OPUS TAYLOR
Dr. Lori Ancona-lead singer, keyboard
Lori’s story started in sunny California, where her love for gospel music took root and blossomed into recording two CDs. Over the years, she’s worn many musical hats, including singing backup for Barry Manilow and sharing the stage with Chubby Checker and the Rockettes during a Super Bowl halftime show back in the late ‘80s.
She’s led countless church choirs and lent her voice to churches all around central Iowa. One memorable summer evening in 2012, Lori sang her heart out for over 15,000 folks at a religious gathering at the Iowa Events Center—a moment she treasures.
When she’s not performing, Dr. Lori, who holds a Doctorate in Education, teaches vocal music to the next generation of stars in Des Moines schools, sharing her passion for music and her knack for lifting spirits wherever she goes.
Ted Heggen-bass, flute, vocals
Ted is a retired junior high band director and music teacher with a lifetime of toe-tapping musical adventures under his belt. Over the years, he’s played with the Bulldog Brass Band at Drake University, sat in a Broadway pit orchestra, and brought music to life at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. He’s also traveled the country with big bands, show bands, and national touring acts, making memories and melodies along the way.
A past performer at the iconic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Ted knows how to keep a crowd swinging. And let’s not forget his claim to fame—back in December 2013, City View Magazine crowned him "One of Des Moines' Sexiest People." Not bad for a guy with a bass guitar and a heart full of rhythm!
Phil Porter-lead singer, guitar
Phil Porter, part of the heart and soul behind the mic and guitar for Opus Taylor, grew up steeped in music. His dad, Phil Porter, Sr., was the keyboardist for the legendary horn group Chase back in the '70s. Following in his father’s footsteps, young Phil Jr. kicked off his showbiz career at just 10 years old, singing alongside his sister as The Porter Kids at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.
Their big break came when Vegas headliner Totie Fields discovered them one night, leading to a two-year tour with her until her passing in 1978. Along the way, Phil performed on The Dinah Shore Show and at iconic Las Vegas venues like the Mint, the Dunes, and the Maxim Hotel. He even shared the stage with the one-and-only Dom DeLuise.
When Phil’s not rocking with Opus Taylor, he’s wowing crowds with his solo act or giving back as a substitute teacher at Ruby Van Meter School in Des Moines, where he shares his music and kindness with special needs students. For Phil, it’s always about using his talent to brighten the lives of those around him.
Scott White-drums
Scott’s love for drumming started back in his high school days, where he kept the beat for concert, jazz, and marching bands. Over the years, he’s honed his craft playing everything from rock to blues to jazz.
During college, Scott had to take a break from drumming and even sold his beloved drum kit to help pay tuition—a tough call, but one that showed his determination. Luckily for all of us, he picked those drumsticks back up after college and hasn’t looked back since.
These days, Scott is retired from the operating division of a national insurance group, but when it comes to drumming, he’s anything but retired. Whether it’s rocking a stage or laying down a smooth groove, Scott’s got the rhythm that keeps the music alive.
Jon "Jono" Smith-lead guitar, vocals
Jono’s musical journey began at the age of 14, when he earned ten bucks playing his guitar at a poolside party at a country club. That first gig sparked a lifelong passion, and he’s been playing professionally and semi-professionally ever since. Over the years, Jono has written and recorded countless original songs and albums and toured the Midwest with a variety of regional bands.
As the lead guitarist for Opus Taylor, Jono brings energy and soul to the stage, and he’s also made a name for himself with solo and duo performances, including the crowd-favorite Botanical Blues Series at the Des Moines Botanical Center. In 2023, his incredible contributions to music were recognized when he was inducted into the Iowa Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame. Now retired from teaching elementary school, Jono continues to let his love for music shine bright!
Bill (Mr. Bill) Mogolov-rhythm guitar
Bill picked up his first guitar at the age of 9, and from then on, he’s been making music ever since. Over the years, he’s played in plenty of local bands, including the popular soul group, the Soul Vibrations, back in the ‘70s.
Not just a musician, Bill also founded a video production company called Put It On Video in Clive, which he ran for 35 years before selling it in 2019. These days, when he’s not strumming his guitar with the band, Bill wears a few other hats—he’s a Small Claims Court Mediator for the Iowa Fifth Judicial District and a substitute teacher over at Valley High School in West Des Moines. No matter what he's doing, Bill’s always putting his heart into it!