Two Anniversaries -- Elvis and JP

Saturday night at the Quarry House Tavern we'll be celebrating two big rockabilly dates -- well, one big one and one small one -- Elvis' 75th birthday, and the 10th anniversary of the first time I ever appeared in public as JP McDermott

The events of January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi would be far-reaching -- Elvis went on to change the popular music of the entire planet. The events of January 9, 2000 in Rosslyn, Virginia were near-reaching -- the DC music scene got another good rockabilly band to keep things rocking into the 21st century.

That first performance was at the Tex Mex Grill in Rosslyn, VA. I was the featured showcase artist in Kenny Haddaway's (very influential) open mic. It was one full set with Kenny on bongos and Terence McArdle on guitar. I can’t quite remember if we had anyone on bass that night. I do know I was in the studio with Eric Shramek soon after that. The first song we played was Warren Smith’s great “Rock and Roll Ruby”.

The show at the Quarry House Tonight will be a celebration of both events – Elvis’ and mine. The QHT is the home of the 200+ item beer list, tater tots, a funky little dance floor, a great crowd, and rockabilly every week. It's always your best Saturday night bet, so come on out!