Average House Band to rock reunion event

Average House Band members (from left) Sandy Williams, Danny Martin, Fred Badalli, Bill Hamm, Steve Michael and Rod Kersey will be back at the Inn at DePauw, along with third drummer Mike Poor, for their fifth annual reunion show on Aug. 12 and 13.

The band that's perhaps most synonymous with the Greencastle music scene will make its annual return next month for the local rock-and-roll event of the summer.

Greencastle's Average House Band will reunite for its fifth reunion show Aug. 12 and 13 at The Inn at DePauw.

Although Average House Band was a staple of the local music scene during the 1970s and 1980s, its members have migrated from the area to such locations as California and Florida. Yet all plan to return for what has become an annual musical reunion event.

As usual, the lineup will include Sandy Williams on guitar, Danny Martin on lead vocals and guitar, Steve Michael on guitar, Bill Hamm on bass and Rod Kersey, Fred Badalli and Mike Poor all on drums.

"We feature a different drummer each set," Michael explained, "as Rod, Fred and Mike all played with us over the years."

With three sets on tap each night, each drummer will take one.

As the AHB reunion grows annually, it has become as much about people reconnecting as it is about the music.

"As of last year, we started doing two nights, and sold out both shows last year," Michael said. "It's fun. It's fairly inexpensive, and it's a great way to reconnect with a lot of people."

While the response has already been good, Michael said tables and seats are still available.

The Inn at DePauw has also set aside a block of rooms for the weekend since several people come from out of town for the annual event.

"We always have a few surprises," Michael promised, "and this year will be no exception."

On Friday, the Aug. 12 show will be preceded by a barbecue on the hotel patio (not included in the ticket price).

The scheduled entertainment for that pre-show event makes this a two-generation gig. Mary Ann Michael, daughter of Steve and Nancy Michael, will give a special solo acoustic performance from 5-7 p.m.

Another new element of the event will be a nightly 50/50 drawing with the profits being donated to the Greencastle High School Alumni Association. Aside from Martin (a Reelsville product) and Badalli (who is from Dyer), the band members are all GHS graduates.

Meanwhile, the Danny Martin "Touch of Mink" VIP Package is available, featuring a reserved table with seating for 10 for $100.

On Saturday, the Aug. 13 show will feature a mink coat giveaway. "Actually it is a faux fur," Michael assured as not to risk raising the ire of animal activists.

Doors open at 8 p.m., with the shows set to start at 9 p.m. Plenty of $5 general admission tickets are available for both nights.

For table reservations or more information, persons may contact Michael at 721-3913 or smichael@cinergymetro.net.