Steely Dan Tribute by Major Dudes

Detroit Music Award winners for outstanding tribute band in 2019 and 2020, Major Dudes is an extraordinary 6 piece group, consisting of highly regarded veteran musicians who have recorded and/or toured with numerous regional and national artists over the last 4 decades. This accomplished sextet delivers impeccable renditions of Steely Dan charttopping hits and choice deep cuts that fans of the Grammy winning legends will love to see and hear. Major Dudes have captivated many Michigan audiences - in theatres, nightclubs, outdoor festivals, and private events - with tight arrangements, sizzling solos and strong vocals that capture Donald Fagen's unique stylings and the artistic melodies and harmonies prevalent in Steely Dan's distinctive music.

Their Story:

When Danny Taylor (keyboards and lead vocals) and Paul Laginess (bass and vocals) set out for seemingly the umpteenth time to put a band together - don't ask - they figured the best way to finally solidify a project and to sustain it was to make it as appealing as possible, to themselves, naturally, and to any other musicians they could enlist.

So, the challenge for Danny and Paul was twofold. Select a bunch of fun, challenging and seldom covered material (Hey! How about a Steely Dan tribute?) and find talented and like-minded musicians to fill out the lineup.

Apart from Danny and Paul, a few words about those "talented and like-minded musicians". Guitarist Waldon Reed is a highly regarded Redford-based musician who has been teaching, recording CDs (a total of eight, four of which bassist Paul played on), and performing since the mid-1980s.

Around even longer, David Reinstein is on saxophones and keyboards. He's played with more artists and bands than we could list but to name just a few, there's Orange Lake Drive, The Sun Messengers, Stewart Francke, and the Detroit Piston's band. He's written and performed for radio, television and movies.

On drums and lead vocals, veteran Jim Pryor is the man. He's one of the hardest workers around. Major Dudes is sharing him with at least 4 other bands and he's been as busy over the last 3+ decades as he is now. Newest member,

Carl Cafagna on saxophones, flute and vocals, joined in March of 2018 and has helped open a whole new realm of possibilities for the band. He's an in-demand live performer, a studio ace, and a Detroit Music Award nominee in the outstanding jazz instrumentalist category in 2018 and 2019.

Danny Taylor and Paul Laginess have been around since the early 70s and have been working with each other off and on for over a decade. Danny has spent a good chunk of his time over that same decade in The Rockets and has recorded dozens of great original tunes, some of which Major Dudes perform currently.

Apart from his recordings with guitarist Waldon Reed, Paul has played with many groups and musicians over the years most notably with legendary local late 70s band Air Condo and for most of this century with Blue Bang Theory led by Three Dog Night member, Paul Kingery.

Details:

We are a Winery, Brewery, Distillery & Pizzeria in the Irish Hills of Michigan with an awesome 5,500 square foot Biergarten! The Biergarten is an amazing Timberframe structure with radiant heat for year-round enjoyment protected from the elements -- with an open-air, outdoor festival feel.

• Click TICKETS to Reserve your Table or Barrel Hightop
• Choose your Table or Barrel upon arrival; first come, first served
• Our Waitstaff Provide First Class Table Service; No standing in Lines!

The Fine Print:

• No outside alcohol
• No tailgating in the parking lot
• This concert is for ages 21 & up
• All ticket sales are final

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Host or Publisher CHATEAU AERONAUTIQUE WINERY & BLUE SKIES BREWERY