Erik Della Penna with the lovely Ms. Helen Avakian. Erik is one of two excellent guitarists who play with Natalie Merchant (the other, not pictured, is Gabe Gordon). Erik also played with Joan Osborne, and he has his own band called Kill Henry Sugar when he is not touring with Natalie. He and Helen were in the same guitar ensemble at Mannes Conservatory in NYC some time ago. In fact, their teacher is still there, and, oh yeah, he is married to Helen now! Erik is pointing his finger in a mock manner to "tell off" Terry Champlin for working them so hard in the ensemble. Well, Helen and Erik both play wonderfully, so Terry knew best. I've told Helen "You know, you're REALLY good on the guitar Helen. You probably didn't have to marry Terry to get an "A". To which she replied - "That's not how it happened. I married him years later." Come on Hel! I know that!
This picture was taken backstage at the E-Town Live radio show in Kingston, NY when Natalie Merchant and Rick Denko were the guests.
Erik Della Penna's Band - Kill Henry Sugar: www.KillHenrySugar.com
Helen's own homepage: www.HelenAvakian.com