Every Wednesday, a group of four musicians takes over the stage at the Pan American Grill and Brewery inside The Hotel Lafayette. They invite area professional musicians to come down and sit in on some some of the songs. A brainchild of Dwane Hall, owner of The Sportsmens Tavern in Black Rock, the music session starts at 7pm and wraps up around 10pm. Mostly blues tunes are played, inspired by the days of The Lafayette Tap Room, which was located on the opposite side of the bar. The blues inspired evening is sponsored by Labatt Blue. Dancers are encouraged to come down and take a spin on the floor.
List your band members and the instruments that they play:
Mr. Conrad – guitar and vocals (interviewee)
Jim Whitford – bass
Jim Beishline – piano
Ray Hangen – drums
What is the name of your group?
The Excellos
How did the name of the band come about? When did it form?
It is named after Excellos Records and formed in 1985 and as had various members over the years.
What’s it like to perform in front of a crowd? Give me three words.
Really, really fun!
When and why did you start playing?
When I was 16 and because the music really got to me and I had to do it.
What was the first tune that you remember “really” playing well, when you knew that you would be a musician?
When I was in high school I decided to pursue music as a vocation. I dont remember what particular song.
How would you describe your music style? Influences?
Traditional blues and rock’n’roll.
Did music come naturally to you? Or were you driven to learn and play/sing?
Both I think.
What sparked the passion? Do you come from a musical family?
Just hearing and being exposed to the music was enough to drive me.
Are you schooled in music?
No.
Where is your favorite place to play/sing in Buffalo? Where would you most like to play/sing in Buffalo?
My favorite place : The Sportsmans Tavern!
What’s your day job?
I’ve had a million.
What was the best show you ever caught? What was the show that got away? The one that you never got to see?
1969 seeing Jerry Lee Lewis for the first time was just crazy! I’ve missed alot of the older blues guys because they passed.
Do you play/sing covers or all originals? Ar a combination of both?
A combination of both.
If you could play/sing with one famous band (any time in history), what would that band be?
With Big Joe Turner/ in the ’40’s
Where and when is your next gig(s) in the city?
Every wednesday night 7-10pm at The Pan American Grill!!!
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If you play in a group/band (or solo) here in Buffalo, and have an upcoming gig at a venue(s) in the city, consider sending buffalo rising an email requesting to be emailed a Q&A interview that we can then post, along with concert dates. It’s a fun and easy way to get your name in front of another audience that is interested in learning about the local music scene. The requirements are: