Boomers to rock Square tonight on The Murfreesboro Post

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Boomers to rock Square tonight

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By: ERIN EDGEMON, Business Editor

Posted: Sunday, August 31, 2008 8:31 am

Don’t tell this group of guys that just because they are over the age of 50 that they need to stop rocking.

Aptly named for their advancing years, The Boomers still know how to entertain.

“Music is a passion that you can’t ignore, but you don’t have to go out on the road as a rock star to enjoy it,” said guitarist Jim Phiffer, who will be 50 years old this year.

And he should know.

Phiffer has been a professional musician since about the age of 15 when he started playing gigs near his hometown of Williamstown, Mass. He even had to have a note from his mother in order to play at certain clubs.

It was at about that age when he first saw the James Montgomery Blues Band perform.

“I decided someday I am going to play with that man,” Phiffer said, and about five years later he was on tour with the band.

But about 10 years on the road was enough for Phiffer, who went to become the chief executive officer of Pearl Drums and then global managing director for Ludwig Drums. Phiffer is now an executive consultant to the music industry.

“When I got done with the whole run (tour), I had the same amount of money I started with — pretty much nothing,” he said.

Other members of The Boomers have similar stories. So now, it seems, they are content to play for Middle Tennessee crowds especially for energetic Murfreesboro audiences.

The Boomers also are made up of Dave Bauder, lead vocals/harmonica/keyboards; Pat Young, slide guitar; Allen Howell, bass; and Andy Shafer, drums.

The group, which formed about three years ago, now tries to get together to perform about once a month. They regularly played the Bluesboro Rhythm & Blues Co. and even some venues in Nashville including BB King’s.

The Boomers specialize in “explosive American blues and rock” music, Bauder said.

They try to stay away from the “old-school stuff,” he said, and perform tunes from the likes of ZZ Top, the Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Crowds have really taken to The Boomers brand of music.

“We have done really well,” Phiffer said of performing live. “We have played to some college crowds. Our crowd is more of the 25-plus and 30-plus age range. I can never recall playing an empty room or an empty festival.”

The Boomers are playing for the second time at Main Street’s Friday Night Live concert series at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 on the Public Square.

The band also is slated to perform Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the third annual Boro Blues Fest held at Patterson Park Community Center.

Bauder, who is the pastor of The Well, a church that meets at Central Middle School, has been a professional musician since the age of 12. He toured with his band around the Northeast in the early ‘80s.

He said forming The Boomers was a “blessing” for him.

“I have always loved the blues,” Bauder said.

And performing with his band mates has been a dream.

“The guys are all professional and they are all masters on their instruments,” Bauder said. “We have a blast. We really enjoy getting together and performing.”

Phiffer said playing with The Boomers has meant the world to him.

“We are all musicians and music is a passion,” he said. “It is not only a passion, but it is a gift. We need to use them.”

For The Boomers, performing is no longer about the money. They just want to have fun.

Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.

See The Boomers Live
Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Main Street’s Friday Night Live concert on the Public Square
Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the third annual Boro Blues Fest at Patterson Park Community Center

Check out The Boomers at www.myspace.com/theboomers1

Tagged under MUSIC

Member Opinions:

By: 1FASTSS on 9/4/08
Erin, Tell us this: Why has there not been any mention whatsoever about the last scheduled First Friday Concert of the season on October 3rd when half the county is anticipating coming out to see their all time favorite local band?

By: mikepirtle on 9/4/08
Main Street hasn't announced the band for the final concert, probably not wanting to get ahead of itself.

But, if half the county is coming that is going to be a pretty cool event.

By: Trvlace on 9/5/08
Who is our all time favorite band? Or 1FASTSS's fav? Maybe I live over in the other half? LOL.