Steppin' Out: News

Thanks to all the family, friends, and fans who came out this past weekend-you rock! Harley's 105th show in Waukesha was interesting and fun. We shared the same stage as The Guess Who and Montgomery Gentry. Probably the biggest stage we've played to date. It was great to put on a power set of music to so many Harley enthusiasts. But whatever you do, don't talk to Montgomery Gentry roadies/stage hands-they've obviously spent one too many days on the road! Thanks to Tony V. for stepping in to play drums that day-you brought the thunder! Sunday was Bluesfest in Nashotah. Not a cloud in the sky and it was hot! This was our 4th year there and it was great to showcase an almost all original set. Thanks to Nathan from the Chinese Fingertrap for joining us on the final number-that was pure rock'n'roll! If any of you stayed late enough to catch the after hours jam inside-it was truly magic. We brought the house down with a super group of musicians including Clovis Mann's Ethan on drums, Dan on lapsteel/slide, Fat Maw's Craig on guitar, and Danny Miller on harps. Thanks to the Clubhouse for keeping a steady run of pitchers at the band. See you on the boat this weekend!

We are playing a very cool show this September! If you've been to the website lately, you've noticed that we have a splash page with all the info regarding this show on Lake Michigan! Here's the 411:

Iroquois Boat
Saturday, September 6th
505 North RiverWalk Way
Milwaukee, WI
8:30pm-11pm

*Limited amount of tickets for sale. $22 in advance and $25 at the door. You can buy them at our shows or by phone: 414.294.9450

It's been too long! Time for a blog. The band has been busy in the last months, writing and performing alot of new material including Still Got The Time, On The Other Side, Winnebago Blues, and Song For Ethan as well as a number of rocking/grooving tunes from artists like The Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Phish, Tom Petty and more. With the growing collection of our own music as well as the choice covers, our setlists are increasingly eclectic--solidifying our sound as Americana. Since Nate's return we have circled the wagons and put a lot of time into building our sound. This year has already proved to be very exciting with alot of great energy. Thank you to the fans who make it what it is, we truly appreciate it and will continue to deliver the goods!

Nathan Gray played his first show in over 3 months this past weekend at Treats. What a night of music! Thanks to all the friends and fans who filled the joint. The band is now back to full strength and we're looking forward to the coming months.

For those who haven't seen us at the recent shows, Jacob Miller our percussionist is now our drummer as well. Jake is an accomplished musician who has an appetite for music like no other. He's played brilliantly right out of the gates and proves that a bright future is ahead for the band.

After playing his heart out for the last 4 years, Tony Vento will be stepping down from the kit Friday, October 12th at the Up & Under Pub for the last time. He's been there from the start and he is the embodiment of what this band is all about. We wish him the very best and hope that we can carry on with the same great energy he's fueled us with from day 1. We hope everyone can come out and celebrate Tony's last show. It's going to rock, period:

Up & Under Pub
1216 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI
(414) 276-2677

Here's a little catch up story on our last show at Piano Blu which proved to be a very cool evening. It was a hoppin' night and at about the middle of the set I broke a string. With no spair strings we pushed on. After we finished the next tune a guy who was watching us just to my left by the piano came by and asked if I needed a string. I said yes and thank you. He introduced himself as Lee Brice from Nashville, TN and ran outside and came back with his string from his guitar. He apologized that it was used, but said it should work. He put the string on while I talked to the crowd and thanked my new friend from Tennesse for giving me his G string and as I was doing so someone said, "You know that guy has the number 1 song on the charts right now?" I was like ok, that's cool...not knowing who this guy was. I don't know many names in the country circuit. They said ya, Garth Brooks is playing his song that he wrote! Sure enough, he is the real deal: www.leebrice.com

Thanks for the help Lee!

-PD

This Sunday, August 26th will mark our 3rd appearance at the annual Bluesfest in Nashotah. It will also be Bill Truttschel's last official show with the band. Bill has been playing guitar and bass with us for years (including pre-Steppin' Out years) and has certainly contributed to our collective sound. He will be missed and we wish him the best in his future endeavors. We hope everyone can make it out this Sunday as we will be putting on a huge final show for him.

Our force behind the ivories, Nate Gray is headed for Norway and last night was our sweet send off. Playing our first show at the upscale bar/restaurant Piano Blu, we were dressed for the occaision. The best complement we could ask for happened all night long: dancing! Nate played on their 7-foot grand piano and the vibe was cool. Jason Searing joined us on sax, setting the mood further into cool. Many great moments including a very receptive crowd to the new original, A Better Life. We look forward to coming back later this year when Norwegian Nate returns.

What a great experience being a part of the 40th Anniversary of Summerfest! It was very cool to see so many people who had never heard us before stop their walk and watch us play. Lots of CDs are in new hands and we hope you keep spreading the word. In the 3 shows we played, we experienced quite alot: rain, sunshine, heat!!!, load in/out van logistics, beer, fried products, blown fuses, bushes, crowds, encores and an overwhelming postive energy playing in front of so many friends, family, fans and random people. Thank you!!!

We made it! Look for us down at Summerfest on two dates! We'll be playing a tent stage called the Refugee Stage July 3rd and 8th. The house band that will be performing between acts is called the Poor J Band. It's located on the South end of the lakeshore. Please visit the calendar page for more info. Thank you for all the support that has gotten us to this point. Cheers!

We hope this site will give you everything our old one did, but with a new prescription and a clarity for our blues and rock'n'roll ventures.