All Star Jam

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is proud to present the second annual All Star Jam, an outdoor concert bringing some of the most talented Rock legends to Fort Myers, on Saturday, March 9, at 6:00 p.m. The concert is at the center of the Rock the River Series and will take place outside the Davis, at 2301 First Street, in the downtown Fort Myers River District. LAWN CHAIRS WELCOME!

Artists scheduled to appear include: Rock legend Rick Derringer; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, formerly of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan; Barry Goudreau and Fran Sheehan, former members of Boston; Mousey Thompson of the James Brown Band; Leroy Romans from the Wailers; Doug Bell from The Bellevue Cadillacs; Chaz Trippy from the Allman Brothers; Slim Jim Phantom, formerly of The Stray Cats; Danny Biessel, and others. There will be some exciting newer artists there opening the show: The Barefoot Movement, a talented quartet who meld Bluegrass with acoustic modern rock and jazz; Sound Parlor; Steve Tucci Band; Matt Facciola Band; and Cameron Rafati.

Rick Derringer of The McCoys recorded the hits “Hang On Sloopy” and “Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo,” which was also released as a single, then selected again for “And – Live”. Derringer also played on and produced Still Alive and Well and They Only Come Out At Night by Johnny Winter And the McCoys. The latter featured the No. 1, Grammy nominated monster hit, “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride”. Throughout the 70′s and 80′s the popular Derringer appeared on numerous albums with artists Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Kiss, Mason Ruffner, and Madam X. In the mid-80′s, Derringer discovered Weird Al Yankovic, producing music for Grammy-winning albums and videos.

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter will join the All Star performance on guitar.  He has had a diverse professional career. In 1966, while working at Manny’s Music Shop in Manhattan, Baxter met guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was just beginning his career as a frontman, and for a short time that year Baxter was a member of the Hendrix-led band called Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. Baxter is best known for playing with two of the most popular bands of the 70′s – The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. Doobie Brothers’ many hits included “Jesus is Just Alright,” “China Grove,” and “Takin’ It to the Streets.” Steely Dan came out with “Reelin’ in the Years” and “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” among other hits. Baxter left Doobie Brothers in 1979 but has continued working as a session musician for a diverse group of artists, including Bryan Adams, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Ringo Starr, Gene Simmons and Barbra Streisand. Baxter has had 17 gold records, eight platinum records, and has been awarded two Grammies.

Barry Goudreau, former member of Boston, is best known as one of the original guitarists for the multi-platinum selling rock band Boston. He played on their first two albums, Boston, and Don’t Look Back. When released, Boston was the fastest selling debut album of all time. The two albums’ hits included “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Don’t Look Back.” Both albums landed on the top of the Billboard POP Charts, with Boston reaching #3 and Don’t Look Back reaching #1. Goudreau’s musical career continued after Boston, going on to form Orion the Hunter, RTZ, and releasing two records with Brad Delp, the original lead singer of Boston.

Fran Sheehan, former member of Boston, is best known for being the bass player in the early incarnation of Boston. He was perhaps the most experienced musician in the original lineup of Boston. He had been gigging with his dad since he was 5 years old and majored in vocals at the New England Conservatory of Music. He dropped out of school to pursue a career as a professional musician. After leaving Boston in the early 80′s, Sheehan made several guest appearances, including Hallelujah with Sammy Hagar and the Waboritas.

Globally respected soul great Robert “Mousey” Thompson is best known for his work as drummer for the late “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown.  He was also drummer for the late, great Wilson Pickett. Thompson has performed on many variety and talk shows of the last couple decades as well as on the grandest of all stages, including Woodstock 99, Live 8, and the American Music Awards. He has played on tracks by groups like The Black Eyed Peas, in blockbuster movies, and on various major record labels. Recently he has contributed to private educational programs and completed a number of collaborations with artists ranging from Bootsy Collins to Jab’o Starks and Clyde Stubblefield.