How to go
Who: Steel Drum Dave
When: Noon July 2
Where: Little Miami Ballroom, The Manchester Inn, 1027 Manchester Ave.
Cost: Free. For information call (513) 423-4629
MIDDLETOWN — The First Friday Concert Series will not start off with a big bang, but instead a cool, Bahamian vibe featuring the upbeat tunes of Steel Drum Dave.
Mary Ellen Clinard, organizer of the concert series, said she expects the July 2 concert to bring in about 150 people who she is certain will feel uplifted after listening to Steel Drum Dave, also known as Dave Leisten beat his drums.
“You can’t listen to that and be bummed out,” Clinard said. “It just makes you want to smile; last time we had him we had a conga line. You can pretend you’re in the Caribbean for an hour.”
Leisten describes his music as “Floridian” combining a mix of Jimmy Buffet, Reggae and Caribbean music. His set list will include both traditional Caribbean songs and covers.
He has been playing the steel drum since he first was introduced to it at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music about 20 years ago.
“I like to play all the percussion stuff but this is what I do primarily now, it’s kind of taking off, it keeps me busy,” Leisten said.
Dave’s daytime job also keeps him busy and Clinard hopes that it will draw a big crowd to his performance.
Leisten is the director of Middletown High School’s marching band who will be able to show students a different side during the concert series according to Clinard.
“I knew that a lot of kids would enjoy seeing that side of his life,” Clinard said. “I booked him during the summer so that kids could get off and come hear him as a musician.”
Dave said when he performed last year he enjoyed seeing some of his Middie fans at the concert.
“It’s kind of fun because I teach in Middletown; it’s nice to play a little bit, last time some students and parents showed up,” Dave said.
Clinard said the concert which will be held at noon in the Little Miami Ballroom at the Manchester Inn will allow for those working to bring a lunch, throw on a lei and possibly jump into that conga line. Leisten said this type of atmosphere makes performing at the concert series even more riveting.
“The point is to expose people to music they may not have heard of before,” Clinard said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.
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