Robbie Dupree brings a whole new crop of ‘Friends’ with him when he takes the stage for the first time in two years in the area, at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 9 at the Falcon, in Marlboro, and then right at home in Woodstock, at 8 p.m. Sunday, December 10 at Colony, 22 Rock City Road.
“This project I’ve been doing, called ‘Robbie Dupree and Friend’s has been going on for 15 years. In that time my goal was to record and perform with great musicians and singers and I’ve been able to maintain that. And now, there are some new people on board including Will Lee, the incredible bass player who’s played with everybody and anybody; Bette Sussman, singer and keyboard player, known for her work with Whitney Houston; and guitarist singer Tony Pulizzi who played with Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole. Our drummer is Doug Yowell, who started working with me six years ago. We’ve done shows with all different combinations for that time. For me these are all friends and people I admire and what they’ve done in their careers.” In past years, Robbie’s ‘Friends’ have included David Sancious, Larry Hoppen, Tony Levin, David Spinozza, Clifford Carter, Don and Bill Harris, Christopher Parker, all top tier musicians, so expect no less this time around.
“We get to do a couple of local shows in December — the first for me in more than two years around here, because I’ve been traveling around the U.S. playing for the last 24 months. I just wanted to do something special at the end of the year here.”
After the shows, the singer/songwriter will be heading to California where he is recording a new collection of songs.
“I’m leaving December 13 to continue to work on the new record. They’re all original songs. I’m finding the time to write them now. It’s been spread out over a good period of time. Then I’m off for the winter.”
He says he’s aiming for end of next summer for the new music to appear.
About the local appearances, he says, “I think the shows will be really fun, can’t wait to play with the new band.”
Robbie Dupree and Friends will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 9 at the Falcon, 1348 Route 9W in Marlboro. There’s no cover charge at the Falcon. The musicians depend on the audience for contributions. For more information, see www.liveatthefalcon.com or call 845-236-7970.
At 8 p.m. Sunday, December 10, Robbie and Friends will perform at Colony Woodstock, 22 Rock City Road, Woodstock. Tickets are $20 in advance at colonywoodstock.com or $25 at the door. For more information, see www.colonywoodstock.com or call 845-679-7625.
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