Dave Bakey ‘02 on Tour with Celtic Thunder
Thursday, December 27, 2012
"I asked my cousin/ Gloucester Catholic alum Marty O'Connor’94 to drive me to Atlantic City for the audition. Upon arrival, I was given ten minutes to learn three songs to perform with a thirteen piece band. Through years of intense practice and experience with Gloucester Catholic music clubs, I knew I would be OK. The next day I got the phone call telling me I got the gig! " ~ Dave Bakey
How did you get the spot working for Celtic Thunder?
About two years ago, my band “Tsunami Rising” toured Ireland with our good friend, Keith Harkin, who plays a primary role in Celtic Thunder. After that tour, Keith flew me to L.A. to record on his new album. Not long after, I received a call from Celtic Thunder asking if I wanted to audition on Independence Day. Not able to drive due to a broken foot, I asked my good friend.
I played in front of an audience was in Gloucester Catholic's Msgr. Edward B. Lucitt Hall. I was eleven years old and a big crowd had gathered for the great basketball rivalry of Gloucester High vs. Gloucester Catholic. I moved onto GC to play at all of the Battle of the Bands, Unplugged sessions. Also, when I was in college I began to teach after-school music programs at GC. I made lifelong friends there as I hope to do here on the road. I attribute that special quality to G.C.
Can you tell us about the great things you have seen traveling?
Traveling from state to state, country to country is absolutely what I had hoped it to be.You can travel on the bus through three feet of snow to ninety degree temperatures within just
What is life like on the road?
Life on the road thus far has been extremely busy.We travel via three tour buses and two tractor trailers. I've had to learn over a hundred plus songs so far.A typical day consists of waking up super early to learn tunes until show time, play the show, and then back to the bus to go to the next city.... still learning tunes until I fall asleep at 3am. But, it also has some really good sides. I have been able to tour Ireland, Canada and soon Australia. I probably have seen more of America than most Americans ever will, all because of playing music.
How has Gloucester Catholic influenced your life?
Gloucester Catholic has showed me the importance of creating a family atmosphere.This is extremely important on the road because you are living closely with forty people for four months. Gloucester Catholic also prepared me for this tour by offering me performance experience.The first time
a few hours. You also meet some life-shaping characters along the way. For example, I met a legendary country guitar player in Nashville who offered to teach me everything he knew while I was there. I
learned more on the guitar that day than any other day of my life. That is one of the good
things about the road, your life can change at any second.
Tell us about your experience recording with Keith Harkin’s on his new album.
I recorded with Keith on his latest album that was released by Universal and Verve Records. It landed number one on the world music Billboard charts three weeks in a row. It also landed number one in pre-sales beating out such legends as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash on Amazon. The album was produced by David Foster, who also produced Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and hundreds of other big names. To top it off, the orchestra was recorded at the Beatle’s legendary Abbey Road Studios.
What will you do after this year’s tour with Celtic Thunder is over?
After Celtic Thunder tours, I plan to finally release “Tsunami Rising's” new record, as well as tour the U.S. with Keith Harkin after the release of his new album.
Dave Bakey ‘02 on Tour with Celtic Thunder
Musician Dave Bakey ‘02 has joined Celtic Thunder, an Irish folk and rock group, who last year was named by Billboard Magazine the top ”World Music Artists of the Year”. Dave took the time while on tour to answer a few questions for our Ramblings reporter.
How did you get the spot working for Celtic Thunder?
About two years ago, my band “Tsunami Rising” toured Ireland with our good friend, Keith Harkin, who plays a primary role in Celtic Thunder. After that tour, Keith flew me to L.A. to record on his new album. Not long after, I received a call from Celtic Thunder asking if I wanted to audition on Independence Day. Not able to drive due to a broken foot, I asked my good friend/
I played in front of an audience was in Gloucester Catholic's Msgr. Edward B. Lucitt Hall. I was eleven years old and a big crowd had gathered for the great basketball rivalry of Gloucester High vs. Gloucester Catholic. I moved onto GC to play at all of the Battle of the Bands, Unplugged sessions. Also, when I was in college I began to teach after-school music programs at GC. I made lifelong friends there as I hope to do here on the road. I attribute that special quality to G.C.
Can you tell us about the great things you have seen traveling?
Traveling from state to state, country to country is absolutely what I had hoped it to be.You can travel on the bus through three feet of snow to ninety degree temperatures within just
What is life like on the road?
Life on the road thus far has been extremely busy.We travel via three tour buses and two tractor trailers. I've had to learn over a hundred plus songs so far.A typical day consists of waking up super early to learn tunes until show time, play the show, and then back to the bus to go to the next city.... still learning tunes until I fall asleep at 3am. But, it also has some really good sides. I have been able to tour Ireland, Canada and soon Australia. I probably have seen more of America than most Americans ever will, all because of playing music.
How has Gloucester Catholic influenced your life?
Gloucester Catholic has showed me the importance of creating a family atmosphere.This is extremely important on the road because you are living closely with forty people for four months. Gloucester Catholic also prepared me for this tour by offering me performance experience.The first time
a few hours. You also meet some life-shaping characters along the way. For example, I met a legendary country guitar player in Nashville who offered to teach me everything he knew while I was there. I
learned more on the guitar that day than any other day of my life. That is one of the good
things about the road, your life can change at any second.
Tell us about your experience recording with Keith Harkin’s on his new album.
I recorded with Keith on his latest album that was released by Universal and Verve Records. It landed number one on the world music Billboard charts three weeks in a row. It also landed number one in pre-sales beating out such legends as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash on Amazon. The album was produced by David Foster, who also produced Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and hundreds of other big names. To top it off, the orchestra was recorded at the Beatle’s legendary Abbey Road Studios.
What will you do after this year’s tour with Celtic Thunder is over?
After Celtic Thunder tours, I plan to finally release “Tsunami Rising's” new record, as well as tour the U.S. with Keith Harkin after the release of his new album.
source Ramblings winter 2012 edition GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
