October 4, 2010
Whats Happening, People? My name is Johnny Stanton. Im the bass player in the ‘Shakedown’. Im the one with the Fender Bass and a grin. Ha!
Let me say a little about myself since this is the first blog… Im originally from Wisconsin and grew up on a Clydesdale farm, where my family still raises and breeds them…
I love talking about vintage music gear as anyone in the band can tell you…I enjoy shooting photos- either on the road or for my musician buddies, etc…
I also love helping create the grooves in the band, whether its one of the new tunes or re-interpreting one of the classics. Be sure to keep an ear out for some of the new tunes!!!
Dont be shy- be sure to come up and say hi, if you see any of us out and about.
As my colleague Hollie Poole often says, ROCK ON!!!!
-Johnny
September 29, 2010
Hey People!
Dave LaGrande here – it’s my first official blog that someone might actually read!! Ha! Well they’re asking for an introduction so here goes….
I was born and grew up on the west coast of Florida, went to school in Orlando where I studied music at The University of Central Florida – so hello to all my FL friends and family!
As a member of Shakedown, you’ll find me doing a couple different jobs – on stage, you’ll find me behind the keyboards and may also catch me out front playing a sax solo or two. Behind the scenes however, I’m staying busy as tour manager for Heidi, band and crew. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Heidi and this great group of people for just over two years now – it’s been a blast! I’m looking forward to a busy year ahead.
I’m married to my wife Karen, of almost 3 years, and we have two cats – Opus & Wompus, who incidentally, also have a fan page of their own on Facebook!
I’m on all of the major social networks as well so look me up and say hello on Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace – thanks for reading!
Dave LaGrande
September 22, 2010
Hello out there in the World Wide Web land!!!
Allow myself to introduce…er….myself. I am Lee Kelley and am the drummer for Heidi’s band, The Shakedown. That’s right folks, I am the loud, smiling guy behind the kit…..Look, see…..I am waving at you. Anyway…..Let’s see, a bit about me….
I am married to a fabulous wife who is my best friend, Denay, with whom I have a son, Dylan. They are the light in my world and are so supportive of the crazy life of a travelling musician. I am truely blessed with them in my life. For fun and relaxation, I enjoy music (all the time), golf (on the road or at home), jet skiing and being by the lake. Also a big movie fan….something I share with my Shakedown band mates. We spend lots of “movie nights” after shows rolling down the road. Wonder what will be on the big screen this week??
That’s all for now, but I will check in from time to time to make sure you all are checking in, too. Please enjoy Heidi’s new website, look forward to the new music coming to you and come out to the shows often because one is never like another. See Ya!!!!
Lee
September 14, 2010
Hey all! This is Hollie Poole. I play acoustic guitar and sing background vocals for The Shakedown, Heidi Newfield’s band. I would’ve chatted earlier, but I’m technologically inept, and couldn’t figure out how to blog on the site:), but now I’m on my way.
We played in Tyler, TX at the Villa last night with Phil Vassar. What a brutally hot day! I mean seriously! But we had a good show. The crowd was nice & rowdy…just the way we like it! Every days a good day when u get to play, but when the crowd is crazy…it makes life soooo much better! We got to hear some new songs that are hopefully on the new album….Awesome! You guys are gonna go crazy!
Gotta go…it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, so I think it’s time for a cold one.
Y’all keep an eye out for the rest of The Shakedown. You’ll be hearing from them too. Take it easy.
Hollie
September 13, 2010
My name is Porter McClister and I am the guitarist and musical director for Heidi Newfield’s band, The Shakedown. I am married to my soul mate Laura Jean and we have too great kids, Camden (10) and Owen (6). I can say that I love my job in music but by far the greatest joy in life is my family, I am so lucky to have them. You see I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. And in the past I made decisions that almost cost me my marriage. The single best choice I ever made was to get help by going to rehab and then to join AA. I have been clean since May 16, 2007. Before going to treatment my life was a mess, I was kicked out my house, had lost my job with Tanya Tucker, had no desire to be with people, I was lost and alone. After making the decision to change my life with God’s help, everything began to fall into place. My wife saw the change and within six months I was living back at home. I started living in a new way. A way that was not centered around ME! Self-centeredness had been my downfall. The more I lived to serve others the more good things started happening to me. I learned how to say I was wrong and I’m sorry, I found strength in my new ability to accept and even be grateful for my weakness. Then in February of 08, shortly after moving back home, Heidi saw me playing guitar downtown and I wound up getting a job with her. So the moral of the story is this: my life was shit, then I changed with God’s help, and now my life is better than I ever could have dreamed.
Porter McClister
