Classical Blues Cabaret

Classical-Blues Cabaret The Classical-Blues Cabaret (CBC) began June 17, 2004 as an experimental collaboration between blues guitarist Microwave Dave Gallaher and classical guitarist Phil Weaver in the form of a cabaret performance at Huntsville's Flying Monkey Arts Center. Neither Dave nor Phil knew what would happen, but at the end of the show to a standing-room only crowd, the audience was on its feet wanting more and some were dancing to the side of the stage. Since then there have been many more packed shows at the Flying Monkey and a promotional live concert DVD by the Alabama Film Co-op. Pianist Ingrid von Spakovsky has been a full member of the group for several seasons now. CBC's performance at Decatur's historic Princess Theatre was so well received they were booked for the next season before they left the building. Their annual concert at City Lights and stars draws a huge crowd, and this summer will be their fourth appearance at the W.C. Handy Festival. They have also performed at Birmingham City Stages and the Gorham's Bluff Institute.

Quotes:
“Phil Weaver and Dave Gallaher are exceptional musicians. When they perform together, it's a joy to watch – it's pure genius!”
(Linda Haynes, board member, Flying Monkey Arts Center)

“Thank you for such a wonderful concert on Saturday night! We would love to make this an annual event.”
(Lindy Ashwander, executive director, Princess Theatre for the Performing Arts)

"The concert on Friday night was fantastic! The attendance was the best of the season and everyone is still talking about all the new pieces (especially Classical Gas) and how much they enjoyed themselves. Thanks for providing our concert guests such a wonderful experience. Thank you!" (Leslie Ecklund Chief Executive Officer Burritt on the Mountain)

“Microwave Dave Gallaher and Phil Weaver were superb, it was a wonderful show. These guys carried the audience from beginning to end without hardly a peep from anyone, except for riotous applause; the audience was really caught up in the music.”
(Bob Keefe, Berkeley Bob's Coffee House)

Audio:
Concerto for Classical Guitar and Jazz Piano by Claude Bolling
Afro-Cuban Lullabye (Anon.)
Sugar Babe by Mance Lipscomb

Video: