Music legend and U2 frontman Bono once said that “music can change the world because it can change people.”
For enthusiasts, music can encourage love, happiness, passion and devotion. It is a powerful unifier, bonding together seemingly disjointed groups of people in a shared experience. From jazz to ragtime, boogie-woogie and hip-hop, music offers something for every ear.
Music also can be a visceral experience. When hearing live music, listeners can feel the beat of the drum in their hearts and the grind of the electric guitar in their toes. A live musical performance cannot be replicated through an MP3 player, earbuds or YouTube.
Watching, in-person, musicians play a well-loved song is akin to observing an artist paint – there is delight in simply seeing a creative force in action. Add the local food scene and glorious spring and summer weather and you’ve got the makings for a spectacular night on the town.
While some restaurants and the monthly First Friday events offer music year-round, the warm nights of spring and summer provide additional opportunities to watch local bands perform.
Live from Los Altos
James Maltby, owner of Maltby’s restaurant in downtown Los Altos, has been committed to offering live music and a dance floor for years.
“We generally start our music shows just as the dinner crowd is quieting down,” said Maltby, who reports that diners from other local eateries are drawn into Maltby’s by the hum of the live music, audible on the streets, as they make their way to their cars. “Given the choice of spending a Saturday night sitting in a movie theater or joining friends to listen to live music, I think folks will choose the music.”
Maltby goes out of his way to hire local bands to play at his restaurant, including Fully Funded, Bad Daddy and The Hitmen.
“We like that we’re giving local artists a place to perform,” he said.
And the local bands like it, too. Larry Lang of Bad Daddy described his band’s relationship with Maltby’s as “symbiotic.”
“They provide the venue, and we bring our fans to enjoy their food and drinks,” said Lang, who added that “it’s a true community event.”
Bad Daddy is one of several local bands that comprise residents who moonlight as musicians.
“With the exception of one full-time musician in our group, we all have day jobs,” Lang said. “The band provides us an opportunity to be creative and have a lot of fun.”
Dan Arra founded Bad Daddy in 2007. Arra, who is no longer an active member of the group, dreamed of a band composed of local parents. According to Lang, the founding members were all fathers from St. Nicholas Catholic School.
“That’s how we got our name,” Lang noted. “Instead of helping with homework, we were rocking out in the garage – being bad daddies.”
The crowds who attend Bad Daddy performances have a lot of fun. The band plays well-known songs that pull people to the dance floor. They have nearly 200 songs in their repertoire.
“When one of the songs we cover comes on the radio, I feel like I’m hearing from an old friend,” Lang said.
In addition to Lang, who plays keyboard and harmonica, Bad Daddy’s current lineup includes Chris Enni, guitar; Liz Frazier, vocals; Rich Gallivan, vocals; Don Jaworski, drums; Joe Nemeth, guitar and trumpet; and Vince Pangrazio, bass.
Bad Daddy’s next show is scheduled 7:30 p.m. April 18 at Maltby’s, 101 Plaza North, Los Altos.
“There’s never a cover charge,” Lang said. “Come early and stay late so that you can enjoy Maltby’s great food and beverages.” n
