Gear Daddies at the Codfish Hollow Barn -- July 12.
Friday, July 12, 8 p.m.
Codfish Hollow Barn, 5013 288th Avenue, Maquoketa IA
Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as musicians "whose soulful, stripped-down approach combines the softer moments of the Replacements with a bit of the country coloring of the early BoDeans’ albums," the alt-country artists of Gear Daddies headline a July 12 concert at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, these Midwestern favorites also lauded by the Argus Leader as "one of the most underrated Minnesota-based bands of all time."
At GearDaddies.com, the outfit is described as "an Americana/Rock band originally from Austin, Minnesota. Members Martin Zellar (electric and acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocals), Nick Ciola (bass), Randy Broughten (electric and pedal steel guitar) and James 'Billy' Dankert (drums and vocals), played their first shows together in 1984. Between 1986 and 1992, the band released three popular albums and became an important part of the Twin Cities music scene. Many of the fan’s favorite songs ('Stupid Boy,' 'Color of Her Eyes,' 'She’s Happy,' 'Drank So Much,' and many others) are credited to the exceptionally passionate writing skills possessed by Zellar, however Dankert has also contributed some of the compositions , including 'Time Heals' and 'Blues Mary.'
"Their most notable mainstream success was when they played 'Stupid Boy' on Late Night with David Letterman in 1991. Zellar had this to say of the experience: 'I was so nervous, and it all happened so quickly. I couldn't tell you what the hell happened. I got done, and I was walking back and said to Randy (Broughten), 'Did I sing all the words? Did I do that?' When I watched it that night in the hotel room I had no recollection of having lived it.'
"Arguably, Zellar’s 'I Wanna Drive the Zamboni' is the band’s best-known song, having been featured in the movies D2: The Mighty Ducks and Mystery, Alaska, as well as on the television program Malcolm in the Middle. It's also a staple at hockey games throughout North America and Europe. Gear Daddies have been mentioned as an influence on a number of bands that emerged in the Upper Midwest in the late 1980s through the 1990s, including The Billy's, Violet, Shoot Lucy, Dazy Head Mazy, Groundhouse, and Six Mile Grove. Currently, in addition to their respective individual pursuits, the guys of Gear Daddies reunite several times a year to perform throughout the Midwest."
Gear Daddies plays their headlining engagement in Maquoketa on July 12 with an addition set by Box 10, admission to the 8 p.m. concert event is $45, and more information and tickets are available by visiting CodfishHollowBarnstormers.com.
