Microwave Dave & The Nukes to open Madison Gazebo Concerts
On May 31, the 2012 Madison Gazebo Concerts will open full-throttle with the funky electric blues of Microwave Dave & the Nukes.
“The gazebo concerts are a free, family event,” MAC spokesperson Laura Pope said. “Bring your chairs or a blanket. We’ll have face painting and balloons for the children and free lemonade and cookies.”
The band organized in 1989 to back up Jerry ‘Boogie’ McCain and Bo Diddley. Microwave Dave released the cassette “Gotta Get a Cadillac” in 1991. Their fifth CD, “American Peasant,” returns to group’s roots in a live recording of their ‘electric blues style’ (microwavedave.com).
Over the years, Microwave Dave and the Nukes have performed across the United States and Europe, including soccer stadiums in France, Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Fla., blues cruises on the Big Red Boat and neighborhood saloons. They’ve taken the blues to Panoply, music festivals, holiday engagements, major hotels and schools.
The Alabama Blues Society presented the Blues Achievement Award to Microwave Dave in 2001.
Microwave Dave, aka Dave Gallaher, is a Chicago native but has lived primarily in the Deep South. While in college, he formed The Majestics playing rhythm-and-blues with a driving horn section. In the mid-1980s, Gallaher moved to Huntsville.
Rick Godfrey of Huntsville plays bass and harmonica and sings backup vocals. He and Gallaher started jamming together in 1987. Godfrey is a visual artist and songwriter. Around North Alabama, he also performs solo on acoustic guitar.
James Irvin has played drums with Microwave Dave and the Nukes since 2004. He was born in Decatur and was playing snare at four years old. He first soloed at Huntsville’s Kaffeeklatsch in 1999. At that venue, Gallaher first heard Irvin’s drum talent. Irvin immediately accepted Gallaher’s invitation to join Microwave Dave.
For more information about MAC, visit artsmadison.org.
