If you live in Sedona long enough, you learn that fate isn’t something to joke about. It’s also the only phenomenon that can explain rock band Green Light. Tommy Acosta and Chicky Brooklyn (nee Hyman Abramchick) grew up not far from each other – Tommy in the Bronx and Chicky in (where else?) Brooklyn. They were both passionate about rock ’n’ roll as teenagers and dreamed of fame and fortune until reality set in, and music was put on the backburner. Tommy pursued a reporting career, and Chicky became a pharmacist. The two didn’t actually meet until 1999 in Phoenix. They quickly realized they had more in common than just New York. A few years later, circumstances brought them both to Sedona where they have fronted several bands, the most recent being Green Light, which was formed in 2013.
Tommy and Chicky share lead vocals – Tommy plays bass and Chicky plays rhythm guitar. They write all of Green Light’s songs together, collaborating on the lyrics and music. Uncle Marc Wolin on keyboards and trombone, Robin Miller on guitar and a series of guest drummers including local musician Eddy Barattini complete the band. The group is currently recording its first album with plans to release it next spring. They aren’t content with remaining a “local” band either. Tommy says he wants the album to be played on radio stations across the country. “I’m looking for a perfectly produced album to take to my contacts in New York and promote the band,” he says.
Tommy and Chicky compare their sound to such luminaries as the Traveling Wilburys, Dire Straits and Tom Petty. Spend even a few minutes with the duo, though, and you might be more reminded of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Tommy and Chicky argue like a married couple, even onstage, and the audience eats it up. “We’re up there playing music you can sing along to,” says Tommy. “People can relate to our choruses, and they can dance to our music. When we are on stage, time disappears. We are creating beauty in the present moment, and we are having a great time… Of course, our good looks help, too.” – Erika Ayn Finch. Photograph by Deb Weinkauff.
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