Downtown Dave: 8/13-8/24 Live Music Report

Casper I talked about him last year and my comments are still the same. He is one of the most unappreciated musicians on Put in Bay. He plays at Mr Eds solo and with the band Fun Buckets on Thursday nights. I do not think there is a song that he cannot do and do it well. Please check him out and make a request. you will be surprised.

Mike Mad Dog Adams He is an island Legend at the Roundhouse. He has been playing there for over 40 years. I probably see him 3 times a month just to watch the blowing of the conch shell at around 3:30 every show. You cannot leave his show without smiling or remembering a joke that you tell to your friends.

Paradise Island Another 40 year performer at the Roundhouse. There is a reason why because they pack the place every Wednesday. How many bands pack a place on a Wednesday afternoon. One of the few bands that do not play so loud that you cannot talk to the person that you are with. Plus lots of great dance music to dance to

Emilys Toy Box One of my favorites bands. They are from around the State College Pa. area. The lead singer is probably the most entertaining and engaging on the island with the crowd. When you see them, really listen to the lyrics. He loves to change the words to songs. I remember seeing them in Cleveland many years ago. They are a bit on the loud side but definitely worth seeing.

Kyle Smithers A few years ago I was walking by the Beer Barrel and heard a Pat Daily song. Well it was Kyle. I stayed for awhile and was impressed with some of the songs that he played. Now some of his songs are a little dirty but definitely worth having a few beers with on the Patio at the Beer Barrel.

Tobi Lee another Beer Barrel regular. I do now between her and Kyle they probably do over 100 shows combined this summer. Kyle usually first and Tobi second. Tobi is the lead singer of Mustang Sally. I really do not think she has a set list. She plays a lot of requests and she packs the patio at the Beer Barrel every weekend.

The Fulcos They are originally from NYC but now play out of Clearwater Florida. Also they do not have a set list. They do play some of the same songs every night but never in the same order. They play to what motivates the crowd. I just saw them play a song by Eric Carmen and the Raspberries from Cleveland the other day. They can play stuff from the 50s all the way to current stuff. They start at 9:30 and they do not take a break. I do not know of many bands that do that anymore. Most bands are play 1 1/2 hours 30 minute break the finish 1 1/2 hour set. Please see them before they outgrow Put in Bay.

Nick Brownell Originally from this area but plays in Key West a lot. He is a 1 man show and really puts his own spin on every show. Grab a burger at the Reel bar and enjoy his show.

Ray Fogg Plays at the Reel Bar most weekends. But also does a few select gigs at the Roundhouse when we turn the Whiskey light on and when we turn it off. Well I do not know how long he has been playing here but I know I saw him over 20 years ago in the upstairs of the Brewery. Most of his material is original and I know most of the words to his songs. Even though I have seen him many times and know his songs you will still find me there on some weekends and I always leave with a smile. He also has Cds of his original material.

Bob Gatewood Plays at the Reel Bar solo and with Calabash at the Roundhouse. Bob is now a good friend of mine. I wish I would have met him earlier in his career so I could have watched him play more. Calabash has now played at the Roundhouse for 40 years also. You have to be good if you keep getting asked back for that long. In his solo show he does some cool things that make it sound like he has a band behind him and also other vocals. He has lots of original songs that have even gotten on the radio. The last song that he does is always Friends of the Bay. It is the official song of Put in Bay.

Rusty Bladen plays at Frostys. I was a little skeptical when I saw him in person. I am thinking how can this guy be good. But to me he is your everyday musician and he is good. Polished and plays to his strengths. He has a great band that is fun to watch. You will not sit down when he is playing. You will probably dance or just sing along.

Pat Shepard also at Frostys. I have no idea how long he has played at Frostys but once again if you are not good and cannot hold a crowd they will not ask you back. He is both. Does some great Pat Daily songs alongs with others that make you sing along. I really think a Frostys Pizza a beer in a frosted mug and Pat Shepard on a Saturday afternoon go together.

So I did my best to make my personal comments on everybody playing at Put in Bay over the next few weeks that I have personally seen. I know that I have missed seeing many of the artists listed in this weeks music schedule but I only have so much time. I might try in future posts to comment on people that I have seen that I have not commented on so far. The artists that I commented on above are in no particular order of preference. If you are an artist that I have not seen please reach out to me and I will do my best to check out your show.

Please support live music. Some of the musicians do this for a living. Please tip them to show your appreciation.