Meet your musician: Kevin Danzig

Editor’s Note: The Vail Daily features local musicians in a new series called “Meet Your Musician” so you can learn a little more about the voices behind the tunes. If you are a local musician and would like to be part of this series, please email Tricia Swenson (tswenson@vaildaily.com) and Sean Naylor (snaylor@vaildaily.com).

1. What is your stage/group name?

Kevin Danzig

The Buzz Drivers (me, Michael Hunt and Steve Dronzek)

Gandy Dancers (me and Casey Boyd)

2. How would you describe your style of music?

My music is an eclectic mix of original nuggets and timeless classics (acoustic rock/modern folk).

3. What instrument(s) do you play with the members of your band?

I sing and play acoustic guitar, ukulele, harmonica and solo bass drum pedal. With my band Buzz Drivers, I also play electric guitar and sing on vocals.

4. How long have you been playing in the Valley?

I started playing in the valley 13 seasons ago in the 2008-09 season.

5. Where did you play in the valley?

Where have I not? MDR! Mainly at the Sonnenalp Hotel (King’s Club Lounge) and at the Arrabelle (Tavern on the Square). My band and I have played several benefit shows for Vail Valley Hospice and Habitat For Humanity. My favorite venues I’ve played in are The Amp (Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre) and the Main Stage in Nottingham Park and the Sunset Live Stage in Avon.

I also perform on Sundays in various churches of different denominations.

6. What is your dream location (in the valley or elsewhere)?

I would love to play Villar Center and of course the ultimate venue would be Red Rocks!

7. What other styles of music do you (and your band members) listen to?

I love just about anything that’s done well. I grew up learning the songs of the Beatles (I didn’t discover them until 1971) and later I was influenced by singer-songwriters like Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Billy Joel and Joni Mitchell. Steely Dan, The Police, Pink Floyd and the Doobie Brothers are my favorite bands. Guess I’ll always be a 70s kid

8. How does the Vail Valley music scene compare to other places you’ve played?

I met and played with very talented artists here. If I could change anything, I would encourage more original music in the valley. I have recorded 10 albums of original music and my 11th is due this summer and is called “You Don’t Play You Don’t Win”.

I also enjoy performing other artists’ material, but it’s a shame that most people who frequent the Valley prefer to hear ‘covers’. When I tour other cities and states (I’ll be playing in my 50th state in June: Alaska), audiences are much more open to hearing your originals and accepting your compositions.

9. What can the public expect from one of your performances?

I never play the same setlist twice. When I play “solo”, I have the freedom to draw from hundreds of songs that I keep in mind. I don’t use iPads or “cheat sheets”. I think that’s unprofessional. Performers must know their material or not. I may be old fashioned but that’s my opinion.

10. Where can readers see a list of your upcoming shows?

My website is the best place: KevinDanzig.com and Vail’s Daily Events Calendar, of course.

***Anything else we should have asked, anything else you’d like to share?

I feel very lucky to be able to work, play and thrive in such a beautiful place. My sincere thanks go out to my fans and supporters in this beautiful condition! Thank you for supporting live music in the valley.