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 Cherry Poppin' Daddies |
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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. |
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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 |
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 Swing That Cat! |
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 Swing That Cat! |
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