Zaire

Band Bio Zaire (pronounced Zare) is a 3-piece acoustic band out of New Jersey playing classic rock from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today. Zaire was formed in North Plainfield in 1981 by 3 high school friends (Mike DiCenso, Jim Leahey and Matt Pisani). The band started playing steadily in central Jersey in 1988. Zaire band members have changed over time and they added a drummer to make a 4-piece band until the band disbanded in 1997. Now the original 3 members of Zaire are back together playing as a 3-piece acoustic act or a 4-piece full band act with Jed Hoban from Williams Township, PA on drums. Zaires song list reads like a greatest hits list featuring songs from The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynrd, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Tom Petty just to name a few.

Mike DiCenso (vocals/bass/percussion) Mikes vocal ability has lead him to New Jerseys Whos Who in music competitions. He co-found the band Zaire in 1981 and played consistently with them until 1997 when they disbanded. From there Mike founded B-Sharp DJ Entertainment, a successful DJ business that still thrives today performing at weddings, corporate events, etc. His time in Zaire combined with his DJ business gives Mike the opportunity to read a crowd and work a crowd, like a true professional.

Jim Leahey (vocals/guitar) Jim has been playing guitar since he was 7 years old and learned from the best, being the son of the great jazz guitarist Harry Leahey. Also a founding member of Zaire, Jim played with the band from 1981 until 1992. In 1992 Jim left Zaire to pursue other musical options. He was in such bands as Hambone, Higher Authority, and The A-Band. More recently, Jim has been playing regularly with John Waite, Dennis DeYoung and Glen Burtnik (both from STYX), The Alice Project and Bob Burger just to name a few. Jim has played everything from a wedding in Hawaii and an outdoor festival in Amsterdam to pubs in Ireland and everything in between. Although Jim enjoys playing guitar, he also enjoys teaching guitar as well.

Matt Pisani (vocals/guitar) Matt has been playing guitar since he was 10 years old and has been influenced by the The Beatles, James Taylor and Eric Clapton. A founding member of Zaire, Matt played with the band from 1981 until 1997. During this time Matt also played with The Open Door Theatre, a local theatre company. Matt played in original productions as well as The Fantastiks and Godspell. In 1998 Matt joined the band E-Z Duz It playing rock from Ozzy Osborne, Van Halen, Pearl Jam and more. In 1999 Matt co-founded the band Zookeepers playing classic rock and dance rock until he left in 2009.