‘Local sensation’ The Purple Ravens take on gazebo Aug. 2
This bunch of guys just has way too much fun. The Purple Ravens will swoop on the gazebo stage on Aug. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Their brand of classic pop and rock usually has the audience off their feet and dusting off their ‘boogey shoes’ (and that disco standard by K.C. and the Sunshine Band is on the Purple Raven’s song list).
Member of The Purple Ravens are Jeff A. Williams, bass and vocals; Jimmy Fish, vocals and guitar; D. Bryan Walker, vocals and keyboard; Bobby Miller, electric and acoustic rhythm guitars and effects pedals; Todd McBride, vocals and percussion; Jim Hawkins, lead guitar; Rick Dillon, drummer; and Darrell Tibbs, percussion and background vocals.
“We are a group of guys who love to play the music that we enjoyed while growing up,” Williams said.
The Purple Ravens formed in 2000. The men knew each other from attending Asbury United Methodist Church. Several members perform with praise bands at Asbury.
Contrasting their energetic and humorous stage persona, band members lead button-down professional lives as software developers, engineers — even a banker. Most of them are now approaching middle age although their over-the-top behavior denies it.
Some crowd favorites by the band are “Rock Around the Clock,” “Superstition,” “Beginnings,” “Mustang Sally,” “Reeling in the Years” and “Sweet Caroline.” With a little luck, the audience can request a special song.
Madison Arts Council sponsors the gazebo concerts (artsmadison.org) throughout summer. The family event is free. Children can enjoy face painting and balloons as mom and dad relax in beach chairs on the Village Green.
The Madison Gazebo on Front Street was built in the 1990s with funds raised by the Madison Street Festival committee.
For more information, visit purpleravens.net.
