Local high school band reunites after 50 years for special show
WEST WINDSOR, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Some local musicians are turning back the clock five decades by reuniting their high school band for a gig this weekend. Dagger is currently a 10-piece band that was rehearsing at Newclear Studios in West Windsor today.
The band is made up of three guitarists, Doug Kay, Michael Husted, and Michael McClain, lead singer Rick Holly, bassist Bill Eno, keyboardist Ted Brainard, drummer Mike Ricciardi, percussionist Larry Ricciardi, and backup singers Ann Eno and Mallory Evans.
The group originally played together, starting when they were in high school from 1972 to 1978. During the COVID pandemic, longtime friend and supporter Phil Courtright suggested that they reunite online. Soon after, they started sharing lyrics and music for new songs, with each musician recording their part separately.
A few of the members have left the area, so once the pandemic was over, they decided to get together in person for a reunion show in October 2023. Mike Ricciardi says what happened next was magical.
'To find that kind of a unit where everybody's family again, I've only found one more time. I was fortunate to find that, but it started here, this bunch of guys is the one that set the tone for everything. Just to answer your question, it's been an incredible experience. I feel incredibly lucky,' Ricciardi said.
The band had five members in the 70's and played mostly high school dances until they were old enough to play out at bars. Their focus was always on originals, and they even released a 45 that got some local radio airplay.
Today, they're still writing new material, with 30 new songs since they reunited. Kay says that although they can't get together often, the band is still looking forward.
'Nothing has been planned. We just kind of got together and the music itself, the songs gave us life. And I think that's why we eventually want to record and get it out so that other people can hear it,' Kay said.
The band's second reunion show returns to Ransom Steele Tavern in Apalachin for the bar's last weekend before closing down. The show is tomorrow at 7:30 and they won't be charging a cover or playing any covers.
In fact, they may even roll out a couple of their old originals to complement the new stuff.
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