Romeo Champagne Rock It's Birthplace@Tumbleweed Connection

By Jimmy Cummings

Our destination for this evening was a trip to the Tumbleweed Connection in the historic Oregon District in Dayton, Ohio. As we proceeded down 5^th street you could see that we weren’t the only ones looking for a good time. We noticed that there was one place in particular that seem to buzzing. At first glance, The Tumbleweed Connection looks like a bar you would see in New Orleans. There were folks lining the balcony of the two story building as bubbles flowed all around; the place kind of had a Marti Gras atmosphere. There was a festive ambiance inside as well, and why not, we were there to celebrate the birthday of Romeo Champagne. The band got their start at the Tumbleweed six years ago when a group of guys got together for a jam session; and the rest as they say is history.

Romeo Champagne has come a long way since its jam session days. Danny Sauers and the rest of the band have shaped and molded a sound that combines the influences of an array of music genres. Romeo Champagne blends together a mixture of Rock, Funk, Jazz, and Reggae that gives the band a very distinctive sound. With Danny Sauers (Sax/Harmonica/Vocals), Chris Coalt (Guitar/Vocals), Josh Johnson (Drums/Vocals), and Andrew Scorti (Bass/Vocals) Romeo Champagne has become a favorite among fans and bands alike. Each time I see the band I am amazed at the diversity of the crowd as well as the respect the band receives from other musicians in the area. These guys always put on an incredible live show; and tonight was shaping up to be epic.

Romeo Champagne - from left to right: Danny Sauers, Josh Johnson, Chris Coalt, Andrew Scorti

The band kicked things off with a Frank Zappa cover called Cosmic Debris, and kick it they did. This song ROCKS and they do it to perfection. The band also does a cover of Steppin Razor, (a tune by Peter Tosh) that will blow you away. This is the song my grandson was jamming and bobbing too at Jimmy’s Earth Day Festival. He looked up at my wife and said, “You just can’t help it grandma, you have to dance to this one.” But don’t get me wrong, Romeo Champagne is NOT a cover band. The band also gave the audience plenty of original tunes as well from their CD called Guilt to Consume released in 2009. The album gives fans a feel for the diversity of the band and their musical talents. The band performed several songs from the album including Rattlesnake that features Danny on vocals and the flaming guitar of Coalt. The set also included the song Pawnshop as well as Romeo Champagne’s version of Highway 61. The night ended with the instrumental called Boris B. Bamboozled that gives you a glimpse into the bands jazz roots.

Thanks to the kind staff at the Tumbleweed Connection, you have an amazing place. I would also like to send a shout out to Mr. Willie Green. We met Willie out by the “patio” and just fell in love with him; Willie it was a pleasure! And of course thanks to Chris, Josh, Andrew, and Danny for inviting us out to help them celebrate six years of Romeo Champagne. I have to say, Romeo Champagne and the Tumbleweed Connection know how to celebrate a birthday.