The Kingsmen & Dennis Mitchell Band
Veteran bands rock the new Venetian Theatre
Take one $36 song to launch over $30M dollars in sales; add the fact that the one-hit wonder Louie Louie was described as the "party anthem of the universe" and you will understand the legend that is The Kingsmen.
The Kingsmen
(Photo by Kim Taylor)
The newly remodeled and gorgeous Venetian Theatre and Bistro, located on Main Street in Hillsboro, Ore., was the perfect setting for this jewel of performances. Brothers Mike Mitchell of the Kingsmen and Dennis Mitchell of The Dennis Mitchell Band, opened the concert, March 28.
With great pride, the Dennis Mitchell Band and The Kingsmen are compilations of each other, as Mike Mitchell, Todd McPherson and Dennis Mitchell perform in each other's bands.
Dennis Mitchell Band members include: Steve Miller, keyboards, Hammond B3 and vocals, is an extensive and accomplished performer who mesmerizes with his focused and riveting style.
Brian Johnson is the best drummer on the West Coast ever!
Todd McPherson, on bass, lead guitar and vocals, is the band's "class clown" for all ages. Bundle rock star, talent, stir heavily with pure talent, and you have Todd ZILLA!
Mike Mitchell, guitar master, vocals and dedicated music man, is the proud big brother of Dennis; he is seasoned, kind, with the emotional fortitude of passion for music.
Dennis Mitchell is band leader, vocalist, lead guitarist. The man simply has the tightest band around and delivers flawless performances at every show. He has an extensive collection of cowboy boots for every show and never wears the same pair twice. His stage presence alone will win you over as you marvel at his extreme talents. He is known for his wireless walk around the audience that never disappoints.
The Kingsmen
From their opening song, the bevy of hits kept rolling, from Little Latin Lupe Lu, Jolly Green Giant, and the unforgettable Louie Louie, the song that remains timeless. These songs mirror that this truly is America's favorite party band!
There may not be another band still performing this long for this genre of music that provides such an entertaining and memorable show. They all play so many instruments, encouraging audience participation. Guests were asked to come on stage, sing back-up and provide a go-go style dance troupe.
Band members include: Mike Mitchell, guitar, vocals and gentle giant of the guitar; Dennis Mitchell, guitar, vocals and the pipes to cross generations of music; Dick Peterson, frontman, drums, vocals and authentic nice guy; Kim Nichlaus, killer keyboardist from Hillsboro, Ore.; Steve Peterson, guitar, drums, vocals has a curious resemblance to Tom Petty; Todd McPherson (formerly in No Ties) is bass extraordinaire, hot dancer, guitar shredder with passion. Flexible funk!
The Venue
The Venetian offers one of the finest acoustic arenas around, a perfect setting for the highly talented guitarist and superb vocals of Dennis Mitchell. Visually, it was difficult to stay focused at times on the music vs. the plethora of pure talent on stage, compared to the collection of guitars that lined the stage and the camaraderie of the band members. True rock and roll at its finest took generations of enthusiastic audience members back in time.
The front of the venue is a warm and inviting bistro serving superb food and beverage. It also provides local musicians/solo artists in a relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of a hideaway in the Napa Valley wine country. Treat yourself and enjoy this exclusive venue and bistro.
After the concert, Terry Robb performed in the bistro and kept the audience captive while they were enjoying the ambiance.
Kingsmen member Petersen recently released the book Louie Louie, documenting the true life adventures of America's longest performing rock and roll band. Through the years, the band's roster has changed, but the music and the memories are everlasting. It's a great read ( www.louielouie.org ).
Special thanks to Denzel, Venetian Theatre owner, and his fantastic crew; Dennis Mitchell sound engineers Doug and Scott, Kingsmen sound engineer Craig Bystrom; Positively Entertainment Editor Bonnie Carter; Patty Gilbert, merchandizing; Kim Taylor Photography; special guests Jason Johnson, Tim Bishop; Latus Harley Davidson Motorcycle and to all the fans.
On-going tour dates are listed at www.louielouie.org, www.dennismitchellband.com, www.gcproductions.biz.
Note: The AM Northwest performance is now posted at GC Productions website with post production and audio by Lantheman Productions.
"We gotta go now."