Beyer's Byways (Formerly J and L Research and Exploration)

Beyer's Byways is a blog for travelers and curiosity seekers desiring to see and know about the world. John R. Beyer, award-winning columnist with the USA Today Gannett Network, shares insights from his travel column with a broad audience. From our own backyard to destinations far and wide, we seek to research, explore, and share the discoveries we make. Whether it's about people or places, near or remote, we hope you find something of interest to you here.

Showing posts with label Dennis Quaid. Show all posts

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Sharks in Tombstone

Get out of the water - the Sharks are coming! Swim like your life depends on it!

Sorry, a past memory of the terrifying blockbuster film, 'Jaws.'

Take a deep breath - we're safe because a great white shark isn't jumping out of the water. These Sharks are probably one of the most energetic bands we've ever heard. They performed recently for the Doc Holliday's celebration in Tombstone and this band is a little different from most others: the lead vocalist is none other than the very talented actor, Dennis Quaid.

The Sharks in concert in Tombstone

Quaid in Soul Surfer

No reason to run from this unbelievably talented band, the 'Sharks', with their lead singer, Dennis Quaid. Yes, the famous actor of such films as"I Can Only Imagine,' 'The Right Stuff', 'Innerspace', 'Wyatt Earp', 'The Parent Trap', 'Soul Surfer', 'Far from Heaven,' and that is just a quick list of what this superb and diverse actor has starred in.

Quaid as Doc Holliday, 1994 - "I'll be your Huckleberry."

Dennis Quaid is talented - okay, we got it but to be the lead in a band? Come on? Really!

It is a fact but also a reality is the 'Sharks' are a real band playing great music that have entertained thousands of fans over eighteen years and still going strong.

How did this happen though?

Well, after playing Jerry Lee Lewis in the 1989 biography film of 'Great Balls of Fire', Dennis Quaid made himself a name among musicians. He acted the part of the darkly handsome man who liked to snap back his head when singing while pounding the piano with his boots. Lewis wanted to play 'his' music and the rest of the world could just sit back and enjoy or tune out.

Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis - Great Balls of Fire!

Surprisingly, Dennis Quaid was intimidated when he actually met Jerry Lee Lewis, even though Dennis had a band called the Eclectics which performed in New Orleans and Southern California to positive reviews. He was a songwriter/singer/guitarist and enjoyed many a gig as a band.

Then again, you can't blame a young but up and coming star such as Quaid who was meeting a real life legend. Larger than life gods do intimidate mere humans sometimes.

His portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis worked to rave reviews and in 2000 after being a guest on the Harry Dean Stanton Band, he was approached by one of the band's members who wanted to start up their own band.

Dennis had taken a decade away from his musical dreams to work on acting but the thought of his love of the guitar and lyrics was never far from this man's head.

Dennis, of course agreed.

The 'Sharks' were born and they went on a feeding frenzy entertaining people in small and large venues.

This celebrity is the real thing when it comes to being a band member

Of course, after meeting Dennis in Tombstone on Saturday morning, we did wonder if this was just a 'celebrity' pretending to be in a band.

It has happened.

But J and L had 'VIP' tickets to the concert and were totally wrong about the earlier thought. This is a hard core rock and roll band with Dennis as the lead singer.

Seven hundred guests held tight as the night screamed into Tombstone with threatening monsoon thunder and lighting but not a drop of rain fell on the hour and a half concert. The band played non-stop and the fans danced and sang along.

Concert in full force - the excitement is now in full force

A great evening was had for all.

Though in retrospect, Dennis seemed to have as much fun as the rest of us - his energy level was surprising from a man who had signed autographs, posed for photographs, been a judge in the 'Doc Holliday' look alike contest and just being a gracious person.

He was fresh and singing like he had just woke up from a restful snooze. The 'Sharks' were amazing. This was no celebrity band - this was and is a band to be reckoned with. Talent and nothing less.

Of course, the band was nothing but awesome - no wonder this group has been around for almost two decades. The bass player, the lead guitarist (sorry, Dennis) and the drummer work with a synergy most corporations would love to have and they all keep an eye on the lead singer. Dennis has a habit of sometimes leaving the stage while playing guitar and mixing with the crowd and a riff there may have to be substituted to keep in tune.

Below are photographs taken in Tombstone of the band - Jamie James, Tom Slik, Kent Strange and Tom Walsh - of course the above photographs are of Dennis Quaid.

Questioning, with a 'star' playing lead may be harrowing but it all worked and the thunderous applause of the audience proved it.

And the energy continued as our gracious host celebrated after his concert with a party at the Crystal Palace for 160 of his closest friends. The events left us awed by Mr. Quaid's talent and his quiet, humble, gracious manner. A night we won't soon forget...and if you have the opportunity to see these sharks, go. You will not be disappointed...and you may find yourself singing along with your new friends.