NWI Music - Dirt Cheap
Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 March 2011 01:06 Saturday, 04 September 2010 20:29
NWI MUSIC
Dirt Cheap
By: Mona Dickinson
One of the best groups to emerge from Northwest Indiana music scene since late 1999, Dirt Cheap!!! is proof to old adage – a family that plays together, stays together.
Comprised of family members Larry Simoni (father), Chris Simoni (son), Michelle Simoni (daughter) and Brian Foret, the group has put together a tight sound and a new edge in great 80’s party rock and Top 40 entertainment.
Michelle Simoni handles the lead vocals, guitar and keyboard and brother, Chris Simoni plays guitar and shares vocals. Their father, Larry Simoni handles bass guitar and vocals. On drums is Brian Foret and Kurt Lucas is the sound tech for the group.
With music in their blood, the group emerged onto the area music scene in October 1999, making its debut appearance at Sportsman’s Hideway (now Sporty’s) in Bass Lake, IN. Now, a Halloween anniversary show, this year the group will mark its 12th year.
“For the past several years, we’ve moved across the water to The Sandbar,” noted Larry Simoni of the annual event.
With a mix of female and male vocals, the group has put together an extensive playlist, covering the music of the 80’s, 90’s and today, along with its own original music.
“We went went through many changes as far as lead singers,” Simoni added. “Taking our last from 45 songs per show to 17, and following what our fans wanted, Michelle stepped up to the plate and took the reins as the groups front person.”
With a variety of vocal techniques, Michelle Simoni has taken the group to many genres of music - from Poison, AC/DC, and Guns & Roses to Micheal Jackson, Katy Perry and Lady GaGa.
With an arsenal of songs, Dirt Cheap!!! can go from club stage to festival stage at the drop of a hat. Group members always add an assortment of entertainment to each show.
Dubbed “One of the area’s most energetic group of performers,” Dirt Cheap!!! has a stage show that rivals national talent. Currently, they are filling local establishments to capacity on a very regular basis. They have been featured on local television and radio.
All members of Dirt Cheap!!! are from the Knox area. “This makes our rehearsals and show dates a lot simpler,” noted Larry Simoni.
“Most of the time, you can count on the group to arrive all in the same vehicle with equipment in tow, resting assured the show will be on time,” he added.
The band has stayed in a close proximity to its home base, with an occasional trip to Chicago, making extra time for their hobby but keeping their priorities in order with full time jobs.
A new club on its roster starting this summer has been Sportsman’s Lounge in South Haven.
“Russ Lagneau and his staff have been great and it’s become our home away from home,” Larry Simoni said. “We’ve added shows starting Sept 25th with Sportsman’s 2nd Annual Bike Run and running though the end of the year with monthly shows.”
The band has also been feaured in clubs such as the Indiana Beach Resort, the Blue Chip Casino, Friends Night Club in LaPorte, Buddy & Pals in Schererville and South Bend’s Club Landing.
They get the crowd up and rocking with a a repertoire encompassing the pop to hard rock and everything in between.
The band’s Top 10 All Time Favorite Crowd Pleasers includes (in no particular order) I Love Rock and Roll, Highway To Hell, December 1963, Sweet Child O’ Mine, Billie Jean, You Shook Me All Night Long, I Want You Back, All Summer Long, I Want You To Want Me and What’s Up.
Dirt Cheap!!! has also released its first original studio release, which is now available through the group’s website ( www.dirtcheapband.com ) and through its social networking pages –Facebook and MySpace.
The group’s website and other pages also include pictures and video clips from past performances, as well as the latest news and upcoming shows.
Upcoming dates include:
Sept. 11 - The Sandbar, Bass Lake
Oct . 2 - Friends Night Club LaPorte
Oct. 16 – Sportsman’ s Lounge, South Haven
Oct. 30 - The Sandbar, Bass Lake
Nov. 6 - Friends Night Club, LaPorte
Nov. 20 – Sportsman’s Lounge, South Haven
Dec. 11 – Sportsman’s Lounge , South Haven
Dec 18 - The Sandbar, Bass Lake
For more information on the band, check out their website at www.dirtcheapband.com or look for them on Facebook and MySpace.
