Ready to inflate the town
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When it comes time for The Inflatable 4 members - Michael Tyler (keyboards, vocals), Bill "Billy Fee" Fioritto (bass, vocals), Todd Shelly (drums, vocals) and Dave "Shakes" Rupnow (guitar, vocals) - to pick the set list, the cover band has one rule.
"If you can't dance to it, we don't play it," said Fioritto. "There's a variety to our music. It's mostly an '80s rock band, but we have a little bit of classic rock and some newer stuff in there like Weezer and Offspring."
The foursome's current set list includes such hits as Modern English's "I Melt With You," Cheap Trick's "Surrender," The Cure's "Just Like Heaven," U2's "Vertigo" and more.
Formed less than a year ago, the quartet boats a veteran member lineup. The players have been active on the cover band circuit for decades with other outfits. The list includes Custard Pie, Billhillies Comedy Rock 'n' Roll Show and more.
"We're all older guys who have been doing this since the '80s," Fioritto said.
"We kind of put together what we consider our little all-star band. All of us are in our 40s, so we've done this for a long time. The hard part is learning how to become a musician and actually be successful in playing in bands.
"But I've done that. I've played in front of 1,000 people at festivals and fairs on a cover-band level.
"We do this now because we still enjoy it and it makes us some extra money on the side. It's fun. The thrill for the most part is still there, and we enjoy playing."
Fioritto said the group is looking forward to its Sandusky debut Dec. 8 at Cabana Jacks.
"If the people want to dance, have fun and be entertained, definitely come see us," Fioritto said. "It's going to be fun, and we're just fun party guys. We're trying to get the audience involved and excited."
Known for its humorous stage antics and audience interaction, The Inflatable 4 is ready to blow up in this area.
Considering the Cleveland-based act's name does contain the word inflatable, does that mean the group is filled with hot air?
"You could say that," Fioritto said with a laugh.
Inflatable 4
WHEN: 10 p.m., December 8
WHERE: Cabana Jacks, 202 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
COST: $3
INFO: 419-625-4008 or cabanajacks.com
John Benson knows all about what it's like to be filled with hot air. E-mail him at jbenson@funcoast.com.
