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Wilton Keyboardist Performs With Reggae Dad Band In Darien

DARIEN, Conn -- They're called the Accidental Breakdown, and they're playing for the first time at Darien Social on Jan. 3. But nothing about this rootsy reggae and blues ensemble is an accident. 

Local band, Accidental Breakdown, is playing for the first time at Darien Social Jan. 3,

Local band, Accidental Breakdown, is playing for the first time at Darien Social Jan. 3,

Photo Credit: Courtesy photo

The six members, who by day run the gamut from magazine executive to fashion photographer to property management manager, rehearse about once a month in between their regular gigs as suburban dads and businessmen. They play regularly at Dunville's in Westport but are always looking to branch out, hence the performance at Darien Social at 9 p.m.

All are from Fairfield County. Many are natives of Westport who grew up jamming together; several played together in Homebrood, an early '90s reggae band.

The group includes Westport residents Greg Wolfe (bass and lead vocals) and John “JT” Tavarnesi (sax,flute and vocals); Tim Geaney (keyboards) of Wilton; Todd Cummings (drummer) of Fairfield; Darien resident Steve DeMott (singer/songwriter/guitarist); and Todd Zegras (congas, percussion and vocals) of Weston.

The name Accidental Breakdown refers to a breakdown in the music when you strip away many of the elements at some point in the song and then build back up . The band was formed in 2011 by Cummings and Wolfe with the intention of offering something more offbeat than what you normally find in a local bar.

Wolfe said folks can expect a heavy reggae influence along with blues, rock and jazz, along with a lot of original songs, most of which he writes himself. 

"Our hope when people hear us is that they will like what we do, including the originals, get exposed to some things that they don’t hear other places, and have a good time," he said.

Most of what the group plays has a beat as well, making shows a bit like a spirited dance party. "It's really important for us to get a reaction from the audience," said Wolfe. "That can really change the dynamic of the performance as we feed off the energy of the crowd.  When the audience is into it, we are into it."

For more information, go to www.accidentalbreakdown.com.

 

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