Local R&B, Soul and Rock ‘n Roll band Bone Daddy & the Blues Shakers are the featured live band for Floodstage Productions musical, Footloose. This talented 5-man band thrilled audiences for Floodstage in last year’s smash production of Grease, and this year’s performances promises to be just as exciting.
All the music for Footloose is performed live, and includes the famous tunes from the movie-turned-musical like “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” and “Holding Out For A Hero” and of course, “Footloose”. For the show itself, Bone Daddy doubles as “The Country Kickers”, the bar band in the town that allows dancing. The band’s musical stylings will be expanded during intermission where the band will showcase a few other 80’s tunes, as well.
“Placing this band in a rock musical is a terrific blend of talents,” says Kevin Kurth, Musical Director for Footloose. “Live theater allows singers and musicians to deliver strong, tailored performances that showcase their very best work.” This is the second musical that Kurth has collaborated with Flood Stage Productions. His talents were also involved in last year’s production of Grease.
Bone Daddy and the Blues Shakers was founded about 8 years ago, and their local fandom has grown steadily over the years. They are regularly performing at ‘Party in the Park’ in Wapplehorst Park and ‘Music on Main’, twice monthly at Tuner’s on North Main Street, every couple of weeks or so in Alton’s entertainment district, and Binford’s on MidRivers Mall Drive in St. Peters. They have been a staple in the St. Louis Mardi Gras Parade, throwing beads and live tunes through Soulard every spring. Bone Daddy will also be performing at the St. Louis Art Show in Clayton this fall.
Danny Balsamo is the lead singer and also plays a mean sax and flute. Steve Simpson plays keyboards. Rick Gibson plays the six-string lead guitar and vocals. Tim Jones is the bass player and has shared the stage with James Brown. Craig Percell is touted as the smooth percussive glue that oozes from his drumsticks.
And behind all this music on stage are families that that move equipment and vacations to let these talented guys bring entertainment to adoring fans. Every member of Bone Daddy and the Blues Shakers has expressed their gratitude for the support they receive from their families, friends and fans. They love what they do, and it shows.
Footloose performances are: Friday June 9 and Saturday June 10 at 8pm. Sunday June 11 at 3pm. Also Thursday, June 15, Friday, June 16 and Saturday June 17 at 8pm. All performances are at St. Charles High School on the main stage. Reservations can be made by calling 636-578-8301. Tickets are held at the door and are payable by cash or check. $15 per adult and $12 for students and seniors.
Bone Daddy’s schedule can be found at www.bluesshakers.info
