Van Wezel Presents Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Cab Calloway Tribute 4/15

On Thursday, April 15, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will present America's favorite Little Big Band BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY with a tribute to 100 years of Cab Calloway Thursday, April 15 @ 8pm.   Tickets are $30 to $50 with a limited number of "smart seats" priced at $10. 

The band will play a mix of Cab Calloway songs in a tribute to 100 years of Cab Calloway and classic BBVD favorites.  Selections include "Come on With the Come On," "Calloway Boogie," "Hey Now, Hey Now,"  "The Jumpin' Jive," "Reefer Man," "Minnie the Moocher," "The Old Man of the Mountain."  Other BBVD hits may include "Mr. Pinstripe Suit,"  "You and Me and the Bottle Makes 3 (Tonight)," "Go Daddy-O," "Simple Songs," and "Jumpin' Jack."

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY'S eighth studio album, "How Big Can You Get? A Tribute to Cab Calloway" captures the essence of an American icon in a rowdy celebration of musicianship, mischief, genius, street smarts, and fun.  It is also possibly the timeliest and most welcome album of the year-bringing a much-needed high-voltage jolt of winning, feel-good energy to a country slogging through tough times that may be getting tougher  . . . exactly the way that Calloway's music did in the Depression era.

"Making the album was one of our biggest musical moments," says lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Scotty Morris.  "Delving into Cab's songs made us all realize how relevant they were to our time, and working on someone else's music inside out caused a growth and depth in my work as a songwriter, arranger and producer."

Since their arrival on the music scene in 1993 in a legendary residency at Los Angeles' Brown Derby nightclub, BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY irresistible live show and aggressive, musically perceptive approach has proven them over time to be the singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival.  The seven-man group forged a massively successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music.  BBVD is a veteran force that to this day adds new fans by the roomful every time they play.

The seven musicians in the band are the original members and have been playing together for more than 16 years.  They are Scotty Morris (lead vocals, guitar), Dirk Shumaker (double bass), Glen "The Kid" Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (alto saxophone), Joshua Levy (piano), Andy Rowley (baritone Sax) and Kurt Sodergren (drums).  Anthony Bonsera (trumpet) and Alex Henderson (trombone) are not official "members" but they have been playing with the band for several years and most people consider them to be a regular part of the show.

For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box Office at 941- 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org.  Dinner is available prior to most shows by Michael's on East at the Van Wezel by calling (941) 366-0007 or logging onto www.bestfood.com.

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