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The Murr-Vegas All Stars came together in October 2001 when founding members Stephen Keene (vocals), Michael Dunnagan (harmonica and vocals), Billy Cramer (bass) and Drew Collins (guitar and vocals) shared the stage in a production of "Little Shop of Horrors" at the Playhouse In the Park in Murray, Ky. Michael was the director and Stephen played the lead, as well as functioning as Musical Director in the production. Billy and Drew were playing in the orchestra when Michael and Stephen asked them if they would be interested in starting a band "to have fun and just play". Having known Stephen for many years, Billy and Drew knew that this would work. They enlisted the help of their very good friend Clint Jayroe, whose style and taste on the drums was just what they were looking for. Briefly following Clint's inclusion, a horn section was considered. Jonathan Light (trumpet) joined the ranks with a few other horn players, which seemed to rotate with every gig. Sensing the band still needed another piece to complete the puzzle, Jacob Harper (guitar and vocals) joined the lineup. The band played several local venues before deciding to include a full-time horn section. Jonathan, being the only survivor of the never-ending lineup change, welcomed Lindsey Williams (trombone) to the band. Mike Melton (baritone saxophone) and Dustin Hamlin (tenor saxophone) were soon welcomed into the band. The lineup was now complete: a great singer, a smokin' blues harp player, two great guitarists, a phenomenal bass player, a chop-savvy percussionist and four talented horn players. The band played well, breaking attendance records at local venues like 15th and Olive and Carlin's. Then, in early 2003, Clint announced that he planned to leave the band to pursue a career in the culinary arts in New York City. He recommended friend Collin Baker to fill his chair. The band agreed and approved, and in March 2003, Collin was in place behind the drums. A string of successful shows at The Big Apple Cafe, Carlin's and 15th and Olive helped the band prepare for their first appearance at Kenlake's Hot August Blues Festival in Aurora, Ky. A popular outdoor festival, this would prove to be the band's biggest show to date. Sadly, on the morning of August 3, 2003, following a live promotional broadcast on local radio station WKMS the night before, Michael was involved in a fatal one car accident. The band, overwhelmed with emotion, gathered after the funeral to discuss whether the big show was possible. "What would Michael want us to do?" was the ultimate question. The answer came two weeks later with a one-of-a-kind performance at Hot August Blues. Following the performance, they took a couple months off to allow time to grieve for their friend. The band reconvened in November 2003 for "A Salute To Michael", a cabaret-style review that celebrated Michael Dunnagan's life as an actor, director and musician. This would be Jacob's last performance with the band. He left in late November to pursue other musical avenues. The band took a long break and nearly six months passed before they decided to pick up the pieces and continue playing. A new beginning brought on a departure from the standard repertoire and the band practically reconstructed its music. With summer approaching, preparations for 4th of July gigs and the 2004 Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival began. Following the 4th of July, Mike Melton decided to leave and focus on his collegiate studies. Soon after his departure, Dustin Hamlin left the band to pursue other musical interests. Enter Joel Roberts, a very talented, classically trained saxophonist with a penchant for blues and jazz. With a renewed intensity, the band was booked to play shows at Paducah's Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center, sharing bills with the Neville Brothers and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Following the 2004 Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival, the band hired a second full-time trumpet player, Zack Kingins. With a background that includes performing with Murray State University's Symphonic Wind Ensemble, his range on trumpet greatly added to the band's musicality. Bobby Jones sat in on trombone when Lindsey couldn't be there. Lindsey had recently taken a teaching position at Paducah Middle School, and gigs during the week became impossible for her. Gig after gig, Bobby found himself employed by the band, until late 2007, when he and his wife moved far away, making it a bit inpossible for him to play. In August of 2006 Shaun "Scooter" Saulsberry joined the Murr-Vegas ranks with his delicate touch on keyboards. It was a much-needed addition. With the lineup finally stable again, the band weeded out older material, and started over with a fresh perspective. Gone are the days of smokin' harp solos and dual guitars; however, here are the days of a finely-tuned musical machine. Now are the days of the best that the Murr-Vegas All Stars have to offer. UPDATE: As of May 2008, Tom Haley has joined the band, replacing Joel roberts on saxophone. Joel took a teaching position in Cenral Illinois. Such is the way life in a band like this is - some people come and go, moving on to bigger and better things, while others are in it for the long haul. Joining the band at only twenty years of age, this ensures his place in the band for quite a few years.
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For booking information, please contact Stephen
Keene at [email protected]. |
