Key West Permafrost Blues Band

About the KWPBB

"WE'RE PUTTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER"

“Hot Rod” Harry Dempsey, music professor at Ferris State University and former member of Frank Sinatra Jr.’s touring big band, leads this eight 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.

KWPBB CHARTS

All tunes played by the KWPBB are original arrangements by "Hot Rod" Dempsey. (Listed in no particular order.)

Gigs We Played

Special Events:
Music on the River • Bromley Park, Mecosta, MI • August 20, 2010

Music In Pocket Park • Big Rapids, MI • August 13, 2010

Higgins Lake Boat Club • Reggae Night Party, Treasure Island on Higgins Lake, MI • July 31, 2010

We provided the music for our friends at Ferris State University on their float in the National Cherry Festival Cherry Royale Parade • July 10, 2010, Traverse City, MI (Many of the KWPBB members are faculty, staff, or alumni of FSU!)

Clay Art & Fire • Mitchell Creek Park, Big Rapids • June 5, 2010

25th Annual Musicians' Christmas Party • December 23, 2009, Big Rapids, MI

Summer Bandshell Concert Series • September 5, 2009, Big Rapids, MI

Music In Pocket Park • Big Rapids, MI • July 31, 2009

Northern Lights Awards Show • September 27, 2008, Big Rapids, MI

Summer Bandshell Concert Series • August 20, 2008, Big Rapids, MI

Troutarama • July 24, 2008, Baldwin, MI

Friends of the Library Benefit • June 21, 2008, Sawmill Saloon, Big Rapids, MI

Music In Pocket Park • Big Rapids, MI • June 13, 2008

Festival of the Arts Big Band Dinner • March 1, 2008, The Gate, Big Rapids, MI

Voca Lyrica Christmas Concert • December 2, 2007, Big Rapids, MI

Local Establishments:
Sawmill Saloon • Big Rapids, MI • (Multiple gigs in 2007 and 2008), 7/31/09, 8/21/09, 4/23/10, 6/4/10

Northern Shores Supper Club (closed) • Mecosta, MI (Multiple gigs in 2007 and 2008)