Sandusky-based band hits Huron
0 comments
As comfortable as a warm fuzzy sweater is how bassist Dan Griffin describes what it's like playing in the Sandusky-based cover band Mr. Daddy.
"What appeals to us as musicians is the level of musicianship in the band," said Griffin, a 1973 Sandusky High School graduate. "Everybody is experienced. We're all on the same pro level. It's just so much fun to go out and be around other musicians playing off each other and just having a ball. The thing we bring to the crowd is we play both rock and roll."
Rocking the crowd and having a good time with tunes from the ë70s, ë80s and ë90s is how Griffin, a retired Navy submarine hunter and current Musician's Alley salesman, views the past six years Mr. Daddy has been playing around the area.
Oddly enough, the quartet originally came together as hired guns for Cabana Jacks' open-mic jam night.
This is where any singer or musician could pop on stage and perform a funk or blues song. Eventually audiences took notice, with Mr. Daddy becoming its own entity.
Today the foursome plays over 40 dates annually. It specializes in the harder rock stylings of such acts as AC/DC, Sammy Hagar and Alice Cooper. The outfit also plays around with its set list, performing obscure tracks from Cross Canadian Ragweed or even delving into the Oak Ridge Boys' "Elvira" during the middle of an Alice Cooper tune.
So you never know what to expect when Mr. Daddy is in the house. The foursome returns to its favorite Huron watering hole for a Jan. 5 date at 34 Degrees.
"We're at 34 Degrees about once every six weeks," Griffin said.
"It's a great venue. Those folks out there appreciate rock 'n' roll. They just get out and have a good time."
It's a good thing the crowd comes ready to rock. Griffin is so confident in Mr. Daddy's onstage presence that he believes the deciding factor between a memorable gig and an average show falls on the audience.
"Every place we play, everybody is having a good time," Griffin said. "If you're not having a good time when we're playing, it's your own fault."
Mr. Daddy
WHEN: January 5
WHERE: 34 Degrees, Huron, 606 Main St.
INFO: 419-433-0900
And if you're not having a good time when John Benson is in the room, well, you're probably playing it safe. E-mail him at jbenson@funcoast.com.
