Dukes of Destiny

Date/Time
Date(s) - Saturday, January 28, 2012
8:00 pm

Category(ies)

• Concert

Over the last 25 years the Dukes have gained a large and loyal following among Philadelphia listeners who know and love the blues. They’ve appeared at four River Blues Festivals at Penn’s Landing, five concerts sponsored by the Philadelphia Blues Machine, the YO Philadelphia Festival sponsored by the Daily News, and the Pocono Blues Festival. They have also been an opening act for such greats as Albert King, Charlie Musselwhite, Commander Cody, Gatemouth Brown, Koko Taylor, John Lee Hooker, and John Mayall. They  have also served as the backup band for legendary Chicago guitarist/singer Otis Rush. Most recently, Duke members Bob Holden, John Colgan-Davis, and Rich Curtis served as the backup band for singer Terry Evans at performances at TRAMMPS in New York City and the Penn State Festival of the Arts.  They also received an award from the Philadelphia Folk Song Society in 1993. With a mix of their own arrangements of obscure blues standards and powerful original songs, the Dukes continue to grow and develop. Their solid musicianship and love of the music inspires fans and critics alike.

The Dukes have released three CD’s that have received airplay on WHYY, WRTI, and WXPN. The first one,”The Dukes of Destiny”, was released in 1991. The second, “House of Forbidden Love” was released to solid reviews in 1997. It features guest appearances by bassist Steve Beskrone, a veteran of Ray Charles’ band, and Motown percussionist Jack Ashford. The third, ”3″, was released in October, 2004 and is the first to showcase Arlyn Wolters on vocals. It also features Carl “CC” Crabtree on saxophones and Walter Runge Jr. on keyboards. “We’re a band”, harmonica player John Colgan-Davis said. “We’re not So-and-So and his backup group. We play off of each other’s energy and creativity. We have fun, and that comes across to the audience. If you come to a Dukes gig, be prepared for a lot of dancing and some big smiles. We love playing together and it shows.”

It’s been 25 exciting fun-filled years for the Dukes of Destiny. The energy and excitement they generate says that there are still many more years yet to come.

Doors of the West Grove Friends Meeting house open at 7:30 and the concert begins at 8:00. Advance tickets are $15 and are held at the door of the West Grove Friends Meeting house for you to pick-up the night of the concert. Tickets at the door are $17.00. Seniors 60 and over, and students are just $13 in advance, $15 at the door. Members are $13 in advance or at the door. Children 10 and under are FREE.

Location
West Grove Friends Meeting