Probable Cause – R&R band lights up stage @ Coyote’s Bar & Grill
by Linda Phillips
Probable Cause Band lights up Coyote Bar and Grill.
This band proves to be a probable cause to go out and dance! It is enthusiastic about playing the music you want to hear. Instead of making the night about them, it’s all about the audience and what they want to hear. Even if you just want to converse with friends and listen, the stage is full of lights and action that fulfill more than your expectations of a show.
The musicians in Probable Cause are full of energy and fun, which makes it real entertainment. Among the bands that have played together for more than 15 years, you could find a little burn-out and lethargy; in this band it’s clearly not the case. Probable Cause is fresh and excited when they entertain. The fact is that these musicians are still willing to play the songs folks love to dance to, with heart, is a testimony to the fact they love to entertain.
Greg Dawson, the founding member, leads with vocals and guitar. Entertaining is the reason for this band; he is dedicated to the cause. Dawson began playing music as soon as he was tall enough to reach the keyboard on his mother’s upright piano. As day follows night, piano lessons were inevitable. In 1963, The Beatles invaded America and infected Dawson forever with the need to play rock’n’roll. Dawson began playing guitar shortly thereafter; he has played in various bands and on his own in the Portland area ever since.
Mark McDermott is outrageous on vocals and his lead guitar spices up the mix. Mark “Air-Cooled” McDermott joined Probable Cause in late 2000. Originally from New Jersey, McDermott began playing guitar at age 10. He has played in several New York-area bands including Riff Raff, Diamond and Taboo. His influences include Jeff Beck, David Gilmour, Duane Allman, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Gary Moore, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Evan Williams. McDermott’s guitar mastery gives Probable Cause a serious edge over the competition. It helps to create that very powerful big feel for which Probable Cause has become known. McDermott’s song writing talents are also a plus for “the cause.”
Kenny Bratz holds down a solid beat and uses electronic drums to keep the volume down in rooms like the Coyote Bar and Grill. Bratz is native to the Pacific Northwest; however, he is not from the Portland area. Kenny Bratz comes from our neighbor to the east, Idaho. He claims it's a great place to be from. Bratz has substituted for Probable Cause now and again over the last 10 years or so; he is the exclusive photographer of Probable Cause as well (you can see his handywork at www.kenbratz.net). Bratz has proven to be a real asset to Probable Cause. He has a chameleon-like style that lends itself to most any type of music well.
Craig “Parisian” Dickson proves to be a find for Probable Cause as “The newest addition.” Dickson brings a multitude of talents to the table. His songwriting and performing skills are appreciated by peers locally and nationally. Music and performing have been a huge part of who Dickson is since early childhood. Also known as CC, Dickson picked up his first instrument while still in grade school and it seems like he’s had one in his hands ever since. An integral part of the early rock and roll scene in Portland, Dickson was a founding member of the nationally renowned band Jacob's Ladder and took the stage at the first Oregon Vortex, Oregon's answer to Woodstock. Dickson has toured with Tina Turner, played with Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, rubbed shoulders with the likes of Heart and had appearances on network television.
Trish O’Halleran sang Friday night, adding a lot of spice to Probable Cause, making the dance groove even hotter. O’Halleran was a stand-in for the night, but is putting together her own group of rock and roll musicians in a band called Drop Dead Red. This writer looks forward to that. O’Halleran is a blond bombshell rocker and would fit well with any band.
Coyote’s Bar & Grill is an outrageous club to meet and have drinks. The menu is full of delicious menu items with everything in good old American fare. The list includes great cuts of steak, hamburgers, seafood and a wide variety of appetizers. This club is known around town for the delicious steaks and burgers, but offer great salads and seafood as well. An outdoor BBQ is also available! Just go to their website to find a full menu of the specials they are offering tonight! You will be extremely pleased with the staff because they are friendly, fast and you will be impressed with the surroundings.
The bar and grill keeps a clean, cozy atmosphere even when it’s at the busiest of times.
Check out the Probable Cause website listing all of their latest engagements, pictures, get in touch and a lot more. The web site is impressive and can keep you on the trail of good music and good times. Look for them at the Corner Saloon, Leo’s Lair and many more. Log onto www.probablecause.com and see Bandstand this issue.
