About the KWPBB
Key West Permafrost Blues Band
What we're about
“Hot Rod” Harry Dempsey, Music Professor at Ferris State University and former member of Frank Sinatra Jr.’s touring big band, leads this 7-1/2‐piece group that plays “Big Band Blues” from Chicago Blues to Key West Caribbean. The musicians who play with the KWPBB do so because they love the music, and they love to share it with the audience. The KWPBB's repertoire features up-tempo, feel-good "Blues-to-Buffett" music that represents the best in classic R&B, blues, and Jimmy Buffett favorites.
The KWPBB got its start in the fall of 2007 when, after over 10 years of wondering if Harry was going to "get the band back together," it finally happened.
Firetraps and dives where we have played
Nightclubs:
Northern Shores Supper Club • Mecosta, MI (multiple gigs)
Sawmill Saloon • Big Rapids, MI (multiple gigs)
Special Events:
Voca Lyrica Christmas Concert • December 2, 2007, Big Rapids, MI
Festival of the Arts Big Band Dinner • March 1, 2008, The Gate, Big Rapids, MI
Music In Pocket Park • June 13, 2008, Big Rapids, MI
Friends of the Library Benefit • June 21, 2008, Sawmill Saloon, Big Rapids, MI
Troutarama • July 24, 2008, Baldwin, MI
Summer Bandshell Concert Series • August 20, 2008, Big Rapids, MI
Northern Lights Awards Show • September 27, 2008, Big Rapids, MI
KWPBB Charts
All tunes played by the KWPBB are original arrangements by "Hot Rod" Dempsey with a few thrown in by " Rockin' Randy" Groves. (Listed in no particular order.)
| Comin Home Baby Money She Caught the Katy Sea Cruise Mustang/Midnight Fins Mexico Gimmie Some Lovin’ Margaritaville Fire and Rain Tell Him Call Me Route 66 |
I Can’t Turn You Loose Hey Bartender More and More License to Chill Get Ready Sent for You Yesterday Southern Cross Brown-Eyed Girl The House is a-Rockin Everybody’s Everything Heard it Through the Grapevine I'm So Excited I Think We're Alone Now |
Go Down Gamblin' That’s My Story Walking in Memphis Expressway to your Heart Sweet Home Chicago Introduction 5 o’Clock Somewhere Out of Touch I’m a Man Ain’t Too Proud to Beg Brandy And more! |
KWPBB Webmaster: Jeff Gabalis