Written by Courtney Ludwig on Wednesday, 16 February 2011. Posted in Tucson Music Scene
As a photographer here in Tucson, I was asked by the lead singer, Louis De Bonis, Jr.of Keeping the Peace to come out and take some band and gig shots at an event they do every year along with some other bands at Udall Park to celebrate life, love and happiness.
The feeling in the air was peaceful and the atmosphere was very relaxing, as the bands played various tunes and instruments, there were people dancing in the audience, without a care in the world. Food and beverages were offered and donations were accepted.
Keeping the peace brought a different show than the other bands playing anything from the 70's to current, the band had charisma and excitement and really pulled the audience in and making the audience apart of the show. Continue for my interview with Keeping the Peace.
1. What is the name of your band? What is the origin of that name?
The name of our band is Keeping The Peace. If you look on the back of any Pima county sheriff’s car it says Keeping the Peace since 1864.
2. When and why did you start playing?
Everyone in our band has been playing for a long time. Speaking for myself(Louis) I started playing to express the feelings of joy and pain that I felt deep inside. And of course, to meet girls.
3. Which instruments does each of you play?
Louis De Bonis vocals and guitar, Tom Lombardi Drums, Mike Zimmerman guitar, Kevin Cain bass.
4. When did you guys first meet and how long have you know each other?
The band existed for about a year before Louis joined the band in October 2009. As the story goes, Tom was auditioning for a band with a female singer that Kevin was already a member of. That band soon broke up and Tom and Kevin formed Keeping the Peace. Mike was in the band for their first 3 gigs but left the band before Louis joined in 2009. Since Louis has joined the band they have played 33 shows together.
5. What were the first tunes you learned together?
The day Louis auditioned for the band we jammed 18 songs. Cumbersome, Plush, Roadhouse Blues, Voodoo child, Give it away, Paranoid, Kryptonite, and Sober were all played since day 1.
6. Which famous musicians do you admire and have you learned from?
Jimi Hendrix, Jimi Page, Van Halen.
7. Being that you perform in public, describe those occasions.
We play at local bars, parties and social events.
8. Where have you played? What are your favorite venues?
We have played (an won) The Harley Davidson Hogtoberfest 10,10,10, The Fox and Hound, Pima County Fair, Oldfather Inn, The Chicago bar, Bashful Bandit, Famous Sams, Beer Belly’s, Mountain View High School, The Bum Steer, Stadium Grill, Prince Family Pizza, River’s Edge, Flash Automotive, Udall Park Amphitheater to name a few.
Upcoming shows:
- Feb 12th The Stadium Grill
- Feb 18th The Bashful Bandit
- Feb 26th Beer Belly’s
- March 4th Famous Sams (Golf Links)
- March 11th The Stadium Grill
- March 18th The Oldfather Inn
- March 25th The Bashful Bandit
- April 1st The Stadium Grill
- April 9th The rivers edge
- April 22nd The Bashful Bandit
- April 23rd The stadium Grill
9. How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
We just keep going.
10. Do you get nervous before a gig?
Sometimes just before we walk onstage.
11. How often and for how long do you practice?
The band practices 2 times a week and we individually practice daily.
12. Do any of you teach music?
Mike Zimmerman teaches guitar through the Guitar Center
13. How do you balance your music with other obligations- mate, children, etc…?
All of the spouses attend the shows. We schedule our shows around family time.
14. What is your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome those challenges, if so how?
Writing new songs as a band is the biggest challenge. Keeping the material fresh. We incorporate 4 new songs a month into our set list.15. What advice do you have for those who want to start a band?
If its fun Keep doing it.
