Notes from the Band – May 2010
May 2010
It doesn’t seem even remotely possible that summer is just around the corner. We’re gearing up for another season of fun, sun and adventure. I know, I know, it’s been quite a while since I’ve written. It’s one of my new year’s resolutions ( ok, so it’ May already…..) to write more often. Let’s see how it works out!
Although zipping by much too quickly, this year’s already seen some great music and adventures. Tropical Soul has seen a few new faces recently, some folks even calling this or that lineup “version 2.0″ or “version 6.1″ or whatever. Let me make a few introductions. Most of you probably already know Heather Sneeringer and Dave Huxta. Two very good friends who happen to be outstanding musicians and have their own band called Copper Sky. I met these guys in 2004 when we were in the middle of recording ‘No Plans’. When I heard them for the first time I immediately became a fan. We invited Heather to come to the studio and sing on Table For Two. Her’s is the pretty female voice you hear on the record. Fast forward a few years to our live recording where both Dave and Heather appear on several songs. In recent months we have teamed up as a trio on quite a few occasions including Mid Winter Meltdown where they were very well received. As a very popular duo, Copper Sky is always busy but we get together whenever we can. It’s always great fun. You all may know Mark James from John Frinzi’s band. A gifted guitarist, he has also recently played quite a bit with Parrot Beach. Mark has joined the TS lineup on several occasions this year and we’ll have Mark in the band for Summer in Paradise, Moondancer Winery and several other spots this summer. Mark brings his great talent and plenty of smiles to every performance. Of course Jere Groft and Tropical Soul have a long history going back to the early years. A talented percussionist and drummer, Jere and I have recently been doing quite a few of the TS duo gigs together. Not only a great player, Jere has a unique ability to make me laugh ’til my face hurts. Look for Jere in the “TS band” lineup too.
Thinking back through the first (almost) half of 2010, we’ve had some great times already. We’ve been fortunate to be able to play Mid Winter Meltdown for a number of years now and it’s always such a great experience. The music and friendship shared there are so special. It’s a fantastic way to get you over that hump toward spring. Speaking of “so special,” Dave and Heather and I had the opportunity to open Peter Mayer’s “Come Together” Beatle’s show at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg in March. Did you say The Whitaker Center? What? Shut Up! Are you serious? Don’t get me wrong here peeps, I’ve played in bars and restaurants for years and years and I love that. But walking out onto that stage in that beautiful theater where so many great performers have been is, well pretty magical and for me, a bit over whelming. Thanks to Lynn Stewart for putting this event together for the Center for Independent Living and thanks to Peter and the band for a night I’ll never forget.
I’ve had a love affair with Southern California for a long time now. My brother moved to Laguna Beach when I was twenty and my visits there have always been great. We were in New Orleans when we met Scott Sperber and Anne Marie from the LA Parrothead Club. A couple of the nicest people on the planet, when they invited me to come out to the coast in April and play I jumped at the chance. Sue and I had a blast! The gigs were great, the people were awesome and we even got to goof around in Hollywood and Laguna Beach for a few days before heading back home. The first So Cal mini-tour was a great success and I look forward to the chance to go back next year and make more new friends. Thanks Anne Marie and Scott!
We just got back from Spring Phling in Wildwood yesterday and what a wild weekend it was. It seemed a bit like a family reunion except there wasn’t that annoying uncle who you don’t really like. Reconnecting with friends and trop rock fans in Jersey was great. Being down on the shore was a breath of fresh air and sitting in with Jimmy and the Parrots was a hoot! Thanks Jimmy and Jimmy! Thanks to everyone who attended this event. It’s going to be even bigger next year. Just wait and see. Thanks to Tracy File for all her hard work!
Well it seems like we’ve had a year’s worth of fun already, but we’re just getting started. This Friday I leave for three weeks in Florida. Hey this job is tough, but someone has to do it…..Floridaze with John Patti next week, The Navagator, a few house concerts, an evening with the Miami Parrothead Club and then down to Key West for a week solo at Margaritaville. Wow, can’t wait! Still to come…….Summer in Paradise, an August trip to play the Hog in KW, and oh yeah, MOTM! Yes we’re back again with Dave and Heather. And lots more!
See y’all somewhere soon! Thanks for all your support and to quote Jimmy Buffett, “thanks for helping me keep my phony baloney summer job.”
Dennis
