As is the custom, this past weekend was a whirlwind of craziness for our band members. Friday night found Dr. Albert Capati and his project, Take 10, at Long Bridge Golf Course. Take 10 has rapidly been gaining a following since their debut show at The Curve Inn last month. The Doc will no doubt have a packed summer schedule with Take 10 and Fun DMC’s burgeoning schedules. Fun DMC opened up the Take 10 debut show on May 12th to packed Curve Inn. Hopefully there will be more opportunities for these two groups to share the stage in the near future.

Speaking of sharing the stage, this past weekend Fun DMC was honored to be asked to participate in a Sunday afternoon benefit known as Little Big Time, an event fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters Of the Illinois Capital Region. The event was opened up by one of the area’s premiere keyboard players, Ezra Casey and his band. The style of this incredible collection of musicians could best be described in one word: effortless. Their setlist consisted of incredibly tight and stylistically varied covers which included “Killing Me Softly,” “Just The Two Of Us,” and a mind-bending exercise in time-signature variation with their version of the 1967 hit, “Happy Together” by The Turtles.

Following The Ezra Casey Band was Brooke Thomas and The Blue Suns. In addition to their very talented line up which included Brooke Thomas, Michael Burnett, Jerry Dion Doss, Ezra Casey, and Chris Warren, special guests were often called to the stage in a moments notice. It’s safe to say that when Brooke Thomas and the Blue Suns take the stage, you never know what might happen. Selections included “I’m Yours,” “Sunday Morning,” with special guest Albert Capati, and “Many The Miles” which this author mistakenly interpreted as “Minnie The Mouse.”

Fun DMC took the stage with the task of trying to fit as many of their mash-ups into an hour long set. We had the good fortune to be one of the, if not the first local band to cover Justin Timberlake’s, “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” which is sure to be a summer favorite. It’s been about half a dozen shows since Fun DMC introduced “Gangnam Busters” to their set and it never gets old watching the Doc’s dance moves. Another tune that is quickly becoming a favorite is the Muse/Demi Lovato mash-up “Confident Uprising,” brilliantly sung by our own Paige Martin.

Without a doubt it was a beautiful Sunday evening to be out making music with new friends and old. We hope to see more of all of these fantastic out on the circuit this summer. Thanks again to Brooke Thomas and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Illinois for inviting us out. #minniethemouse

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Illinois Capital Region

Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering them to achieve. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.

Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact.

If you are interested in volunteering with children aged 5-14 in Sangamon, Christian, Macoupin, or Montgomery Counties, please consider becoming a mentor today at bbbscapitalregion.org.