“Rockin’ the 50s” with Dave Bennett!
Michigan clarinet phenomenon Dave Bennett debuts his new show for 2012 – “Rockin’ the 50s”
– featuring the music of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and more – all interwoven
with clarinet standards that make his talent shine.
Not merely an accomplished clarinetist, “Rockin’ the 50s” explores the depth of talent of this 28year-old master musician. Highlighting his talents on piano and even vocals, this is a show that
will keep your audience of all ages enthralled.
Backed with talented percussionist Doug Cobb and bassist Kurt Krahnke, this is a powerful trio
that will amaze your audience with their versatility and camaraderie.
Regarding this show, Dave states: “This is something I've wanted to do for years. My favorite
period of American music and fashion is the 1950s. I love Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry,
and Roy Orbison and have always wanted to have a band that played their songs. My chance has
finally arrived."
The music of the 1950s connects the audience to a simpler time – the birth of rock and roll and a
period of nostalgia for many. This music translates across generations as an uplifting and
heartwarming trip down memory lane.
Audience reaction to this concert format has been astounding. Be sure to leave room for dancing
in your venue – because your patrons will be moved to MOVE to the songs that they know and
love as performed by this multi-talented virtuoso.
*Set List*
Set 1
• Roll Over Beethoven
• You Win Again
• Promised Land
• Johnny B Goode
• Stranger on the Shore
• Maybellene
• My God Is Real
• Chantilly Lace
• Earth Angel
• Your Cheatin Heart
• High School Confidential
• Breathless
• Great Balls Of Fire
Set 2
• Mean Woman Blues
• Hound Dog
• Don’t Be Cruel
• Rock Around The Clock
• What’d I Say
• Another Place, Another Time
• You win Again
• Blue Suede Shoes
• Basin Street Blues
• Whole Lot of Shakin Going On
• When the Saints go Marching In
*Musician Bios*
DAVE BENNETT (see his individual bio)
DOUG COBB
Drummer Douglas Cobb of Saginaw has played professionally for thirty-five years. Early in his
career he worked for fifteen years on the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen river boats based in
New Orleans.
Doug then moved to Orlando Florida where he performed at the Rosie O’Grady’s Good-time
Emporium for another fifteen years. Doug also worked at Disney World, frequently playing at
the Grand Floridian Hotel. Returning to Michigan in 2000, Doug is now the regular drummer of
The Dave Bennett Quartet which has performed at The San Diego Jazz Festival, The Detroit
International Jazz Festival, The Elkhart Jazz Fest and others.
KURT KRAHNKE
Acoustic Bassist Kurt Krahnke is a graduate of the Berkley College of Music, but also studied at
the New England Conservatory of Music. He toured the east coast with Ron Levy for two years
and then returned to Detroit, where he taught with the Summer Music Program under the
direction of Wendell Harrison. Since his return to Michigan, Krahnke has played with Phil
Lasley, Jimmy Giuffre, Joe Henderson, Sonny Fortune, Pinetop Perkins, Russell Green, and
toured and recorded with Leon Thomas. In 1989, Kurt performed as a finalist in the Hennessey
Jazz Search in Hollywood, CA, with the Steve Wood/Brad Felt Quintet. Krahnke played and
toured with the acclaimed JC Heard Orchestra from 1986-89 and received the Best Jazz Bassist
award from the Metro-Times. Kurt has recorded and played with Paul VornHagen for eight years
and continues to serve as a mentor for young bassists in the region.
For booking information, contact Judy Valenti at Center Stage Artists – 562-607-7871