It is such an honor for me to share my first studio recording, Aunt June’s Basement, with my family members, my dear friends, and to the community of music appreciators who have seen me play drums in bands over the past forty years. There are so many people who have played an influential and significant role in my life, not only as a musician, but as a person.
This project has been a true labor of love! ​​
A Little Howie Band History
I've had the great fortune to play with many different bands and at classic venues over the years. There were many fun and raucous times. I have had an amazing ride playing venues like the Western Saloon in Point Reyes Station, the Marshall Tavern on Tomales Bay, Papermill Creek Saloon in Forest Knolls, Giaco’s Valley Roadhouse in San Geronimo, San Geronimo Valley Community Center, Peri’s Saloon in Fairfax, the original Sweetwater in Mill Valley, New Georges in San Rafael and iconic venues Great American Music Hall and Slims in San Francisco.
Some of my fondest memories include playing at the Western Saloon, in Point Reyes Station with the Rockin’ Recalcitrants during Western Weekend. We nailed 2x4's around the stage to keep rowdy revelers from falling onto the stage. It was the wild west for sure! The Red Barge at Gate 5 in Sausalilto was part of the long gone "anchor out" community that lived on house boats. We had to carry drums and equipment across dilapidated wooden walkways that were two feet wide. I still can't believe we didn't lose anything in the water. Another time, The Recalcitrants were escorted out of town by the Manteca police after a New Year's gig. With Transistor Rodeo, in the 1990’s, we played Sweetwater the last Thursday of every month. That's where I learned to play dynamically and how to support vocalists. We opened for many nationally touring bands. One New Year's Eve, we opened for Etta James at The Great American Music Hall. That was the thrill of a lifetime for me.The last ten years, I've been keeping it close to home playing in the Family Music Hour Band, the Valley Blues Brothers and my own band Howie’s Persuasion.
