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Cherry Poppin' Daddies swing into Philly
suburbs to a sold out crowd

Cherry Poppin' Daddies/ Swing That Cat!
The Sellersville Theater 1894
Sellersville, PA
January 16, 2016
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies

Review and photos by Johnny Hall

The Cherry Poppin' Daddies pulled their tour into the Sellersville Theater 1894 for a show on January 16, 2016, in support of their new album The Bop-a-doo, and they busted the doors wide open. The Sellersville Theater 1894, a beautifully restored theater nestled in the quaint suburbs of Philadelphia, hosted the evening to a sold out audience.

The evening started with swing band, Swing That Cat!, who hail from Southern NJ. This 9 piece band featured a bright brass section, standup bass and drums providing rhythm, a guitar, and a dynamic flautist. This musical ensemble provided a solid base to highlight the band's lead and backup vocalists. Their 7 song set list consisted of a few original as well as classic covers from the '40s and '50s. Lead vocalist, Michele Peraino, with her rich alto voice, belted out tunes of days past reminiscent of the bygone era of the 1940's, bringing to mind the intoxicating days when The War was over and the boys were coming home.

After a small break while crew set the stage, Cherry Poppin' Daddies came out to a very receptive crowd. The audience, ranging from people in their 30's to some Septuagenarians, all had the common goal of hearing some super swinging music. The band came out and launched into "April in Paris" from the Broadway musical "Walk a Little Faster," and front man Steve Perry hit the stage with nothing but high voltage energy. Perry, a charismatic singer, captured the crowd from the moment he swaggered onto the stage. He seemed to channel the spirits of the singers he was covering, The Rat Pack would have been happy to share a drink with Steve whose smooth vocals, expressive facials, and never ending dancing prove that he is a true entertainer at heart.

The band, featuring Dan Schmid - bass guitar, Dana Heitman - trumpet, Willie Matheis - tenor saxophone, Joe Freuen - trombone, Paul Owen - drums, Andy Page - alto saxophone, and Zak Johnson - guitar/banjo, are all solid musicians who kept the music tight and clear. With their massive 25 song set list that included original songs and classics, the Cherry Poppin' Daddies showed their musical range from the 1920's to modern day Ska. The crowd, loving the music, took to the dance floor swinging and skanking their night away to the fantastic big band sounds emanating from the stage. If you're lucky enough to have Cherry Poppin' Daddies swing into a town near you, be sure to check them out. You will not be disappointed.


Cherry Poppin' Daddies Set list:
April in Paris
Come Fly with Me
When I Change
Ain't That a Kick in the Head
Doug the Jitterbug
Diamond Light
Fly Me To the Moon
Bloodshot Eyes
Drunk Daddy
Peckerheads and Badasses
Hammerblow
Top Hat
42nd St.
Joint is Jumpin'
Kicking the Gong
Let's Misbehave
Lindy Hop
Luck Be a Lady
Ska Boy JFK
Pink E
Brown Derby Jump
Zoom Suit Riot
Ding Dong Daddy

Encore:
No Mercy CPD Strut
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Swing That Cat!
Swing That Cat!
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Swing That Cat!
Swing That Cat!
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Swing That Cat!
Swing That Cat!
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
Swing That Cat!
Swing That Cat!

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