Jill Williams – Lead Vocals, since 2000
Jill was born to rock. She has that sultry, gravelly, unique style to her voice that can belt out most high energy classic rock tunes. Jill was raised listening to and idolizing Janis Joplin, The Beatles and, believe it or not, Tom Jones. In today’s world, Melissa Etheridge, Susan Tedeschi and Bonnie Raitt have been great influences.
Growing up in Europe, Jill spent a short time in her teens with a band out of London, England called Truffles, where she filled in as occasional drummer and sometime guitarist. During this time, Jill came to the realization of just how much music was going to be a big part of her life.
Not realizing that she could actually sing, Jill went on in the early 90’s playing guitar or drums in several bands in California, all along still trying to find her voice. When she finally opened up her mouth in an all-female band that she put together, Tehya emerged.
In search of something different in 2001, Tehya underwent changes and became a new band. She is thrilled to still be performing with such a solid classic rock group.
Kevin Gardella – Drums/Percussion/Vocals, since 2005
Born and raised in Redwood City, CA, Kevin began playing drums at the age of 8. In addition to drums Kevin has played the piano, bass, marimba, vibes, and mallet instruments. In the late 70’s, by the age of 16, he was playing professionally with Larry Carlton and The Swindlers. During the 80’s Kevin played with many bands, notably The Phoenix Ensemble and Scary Larry. In the 90’s he played with the bands Off the Wall and The Popsicle Love Sponge (aka PLS). He also played with Jerry Miller of the Mulberry Grape Band from Seattle during his time with PLS. Kevin performed as a studio musician, recording an album with Reneé and the Sabor Band in early 2000. Currently Kevin is keeping beat with Tehya, which he joined in 2005. Kevin is working to include some vocals, looking for the opportunity to share his voice with Tehya fans.
Dave Hobson– Lead Guitar/Vocal- since 2017
Dave Hobson is a seasoned Bay Area musician hailing from a family deeply rooted in music. Introduced to the guitar during his high school years, Dave’s passion for music blossomed as he played in many bands over the years. Since 2017, Dave has found his groove as a vital member of TEHYA
Stephen (Steph) Contreras – Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals/Sound Guru
Stephen (Steph) Contreras, a San Jose native, comes from a family of musicians and has been playing piano since the age of 5 years old. Since moving to the Peninsula in 1993, he has played with many bands, encompassing multiple musical styles.
Steph became the the keyboard player of Tehya in 2007. He also plays rhythm guitar, loans his voice to assist in backup vocals, and sings lead occasionally. He plays several other instruments, including bass, congas, ukulele, alto sax, flute and various percussion instruments. Although known best for playing classic rock, he is also an accomplished jazz musician.
Steph’s knowledge and technical background allows him to handle the sound for Tehya. He uses his abilities to take advantage of today’s musical technology. When not playing, he can sometimes be found recording with his wife in his recording studio, or mixing and recording the sound for other performers.
Alberto (Beto) Pena – Bass/Vocals — Bio Coming Soon
