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Ba'nana Republic rocks Bamboo Willie's on the Boardwalk
By Bradley "B.J." Davis, Jr. Splash! Magazine
Ba'nana Republic, the house band for Bamboo Willie's on beautiful Pensacola Beach, has been entertaining audiences for years with their soulful, hip and fresh sounds.
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the group Thursday through Sunday at one of Pensacola Beach's most popular bars, located at the Portofino Boardwalk (formerly Quietwater Boardwalk) next to Hooters.
Ba'nana Republic's members are just as colorful as their venue with over a century of combined professional playing.
On lead vocals/drums/ percussion is Conrad Days. He is the group's founding father and the only remaining member. He's got 25 years of playing experience including 15 years with Ba'nana Republic marking its inception.
Jonathan Grooms, bass guitar/vocals, has played bass for 20 years. Starting out in Cincinnati, Grooms made his way to the Gulf Coast where he has played with Ba'nana Republic since 2002.
Jerry Dawson, guitar/vocals, has 22 years of experience all over the United States including with Shania Twain and Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers. Dawson joined the band in 1996.
 | | Paul Stefon/ Splash! magazine Jerry Dawson, Conrad Days and Jonathan Grooms entertain the masses at Bamboo Willlie's on the Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach. |
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Doug Stiers on drums/ vocals/percussion is a native of Pensacola and joined the band in 1997, and the beach is no new place for him as he also performed in the Virgin Islands.
Donnie "D.B." Beall, soundman/strings/horns, is a southern Louisiana native and ran house sound for Trinity's in Baton Rouge, the venue for such bands as Stevie Ray Vaughn, James Brown and the Neville Brothers.
And last but not least is vocalist Jocelyn Reed. Reed is the newest member of Ba'nana Republic, and audiences are sure to enjoy her energetic style as she entertains the masses.
Accessible by car or boat, Bamboo Willie's offers an experience unique to Pensacola Beach. Lunch is offered daily with your favorite libation. The bar offerings include a variety of domestic and imported beers and features our famous Fat Tuesday frozen drinks highlighted by the Bushwacker made famous on beautiful Pensacola Beach.
For more information, call (850) 916-9888 or visit www.bamboowillies.com.
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