Baltimore native, Phil McCusker, has been performing in the D.C.-Baltimore area for over 25 years. While still in college, Phil was the guitarist for the legendary show band, “The Admirals”.
After serving in the Army, Phil completed his degree in music at the University of Miami, while simultaneously performing in clubs and theatres throughout South Florida.
Returning to the D.C. area, Phil spent several years as guitarist and writer with Tim Eyermann’s East Coast Offering. The group recorded many of Phil’s original compositions on Inner City and MCA labels. Phil is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
During this period, ECO performed at numerous colleges, festivals, clinics, and jazz clubs, including Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Blues Alley and the Cellar Door.
In addition, Phil was a member of the powerhouse R&B group, “Barely White”, which performed at clubs throughout the D.C.-Baltimore area.
In the early ’80s, Phil started his career as a bandleader with Gene Donati Presentations, ultimately assuming the role of Personnel Manager in 1985. As bandleader, Phil led Donati bands throughout the D.C.-Baltimore area, and across the United States.
McCusker and Barrick Music took over Gene Donati Presentations after the passing of Mr. Donati in 2004.
