The DAVID ROTUNDO BAND hit Blues On The Rideau @ The Cove, Westport this past weekend for a two night stand and blew the doors off the place. Playing to Sold Out crowds both nights this high energy blues band had the place rockin’! Talk about a crowded dance floor! David Rotundo’s harp playing is phenomenal – he hits (and holds!) notes that pierce your soul with background harmonics and sounds that make you wonder how they can all come from that tiny instrument. He’s a consummate showman too – singing, blowin’ harp, dancing, bouncing, sweating, moving around the stage like a jackrabbit on speed. He did walkabouts into the audience at times too – his tour through the room Saturday night lasted so long the band almost quit playing and went out for a smoke! Speaking of the band – great! Des Brown on guitar with his unique thumb strumming no-pick style and Dan (two four) Dufour on the other guitar (reminding me of Matt “Guitar” Murphy at times) bounced off each other beautifully all night long exchanging leads and complimenting David’s harp and vocals perfectly. Shane Scott was steady and solid on bass and Chuck Keeping’s drum playing was superb provided a bottom end as solid as my Norton Commando. The band played a mixture of David’s many original songs as well as some old classics done up Rotundo style and boy did we get our money’s worth. They went overtime both nights with double encores demanded and given. We got a pre-taste of some of the new tunes that will be coming out on their new CD shortly - can’t wait to add that one to the collection! There were line-ups at intermission from audience members wanting to meet and talk with him and buy one or more of his CD’s.

$605 was raised Friday night for the Westport Lions Club Mobility Van. On Saturday night $580 (with added generous donations from many in the audience into the Kisses for Katie box) went to Kisses for Katie Irvine to help the family for help with medical expenses for sweet little 12 year old Katie who is suffering from an inoperable brain tumor. The entire Irvine family – grandparents (and guardians) John & Sue, little Katie and brother Tyler - along with friends and members of the Irvine/Bedford clan were there for the night. They sure had a good time, including Katie, out on the dance floor constantly – to see her move you wouldn’t think she was fighting a life-threatening condition. Total raised for local charities from BOTR @ The Cove so far this year sits at $3,245

“ How many places in the world can you find folk of all ages having a fabulous time listening and dancing to 1st class blues bands? Westport – centre of the world, population 700!!” Diana Bujold, Westport

“We had a blast! The staff was so accommodating and the band was exceptional. 10 out of 10 for everything. Thanks and see you again soon!” Deb & Phil Perfitt, Constance Bay

“Everything is totally awesome here. We always feel so welcome, the staff is so friendly and professional, food to die for. And the David Rotundo Band NEVER disappoints. Love it all”.
 Mary Philips Yale, Hudson QC

“David’s “Can I come in your kitchen?” tour through the audience was great. I am in awe! On a scale of 1 to 10 – 20 each for venue, food, service, 100 for Sound and 200 for the David otundo Band!” Hugh & Karen Lapham, Arnprior