Tonight marks the debut of Show Biz Kids, a 12-piece Steely Band tribute band composed of venerable local musicians who are guaranteed to treat the material right, and with no undue reverence. Phil Magallanes serves as musical director and bangs keys, joined by Todd Plant (lead vocals), guitarists Peter Mongaya Hogsholm and Thomas Griggs, bassist Steve Boisen, drummer Ric Craig, Kirsten Joyer and Denise Moore on backing vocals, and a four-member horn section featuring Kevin Clark (trumpet), Austin Vickrey (tenor sax), "Crash" Clifton (trombone), and Kenny Anderson (bari sax).
Facebook updates have featured video clips and pics of rehearsals, and according to Magallanes in a recent correspondence, "We have all put a lot of work into this project over the last 2 1/2 years. It's a joy to finally get to play this music for people on Thursday." He also hipped me to the setlist, all '70s era Dan material that touches on "Deacon Blues" and "Peg" in the first set, and "Hey Nineteen," "My Old School" and a personal fave, "Babylon Sisters," in the second; Magallanes said he, Vickrey and Anderson spent extra time working on the "Babylon Sisters" horn arrangement "...and it really sounds great."
The show happens Thurs., June 16, 9 p.m., at Ringside Cafe (16 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg); admission is free.
