Chuck Eras and the Illusions 1985 article The Valley Times
In August 1985, The Valley Times ran a feature profile on Chuck Eras and the Illusions. Pianist and composer Bill Fulton performed on keyboards with the ensemble throughout Northern California during this era.
The History of Chuck Eras and the Illusions
Livermore businessman Chuck Eras led the ensemble on trumpet. Vocalists Joann Tucker and Shirley Rogers performed out front as “The Illusions.” Together, they entertained crowds across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Their setlists spanned big band swing from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. They also played contemporary dance tunes at local festivals, private banquets, and civic celebrations.
Article Transcript: The Valley Times (August 12, 1985)
Page 4B — The Valley Times
By Verda Mackay (Special to the Times)
By day, Chuck Eras is a Livermore businessman. By night, his trumpet sends sweet music into the air. He leads the Chuck Eras Band in the music of the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, as well as more contemporary sounds.
Singers Joann Tucker and Shirley Rogers appear with the band as “The Illusions.”
Concerts and Naval Performances
A favorite among Valley residents, the band has gained strong regional attention. They play regularly at the Pleasanton Summer Concert Series at Wayside Park. On Friday, the band will close the summer series from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
On August 17, the musicians will board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). They will entertain crew members and their guests for the carrier’s Family Day. The following afternoon, the group plays tea dance music at the Pleasanton Hotel from 5 to 9 p.m.
Eras’s Early Musical Career
Eras has spent most of his life as a musician. He began trumpet training at age 13 in a Los Angeles junior high school. By the ninth grade, he played dance music with the school group.
As a high school freshman, he joined “The Teen Timers” and earned $7 a night. He also earned an invitation to join the University of Southern California marching band. He performed with USC for a full year.
Eras joined the Naval Reserve during high school. The military activated him during the Korean War. He served on the U.S.S. Valley Forge as a gunnery fire control-man. While aboard ship, he performed in the 35-piece Navy band.
Forming the Band and Union Work
After finishing his service, Eras returned to Los Angeles. He played in local dance bands and launched his own ensemble in the early 1960s. At first, each musician earned $12 to $15 per night. By the late 1960s, pay rose to $30 or $40 nightly.
“Musicians usually make low wages unless they hit a top spot,” Eras explained with a smile.
Eventually, Eras put his horn away for ten years. “I had to earn a living,” he said. “My insurance business demanded long night hours. I always treated music as a sideline hobby.”
Later, he joined the Anaheim Elks Club dance band as lead trumpet soloist. That role rekindled his passion for live performance.
Rehearsals and Prison Shows
His company transferred him to Livermore in 1977. He promptly joined Musicians Union Local 510.
“I played Chinese funerals, Portuguese parades, and concert dates,” Eras recalled. “When I was not gigging, I rehearsed nightly at the union hall.”
During one rehearsal, Eras met Joann Tucker and Shirley Rogers. They were singing with a different band that soon dissolved. In December 1979, the vocalists booked a concert at Santa Rita prison.
“They invited me to join them,” Eras said. “However, a trumpet with three singers and three guitars would sound thin. I assembled a full rhythm section to back them up. We faked our way through charts we barely knew.”
Band Roster and Modern Gigs
That improvised prison performance sparked a lasting partnership. Eras suggested a permanent group: the Chuck Eras Band and “The Illusions.”
Today, the band members stay busy playing weddings, parades, graduations, and anniversaries. Every member also balances a full-time day career.
Eras works as a regional sales manager for R.L. Polk & Co. Joann Tucker teaches guitar at Amador High School. Shirley Rogers works alongside Eras at R.L. Polk & Co. as a sales representative.
The full ensemble features Ken Benotti (San Leandro), Bob Erickson (Pleasanton), Bob Hamaker (Walnut Creek), and Ken Cefalo (Tracy). It also includes Pete Simms (Pleasanton), Bill Fulton (San Ramon), Collin Morrison (Livermore), Hank Segrove (Concord), and Tom Tucker.
Bill Fulton’s Keyboard and Arranging Work
Bill Fulton held the piano chair with Chuck Eras during these years. He later expanded his career into professional arranging, orchestration, and film scoring. Visit the Keyboardist/Pianist page for more live recordings, or browse full big band scores in the music catalog.
