Steely Dane Runs Back the Hits at DCA

Submitted.

Do It Again

If you don’t like Steely Dan, do you even like music? Every track is a sonic explosion – not just your standard rock kit, but filled out with trumpets, trombone and saxophone. Throw in the occasional flute, clarinet and bongos, and what more could you ask for?

Okay, maybe I’m coming on a bit strong. I know Steely Dan is polarizing. Ask 10 people, and five of them will hate the group. Maybe it’s a generational thing? My dad loves Steely Dan. My coworkers hate Steely Dan. My roommate from college thinks the group slaps. And as I worked through its catalog this week, I was stunned by just how many songs I knew and loved: Do It Again, Reelin’ in the Years, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number, Peg. Am I a big Dan fan and didn’t even know it?

Regardless of which side you’re on, I think we can all agree that the group’s music, with its complex instrumentation and catchy pop-jazz sound, lends itself to an enjoyable live performance. And on Sept. 25, Steely Dane (yes, you read that right) will bring the hits of Steely Dan to the Door Community Auditorium (DCA).

Twenty jazz and rock musicians from Dane County (the name comes from the county where Madison is located) will flood the DCA stage to play in the same configuration as the Steely Dan touring band, including a four-piece horn section and three background singers. 

Steely Dane won the 2015 Madison Area Music Association award for Best Cover Band, and it’s known for its faithfulness to the source material. So if you love Dan, you’re going to love Dane. If you hate Dan, maybe Dane will change your mind?

The show will begin at 7 pm. Find out more and purchase tickets at dcauditorium.org.