Hullabalou 7/24/10

Duke and DHG on the Jumbotron
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

We opened the second day of the Louisville, KY festival with some heat! 100 degrees of Duke Tumatoe got the crowd moving, while Christine Barton-Holmes captured the whole thing in awesome photographs. Back line was provided, meaning the keys & amp, drums, and bass rig were already set up on stage, which was great on one hand. We didn't have to bring our gear. But on the other hand, it made things feel different than normal because we weren't used to the gear. Joe sounded great on the provided drums. Bill had a thunderous amount of low end, which on stage made it hard to hear the attack of his notes. The keys had a different feel than what I was used to, but all-in-all, a great show. Lots of great acts played after us, and I'm honored we were able to perform at a festival with such a diverse line up, such as Michael McDonald, Ben Folds, Kenny Chesney, Al Green, WAR, Steppenwolf, and so many others! I look forward to next year!

Howl At The Moon 7/22/10

Dan Holmes at Howl At The Moon
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Insanity in downtown Indianapolis found it's way into Howl while I was dueling Thursday night with Jay and Todd. Joanna and Rob were there dueling as well, but I didn't get a chance to play with them. The place was packed to capacity all night, and everything from Genesis to Beatles was requested. Good times!!!

ABATE Boogie 7/17/10

Duke Tumatoe at The Boogie
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Once again, wow.
The Boogie, held at a private farm in Bloomfield, IN, always is interesting, but this years it was over the top. Lots of rain came through the area, which means lots of mud. We headlined the event, and while we were setting up, they had a wet t-shirt contest on the stage, which ended up lacking water or t-shirts. Or any clothing, for that matter. We waited backstage until it was time for us to perform and then rocked the crowd until a huge storm threatened the whole area. We made it to the end, but no encore was allowed because of lightening. The whole area is an amazing tribute to motorcycle culture, and the folks there always make up a great crowd. The Boogie was celebrating it's 30th anniversary this year. Congrats!

RTO Party 7/17/10

Meniacal Bull
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

The day started off a little wet in Nashville, IN, as we set up for our afternoon gig. Summer thundershowers threatened a canceled gig, but it cleared up just in time for the mechanical bull to begin spinning. They also had go-karts, an inflatable jumpy thingy, and a bungee bounce. We performed for about three-and-a-half hours, just in time to pack up and head to our next show. One of the best moments for me during this show was watching Joe ride the bull and recording it while I was singing "Working In A Coal Mine" with a guest drummer from the crowd .

Nothin' But The Blues 7/16/10

The stage at Nothing But The Blues Fest
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

We drove to Bloomington, IL to participate in the 40th anniversary of their blues festival Friday night. Great weather and a nice turn out made for a fun night. We arrived, and they gave gave us our passes (on home-made twine lanyards, naturally) and helped us with our gear to the stage. Duke sold out of his CDs, and I sold of few of my own to the true die-hard fans. I hope we are invited back to play next year. This truly was a fun show! The staff passed around my camera and took some great shots, too!

Howl At the Moon 7/15/10

Huge Crowd at Howl On Thursday
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Lady Gaga and Black Expo were both happening in downtown Indy tonight, so the crowd at Howl was monstrous! We kept them entertained while dollar beer night was happening. Needless to say, things got crazier the later the night went on. An old friend, Jade, who helped Bill Ritter and I produce our Christmas CD a few years ago, was in the club. It was great to see her again, and it was a very fun night for everyone who came out to see the big dueling piano show.

Howl At The Moon 7/14/10

Dan Holmes on Bass
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Howl in Indianapolis wasn't packed, but the crowd was really into the show. Lots of good requests all night long, and the people who were there stayed until the end. I dueled with Joanna, and when I wasn't playing piano, I played bass. Fun night when the requests range from the Cars to Ray Charles to, of course, Billy Joel. I'll be back there again tomorrow night for more mayhem!

Arbuckle Acres Park 7/13/10

Dan Holmes at Arbuckle Acres Park
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Brownsburg, IN had some heavy rainfall earlier today, but it was clear and nice for our evening show in the park. I was really happy with the way my sound system performed outside. It was the first huge show we've done with it. I had many people come out to the show who I haven't seen in a while, so a big thanks to them for making it out! Two hours of blues as the sun went down. Fun evening, and if you weren't there, try to make it to our next one!!!

Sparta Blues Fest 7/10/10

The Crowd at the Sparta Blues Fest
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

This was it. The last blues fest in Sparta, IL in the foreseeable future. After 13 years, and blues greats like Koko Taylor and Gatemouth Brown, the fest had some support problems from the city, so we played the last one. Fun crowd, and not too hot for an outdoor in July event. Joe and Bill sounded amazing, as always, and it was fun watching Duke rev up a crowd who had been sitting still all day. The only down side was it was a 4 hour drive there to only play 90 minutes, then 4 hours home. Long day on the road!

Speedway Daycare 7/9/10

Rock Star
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Rock Star day at the daycare in Speedway, IN was fun! Joe Maddox, Bill Ritter, Jake Hahn and myself played for about an hour while the kids danced, sang, and drummed rhythms out on anything they could get their hands on. It's always fun to perform for an appreciative crowd, no matter what the age group is!

Static Shack 7/8/10

B3in' it
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Today marked a surreal experience for me. Let me explain why: In 1991, I first heard a song on the Bob and Tom Show featuring a comedian named Sam Kinison. Then in 1992, Sam sadly passed away. I was aware that the song I had heard him sing on was not his. Fast forward to 1999. Duke Tumatoe contacts me about joining his group. I quickly realized the song I remembered Sam Kinison singing while I was in high school was Duke's tune, "Tie You Up". Fast forward to 2010. Today, I find myself putting an organ, piano, and vocal track down with Sam singing over the top of me. The old track needed to be tightened up a bit for a future release, so I had a chance to play with a comedian who hasn't been on this earth for more than 18 years.
Very surreal, but cool.

Westfield Rocks The 4th 7/4/10

Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Westfield, IN hired Duke to headline their big 4th of July celebration. We were treated like royalty as the shuttled us and our gear around on golf carts. Just before the show, Duke scraped his head on the roof of one of the carts, but not too badly. We had a great time, and no fireworks were shot at us this year (unlike previous years). Thanks to Tipton sound for making it an easy show.

Zydeco's 7/4/10

Zydeco's Brunch
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

Brunch was delicious this morning at Zydeco's in Mooresville, IN! We had a great time playing for the crowd. Brian Yarde on drums joined us for this show (because Joe Maddox has a church service he performs for). Brian is always fun to play with; he's a ball of energy. Bill and I pulled out some tunes we probably haven't played in a year or more. I can hardly wait for next month's brunch!

Wedding 7/3/10

Performing at a wedding
Originally uploaded by Dan Holmes Group

My first show back from vacation took place at Duke Tumatoe's next door neighbors house in Carmel, IN. DHG performed as a trio for the reception, and had a chance to eat some great food (some of which was cooked by Duke and his wife). We played requested pop cover tunes, most of which I knew because of my work in dueling piano bars. Bill and Joe did an amazing job keeping up with me as I pulled out song after song which they had never performed. Joe recently has lost a bunch of weight, and he looked cool in his suit. Bill and I packed up quickly after the show because we need to be at Zydeco's for brunch by 11am Sunday morning.

Congrats to the happy couple!