2008 brought the Dantes to the Infernofest stage for what they claim was their last performance together. Wow; we feel so honored that they came back for this gig.
But to the beginning of the Dantes in our area back in ”the Day”. I first caught the Dantes at a teen club in Loudonville OH of all places. Wearing my mod lime green and purple striped pants and sleeveless top I thought I was the most mod person in Ohio; until I saw the Dantes on stage. Damn, now there was a band with stage presence, the moves and the music to back it all up. Early Stones done to perfection and other bluesy great tunes; along with some originals. I tried to catch them whenever them came north from Columbus. You KNEW when they were playing whatever teen club cos the parking lots were full and the clubs packed with hot sweaty teens loving the band.
Fast forward to the first Infernofest; lead singer, Barry Hayden, had no desire to perform, but did us the honors of being our MC (Thanks Barry). After that first show in 99, I had so many requests to find the other Dantes. I did a people search and found Dave Workman (lead guitar) in San Francisco. He immediately wrote back, remembered me and said he would play the next fest. Dave came back in 2000, 2001 and 2003 and played with many other bands and performers; but no Dantes. Finally after the 03 show I got serious, found all of the Dantes and got all to commit. So Lynn Wehr
Joe Hinton back in the groove for the Dantes, Infernofest 2008
Carter Holliday of the Dantes on bass Infernofest 08
Dantes Barry Hayden singing a song Infernofest 2008
Dantes Dave Workman bending the strings at Infernofest 2008
(guitar) came up from Columbus, where Barry also resides, Joe Hinton (drums) flew in from Oregon and Carter Holliday (bass) came up from VA. It was magic and I felt like my dream had come true! Infernofest took a long hiatus while I decided whether to put on another one or not. After deciding yes; the Dantes were the first band I got in touch with. As luck would have it; they wanted to do a show the night before; at the legendary Valley Dale, where they reigned thru their stint as the Dantes. This would be the first they had played their hometown of Columbus since their reuniting in the early 90′s.
(On a side-note, I find it amazing that they are one of the few bands who played together in the 60′s that have all members still living. Not sure if they have lived better lifestyles or just have better genes, but they must be doing something right! )
One of my best friends and I made the trip to Valley Dale that Friday night before Infernofest 2008 and had a blast. They had fans there who had not seen any of them since the 60′s and the place was packed. The night was filmed and taped and on another post you will find info if you would like to own that dvd (you won’t be disappointed).
Infernofest would like to thank Joe, Carter, Dave, Lynn and Barry for coming to our gig, for no dough and doing such a bang-up job. You are all very dear to my heart and to have you play two Infernofests made me one happy gal!
Lynn Wehr taking a break on the Infernofest stage
