THE BAND

Born from the late-night lullabies and chaotic beauty of fatherhood, The Girl Dads is a high-energy, heart-on-their-sleeves group of proud fathers and passionate musicians. United by their love for music and the daughters who call them “Dad,” this band blends Alternative and Yacht Rock, Soul and a touch of dad-joke charm into a sound that’s as authentic as it is unforgettable.

Formed in Vermilion, Ohio in 2024, The Girl Dads started as a casual jam session between friends navigating diapers, dance recitals, and day jobs. What began in basements and backyard barbecues quickly evolved into something more: a tight-knit band with a message of love, growth, and rocking through the messiness of real life.

Their song selections span the gamut from Christopher Cross to Queen, Tom Waits to Jimmy Eat World. Whether they’re playing a local venue, a community festival, or a backyard party, The Girl Dads Band brings raw energy, relatability, and plenty of groove to every stage. You are bound to bop away from a gig thinking, “Wow, I love that song, and NO ONE EVER COVERS IT!”

So whether you’re a parent, a music lover, or just someone looking for good vibes and great tunes, The Girl Dads invites you to sing along, dance a little, and celebrate the ride into the proverbial rainbow narwal riddled sunset.

The DADs

IAN FALEER – keys and vocals

Ian is a resident of Oberlin, OH and a graduate of Oberlin College. He’s been making music for thirty years, and has taught music in Lorain City schools for the past twenty. He is currently the choir director at Lorain High School and music director at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Westlake, OH.

Outside of playing in The Girl Dads, Ian enjoys spending time with his family, gaming, and composing music for video games.

Ian has never been in a mosh pit, but this one time, while playing a particularly vigorous folk music record, he danced a jig so hard that he accidentally punched himself in the face and fell over.

CAMERON CALEY MICHALAK – vocals

Cameron is originally from Oberlin, and has moved to Vermilion with his wife, Amber and Daughter, Ophelia Rose.

He is a Scenic Designer and Technical Director for Theatre, and teaches for Cleveland State University in their Theatre and Dance Department full-time.

He has been making music his entire life, and formerly played ukulele and sung for MAD FACTORY PLAYERS around the area.

Cameron once sat next to Jeff Goldblum at a Broadway Musical Opening, and the two spent the whole time talking about how hot Matthew Morrison was. He also sat next to André the Giant on an airplane, and they spent the whole ride quoting the film “The Princess Bride”, Cameron mostly remembers how large André’s hand was when he shook it.

PATRICK COSTELLO – guitar, bass and vocals

Patrick is from Vermilion, Ohio and has been making music most of his life. He has been involved with various punk, prog and jazz projects in the Cleveland area.

By day a certified arborist, but by night an avenger of yacht rock music. Aside from music Patrick loves going on adventures with his daughter, cycling, camping, baseball and spending time on the water with his dog.

When he grows up he wants to be a clarinetist.

Also, he has never been on a cruise before.

JARRET PERVOLA – drums

Jarret is a resident of Vermilion, Ohio. He has been playing drums for over 30 years in assorted rock, metal, jazz, and ambient music ensembles. In addition to “The Girl Dads,” he is currently part of the melodic death metal band, “Post-Organum” (post-organum.bandcamp.com).

Jarret teaches Philosophy at Lorain County Community College. And, loves spending time with his family, dachshunds, and Big Green Egg.

Jarret never wrote a fun fact about Jarret.