COUGAR brings together three unique and accomplished vocalists with a wide range of rock and R&B influences to produce a high-energy entertainment experience. Leslie Rohonczy, Joanne McCann, and Alison Wilson, pay tribute to all the great female rockers and icons throughout the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and current chick rockers.

The red-hot COUGAR Bait Band made up of 4 accomplished Ottawa musicians: Jose Bergeron on Guitar, Brent Hultquist on Keyboards, Dave Fraser on Bass, and Chris Houle on Drums rounds out the dynamic COUGAR sound.

Meet the COUGAR BABES

Leslie Rohonczy - COUGAR Vocalist

With over 25 years of professional experience in a wide range of musical styles, Leslie Rohonczy is a powerful lead vocalist and dynamic performer. Leslie brings her powerful alto vocals to the stage with depth and range, and her performance goal is simple: to engage the audience, and tell a compelling story through song that makes a connection with each person.

As an active member of Ottawa's music scene for over 25 years, Leslie has played it all, from Rock, Swing, R&B, & Top 40 Pop, to Roots Rock, Power Blues and Jazz Standards. It was with popular ‘80s band "8 To The Bar!" that she first performed with Joanne McCann, and then again with the hot R&B and top-40s band "Girls Like Us". Leslie pursued the Blues and R&B with several Ottawa bands over the years, and currently performs with popular Ottawa blues band "The RUNES", and roots rock band "Moondogs".

Leslie has twelve years of Royal Conservatory training in piano and music theory, has played the baritone saxophone and flute, is a performance & vocal coach, songwriter, professional voice-over artist and studio vocalist, and the leader of the COUGAR Band.

Jo McCann - COUGAR Vocalist

Jo is a dynamic and entertaining performer known for her wit and warmth. She infuses each song with her own style, while staying true to the music, and her vast experience and vocal versatility encompass genres such as country, Disco, Blues, R&B, Swing, Classic Rock and Pop.

Jo has been performing since the tender age of eight.  Singing alongside her 15 siblings and her parents as a member of the musical McCann Family, Jo comes by music honestly. Early in her career, she left for Toronto to perform with numerous cover & show bands until returning to her roots.  Jo was a founding member of successful Ottawa show bands “8 to the Bar” & “Girls Like Us”, and also enjoyed stints singing background vocals for local talents such as Lou Nelson & Lori Shetler.  She currently also performs with Disco Inferno as one of three lead singers.

As the COUGAR choreographer, Jo is responsible for the dramatic staging and transitions. As a performer, she lends her vocal and comic abilities to the band. 

Alison Wilson - COUGAR Vocalist

Over the past 20 years, Alison has held many titles in the music industry - Musician, Entertainer, Vocalist, Executive Producer, Marketing Guru and Manager. Sought after for her strong vocals and music industry insight, she brings a keen business sense and marketing savvy to the group.

Alison has been entertaining people professionally throughout Ontario, Quebec and New York State for many years, playing to packed houses and rave reviews at international casinos, conference centres, large-scale festivals and corporate events audiences, most notably with "Sugarphyx" as Lead Singer and Executive Producer.

A dynamic and vibrant vocalist, Alison captures the essence of a song and delivers it with a moving and powerful performance. With influences such as Patti Labelle, Ann Wilson, Aretha Franklin, and Annie Lennox, Alison is in her element whether she's singing a soulful ballad or a scorching rock number. Her ability to engage an audience and pull them into the performance demonstrates her passion for music and fun.

As the COUGAR Sales and Marketing Diva, Alison takes care of our website and communications and promotion.

Meet the COUGAR Bait Band

Jose Bergeron - Lead Guitar

José Bergeron studied classical music at the University of Ottawa and has been playing with numerous bands from hard rock to jazz including “Spyral Jones", “Caught in the Act” & "Fuzz. He has toured France with “Urban Act” and has produced an album called "The Clever Use of Shadow". 

He has also lent his guitar wizardry to several compact disc’s throughout the world including all of “DAK’s” albums, and “Nadia and Michel April” just to names a few.  José is also a wanted man in the studio with a resume including work for television and Ondes Spirale & Michel Demars. 

His ability is as impressive when interpreting Van Halen or Joe Satriani and we can witness José mimicking that ever-so-distinctive 70’s sound for Disco Inferno with whom he has been playing for over 8 years.

Brent Hultquist - Keyboards/Saxophone

Brent Hultquist brings his amazing keyboard and sax talents to the Cougar Band. University trained in jazz saxophone and classical piano, Brent has been involved in the music scene since 1982, in a wide variety of roles, from promotional musician for Labatts, to a member of a Pink Floyd cover band. Currently performing with Cougarrrrr, Brent also performs locally with Disco Inferno. His versatility and superb musicianship has been shaped by several musical highlights, including backing up Moe Kauffman at the NAC, and opening for Tragically Hip on New Years Eve. Hobbies include underwater photography and karate.

David Fraser - Bass Guitar

I first got interested in rock and roll after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964, at the tender age of 8.  Started playing in garage bands in my early teens, and began playing bar gigs at the age of 17, (with fake I.D.), with my first band Russett, with Donny Bregg (Cooper Brothers Band). Other bands included Wedge1975-1978, Mainstream with Louise Reny and Leslie Howe (One to One) 1978-1980 (1979 ShareChez finalists), Gleneagle 1980-1983 (Top 20 single Don’t fool yourself 1982),  Lexy Jones with Bob Littlemore 1985-1995 (1989 ShareChez finalists). I am currently playing with all original band BlueZinc and Chick Rock band Cougar! My musical influences range from Paul McCartney to Tim Bogert to Chris Squire. I use Gallien-Krueger amps, and Fender, Cort and Samick Basses.

Chris Houle - Drums

Drummer Chris Houle comes from a long line of musical talents.  Exposed to music at a very young age as a second generation McCann, it was only natural when Chris started playing drums at the age of 9. He played with the stage band all through high school, and has never looked back.  He played with many local bands over the years, including Ragged Faith, The Burn, Blues Chronicle, Private Stock, Blue Groove, and currently Cougar. 

During this time, Chris also had the opportunity to play on numerous original demo and studio tracks, and his work has been captured on several sessions.  hris also occasionally sits in on drums and lends vocals with local favorites Chris McCann and Straight Goods, Staggering Punters, and Next in Line, and can be found occasionally jamming around the city with several fantastic local musicians at  various fund-raisers, open stages, and community events, enjoying the opportunity to play many diverse styles of music.  Among his musical influences, Chris counts multiple decades of talent, ranging from the 1940's swing and big band sounds, to today’s power pop and modern rock, blues, classic rock, pop, and yes, even disco! Chris's exceptional meter and hunger for all things new and challenging keeps the band fresh, and brings energy to live performances.