Tomorrow night, Casa Nueva, 4 W. State St., will be filled with the rhythm and blues of local band The Royales.
Since its founding in 1995, there have been many changes in the lineup of the group. But the band - consisting of Pat Brown on vocals, John Borchard on guitar, Ted Harris on saxophone, Eric Junebug Leighton on trombone, Roman Warmke on bass, Chris Aubell on drums and Bernie Nau on keyboards - has held on to its original sound.
The band has the same kind of vibe
maybe a little more polished but still has the raw energy that we like Borchard said.
Last spring, The Royales had the opportunity to perform with Willie Nelson at the Nelsonville Music Festival.
The band really sounded good
and we had a great time
Borchard said.
The Royales has also performed at Halloween in Athens, Boogie on the Bricks for the past four summers and the Sternwheel Riverfest in Pomeroy, Ohio.
Those are the biggest
most fun (events) for us
Borchard said.
In Warmke's opinion, the band's biggest event was last summer, when it finally secured the right people playing the right instruments.
Our band had finally morphed into having the perfect lineup of good people and good musicians
Warmke said.
The band plays covers of Otis Redding, Buddy Guy, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Spencer Davis. One of Borchard's favorite songs to perform is Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers.
It's slow
but always a fun one to play. Most of our songs are up-tempo so it's nice to fit that one in
gives everyone a breather
Borchard said.
Before joining the band, Borchard first saw The Royales performing Spencer Davis's song Keep on Running at Tony's Tavern, 7 W. State St.
I thought how unusual it was to see these guys 15 to 20 years younger than me playing this song
