​Second Wind 
 
 
Second Wind started out in 1987 as an acoustic trio, consisting of Jim Sardonis, Jim Green, and Eric Sakai. For one of its first gigs at a local restaurant, the band was mistakenly advertised as “Second Wife”—a name that the group briefly adopted many years later (some of the first wives were not amused). After a year of performing acoustically, the band decided to expand, plug in, and rock out at watering holes in and around Randolph, as well as at dances and benefits for various worthy causes. Among the musicians added to the line-up were George Rich on drums, Ralph Molinario on percussion, and Ed Burgess on guitar and vocals. Sadly, George Rich passed away in 2021 after many years with the band.
 
In 2017, Second Wind returned to its acoustic roots, with Sardonis on lead vocals and an ever-expanding array of vintage acoustic guitars; Green on vocals, guitar, dobro, and mandolin; Sakai on electric bass; and Molinario on cajón. They have especially enjoyed playing for audiences in cafés and restaurants in the Randolph area and at a few favorite venues farther afield, like The Den, the tavern cum hardware store in Cabot. Their repertoire includes songs by singer-songwriters like James Taylor, John Hiatt, and John Prine, and upbeat tunes by the Eagles, the Band, and others from their days as a rock band. In 2019, they recorded their first album of original songs, Winter Welcome, at Sugarhouse Soundworks in Waitsfield. The album has been well received and gotten air play on local radio stations like WCVR in Randolph and WDEV in Waterbury. It is available for purchase at www.secondwindvt.com, and on most music websites.
 
After more than three decades together, Second Wind continues to enjoy sharing their music with friends, as well as the pleasures of their growing extended families, which include nineteen grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.