A Rave-up with Ron and The Reapers!

I caught a few sets by Ron and The Reapers at The Famous Barkley Restaurant and Bar last month and couldn't stop dancing! These musicians are the finest around. Their selection of music from the 50's and 6T's unveiled their wealth of knowledge and taste. From a beautiful cover of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" by Gerry and the Pacemakers to making the unforgettable "Thirty Six Twenty Two Thirty Six" by Bobby Bland their very own, they kept the place jumping all night long. 

Headed by Ron Silva on vocals, guitar and bass, this band consists of rock 'n' roll royalty from Dave Fleminger on keys and guitar, Richard Larson on drums, Peter Miesner on guitar, bass and vocals and Chris Davies on guitar and bass. We were also treated to the amazing vocal stylings and range of Chloe Lou who is a perfect complement to these impeccable musicians.

I recently caught up with Ron and below share a brief interview I did with him to accompany this blog post. Be sure to check this sextet out!! It's guaranteed you will be dancing all night long!

Julie Green
April 28, 2018

Julie Green: How did the band come together? 

Ron Silva: I wanted to put together a group with Chris Davies and Pete Miesner. I've known Davies forever but never was in a band with him and yet he's one of the best musicians around. Miesner, on the other hand, I've been playing with since he was sixteen (he also is excellent)! The idea was mostly to have fun, play our favorite songs, and make some extra money while doing it. 

JG: Why the Reapers? 

RS: The Fellini Squadron was taken.

JG: Is it primarily a cover band? 

RS: No, it's completely a cover band--in the grand Pub Rock tradition.

JG: What other bands have you been in? 

RS: The Hitmakers, the Hedgehogs, the Termites, the Earwigs, the Ben Wayne Combo, the Saturn V featuring Orbit, the Black Diamonds aka Nashville Ramblers, the Wickershams, the Crawdaddys, and of course Ron Silva and the Monarchs!

JG: Have you ever played on a river cruise? 

RS: No, but that would be awesome. 

JG: When did Chloe Lou join the band? 

RS: About five months ago. We signed her on the spot. Chloe Lou is so good, in fact, that we've started a separate musical enterprise expressly to back and feature her. Chloe Lou and the... Well, we haven't figured out the rest of the name yet. 

JG: Who makes your groovy flyers? 

RS: My groovy wife Kim! 

JG: Tell us a story about the bust at The Barkley a few months back... 

RS:The nice thing was they were kind enough to barge in at the very end of the night and not the beginning or middle. It was a tad surreal, I must say. No animals were harmed, a good time was had by all.

JG: Who is your biggest musical influence? 

RS: Well, the Beatles, of course!

JG: Where will you guys be playing next?

RS: The Field Irish Pub in San Diego on Cinco de Mayo. Makes perfect sense!