Bill Steely’s Band 'Where’s Dave' Kicks off Flint Park Concert Series

Feel like hearing top-quality music—for free—with as little effort as taking a beach blanket and some beverages to the park?

Then make it happen starting July 8th, when local musician Bill Steely and his band "Where's Dave" launch Concerts in the Park at Flint Park at 7:15 p.m. The series is presented by the Village of Larchmont and the Committee on the Arts.

Steely's performance marks some notable firsts for this band that's gaining national attention.

On a warm morning this week, he opened the door to his comfortable and casual Larchmont home, which he shares with wife Janine, three children and a friendly cat.

And he opened up about Where's Dave and his multi-faceted career, which includes being president of his own advertising agency.

Firsts of many

This is the fourth year that Where's Dave has been in the concert series, and the first year that it's the opening act.

"And it's the first year in which we're working with a producer on a record," says Steely of the band's fourth CD, many tracks of which will be premiered at Flint Park. "The quality of our work keeps getting better," says the ambitious, understated craftsman. "We're improving as we go along."

Lots have noticed. Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked requested that Steely play the Where's Dave title track off their third CD, called "Red," during her May concert at Larchmont's Watercolor Café.  And he recently opened for Eliza Gilkyson, also at Watercolor Café.

Meet the Larchmont band

Where's Dave is largely Larchmont: Steely plays guitar, sings lead vocals and writes the music; Tom Nelson is on lead guitar; and Bruce Rose plays base. From New Rochelle are Marjorie Sachs on keyboard, Eric Stramiello on drums. From New York City, Liz Bruce sings harmonies.

Steely describes Where's Dave as in the genre of singer-songwriter "Americana music." His inspirations are Richard Shindell, Steve Forbert, Lyle Lovett, Gilkyson and Shocked. 

In his basement studio with guitars and keyboards at the ready, Steely took time to play "Red," a beautiful, riveting ballad about a musician who watches the world go by from a basement apartment.

Dave who?

You know the question, so here's the answer.

"In 2006, after a break, we were putting the band back together, and everybody showed except this one guy, Dave. Another rehearsal, same thing. The drummer would always ask, 'Where's Dave?' We needed a band name," said Steely, "and it was only natural."

Also about that time, one of Steely's friends, named Dave, moved from Larchmont to South Carolina.

Where's Dave has been together since the 1990s, when they played East Village clubs.

Multi career and family

Steely, originally from Levittown, Pennsylvania, is president of Sky Advertising in New York City, which he started in 1990.

"I've been writing songs all my life," says Steely. Songwriting became more prominent in his life when he was in the Army, stationed in Germany from 1976 to 1979.

He met his wife, Janine, who is also in advertising, in Central Park. "It was a Labor Day weekend. I picked her out to play Frisbee with me."

Janine plays flute with a group at the Larchmont Music Academy. All their children play piano, with individual interests in the cello, violin and guitar.

Unconsciously pulling together his love for family, music and advertising, Steely offers a gift of  the Where's Dave's "Red" CD. The cover is a closeup of a beautiful, youthful woman in a flirty red wig. "That's Janine, from a Halloween party one year," he says, and smiles big.

More for Where's Dave

Following Flint Park, Where's Dave will perform at The Lake Side Lounge in New York City. Visit  www.lakesidelounge.com for scheduling.

Their new CD will be out in October, available through www.billsteely.com.

"Concerts in the Park" Roster

At Flint Park on Thursdays at 7:15 p.m.:

July 8 - Bill Steely and Where's Dave

July 15 - Twist of Fate

July 22 - Kevin McIntyre and The Lawn Wranglers

July 29 - Trevor McKay and Friends