What do teachers, lawyers, an environmentalist, and a music therapist all have in common? They perform great music together as the 6-piece, “Five To One” band. On a recent warm evening, I wandered into the Sportsmen’s Tavern on Amherst Street. This was an impromptu visit in search for something cold to quench my thirst on such a warm April night. I was delighted to find dear friends and former neighbors Ruth Ellen Bunis and her husband Russell Baker. They were there to see their daughter Abby perform with the band as a vocalist and percussionist.
I could hear the band playing Neil Young’s “August Moon.” I had to do a double-take as the male vocals sounded so much like Neil I thought, “could it be?” Then they broke into Neville Brothers “Tell It Like It Is” with Abby as the lead. It gave me chills. Abby has a clear, steady, strong voice like a young Linda Ronstadt. She can really belt it. She is a welcome complement to the talented, soft vocals of the male members. There was so much energy in the room, the band played well beyond the 8:30 p.m. end time. Abby Unger, Nick Brabson, Bill Kita, Bill Nowak Bill Solak and Mario Nunez make up the band that performs songs from a variety of artists as Bubble Puppy, Byrds, Beatles, Doobie Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, the Youngbloods, Kinks and more…
Sportsmen’s Tavern 326 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14207 (716) 874-7734
Photo: Left to Right – Nick, Bill S, Abby, Bill N, Mario, Bill K
The band will perform at Central Park Grill in the City of Buffalo Friday nights, monthly Show Schedule:
Friday May 16 | Central Park Grill 2519 Main St Buffalo 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Friday June 13 | Central Park Grill 2519 Main St Buffalo 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Friday July 11 | Central Park Grill 2519 Main St Buffalo 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Friday August 15 | Central Park Grill 2519 Main St Buffalo 6:30 – 9:30 pm
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