Dom Deluise in Las Vegas. In addition to working with Opus Taylor, he performs a solo act and is a teacher in the Des Moines Schools.
Scott White-drums
Scott began playing drums when he was a sophomore in high school playing in concert, jazz, and marching bands and has a wide range of experience playing rock, blues, and jazz. He took a hiatus during college and sold his drums to pay for his tuition but returned to drumming after college (and we're glad he did). In his real life, he is retired from the operating division of a national insurance group.
Bill (Mr. Bill) Mogolov-rhythm guitar
Bill began playing guitar at the age of 9 and has played in numerous local bands including the popular soul group, the Soul Vibrations in the 1970's . Bill is also a trained magician and stage hypnotist and has performed at numerous venues throughout Iowa. He sometimes can be found performing magic during breaks at Opus Taylor gigs. Bill has a passion for teaching and works as a substitute teacher in the Des Moines and West Des Moines Schools. He also founded a video production company, Put It On Video, in Clive, which he sold in 2019 after 35 years of ownership.