575 Band mixes musical styles

Based in Las Cruces, The 575 Band performs throughout southern New Mexico, in El Paso, Albuquerque and other parts of the Southwest – the 575-area code and beyond – with a mix of classic and hard rock, classic country and country alternative and Mexican music, band members said.

The band formed about a year ago, bringing together decades of experience spanning the musical spectrum all over the country with members Nikki deMilliano, Kim Kelly, Jeff Segreto, Scott Zambardi and Steve Gabaldon.

Vocalist deMilliano is a Las Cruces native with more than 18 years of performing experience, and, is front and center for 575. She started singing in her church choir, where her dad, a local farmer, played guitar. deMilliano also sang in school choirs until high school when she joined a band. She also plays acoustic guitar for 575.

Kelly, also at the front edge of the stage for 575 as co-lead singer along with deMilliano, is originally from Albuquerque. He was a rodeo cowboy for 30 years. Kelly began playing guitar about eight years ago, he said. In addition to vocals, Kelly plays rhythm guitar for 575.

Kelly is “a pure country, ‘don't ever change’ kind of guy that genuinely loves playing music,” he said.

Zambardi, a New Jersey native, played bass with country music star Sammy Kershaw and played in bands that opened for England Dan and John Ford Coley, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Michael Martin Murphey. He has backed Eddie Raven and John Wesley Riles.

Guitarist Segreto grew up in Las Cruces and El Paso and has been playing guitar since age 13. He fondly remembers playing with a band in the Swiss Alps while he was in the Navy. Segreto was a member of the band Krucez in the 1980s and ‘90s. He is a two-time New Mexico Music Awards winner.

Gabaldon, the 575 percussionist, is Las Cruces born and raised. Like Zambardi and Segreto, he has performed in a number of bands over the years, including some well-known rock and country performers.

Band members had played shows together in various combinations and have found an audience since coming together as The 575 Band, the members said.

“We’re busy,” deMilliano said.

The group has already performed or has scheduled nearly three dozen shows in 2023, with more to come.

“Versatility is the key to that,” Zambardi said.  

“We have fun,” Kelly said.

The wide range of musical styles performed by 575 is part of their popularity, the members said. Audiences recognize the songs they play and find many to dance to or sing along with. Band members also write and perform some of their own original music, Zambardi said.

When they are not performing, 575 members have day jobs that include property management (deMilliano), spirits and wine distribution (Kelly) and teaching at Chaparral High School in Chaparral, New Mexico (Gabaldon). Segreto and Zambardi are retired.

“After all the years of entertaining people, I still love being on stage and making people happy,” deMilliano said. “I really enjoy being involved with a group of people that have the same goals, and enjoy what we are doing. Look for big things from the 575 Band in the near future!”

Visit 575bandlcnm.com.