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Gigs of the Future
Date Venue
Saturday
July 13, 2013
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
Second-Saturdays for Families
The Aquatudes will play three sets in beautiful Avery Court from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
This is a monthly family-focused event at the Atheneum and the 'Tudes are proud to be included.
If you ever needed an excuse to visit the nation's oldest art museum, this is it!
Dr. Dave will join us on keyboards, so expect some great organ-based songs in addition to our twangy guitar fare!
Sunday
August 4, 2013
Cruisin' on Main Street
Main Street, Manchester, CT
http://www.cruisinonmainstreet.org/
Yet another NESMA-band extravaganza at this year's mega-car event.
Still in the planning stages - stay tuned for more info.

Gigs of the Recent Past (2013)
Date Venue
Friday
May 10, 2013

Rockin' the Sound 2013
CT Surfrider Foundation
Benefit
BAR

254 Crown Street, New Haven, CT
The Aquatudes were once again honored to be included in the musical roster for this fund-raising event.

Great prizes and give-aways, delicious micro brewskies and pizza, cool Go-Go dancers, DJ Zoloft, 9th Wave's hot rod surf, and even a zombie movie dance scene filmed in the middle of it all! Thanks to everyone who came out for such a fun time. It will be hard to top THIS gig any time soon!
Photo by Christine.

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Saturday
March 2, 2013

Otto's Shrunken Head
538 E. 14 Street, NYC

The Aquatudes made their annual pilgrimage to the tiki-themed backroom of Otto's for Unsteady Freddie's monthly Shindig. The 'Tudes started the evening's festivities again, playing before a large and very enthusiastic audience.

As usual, host Unsteady Freddie shot some video of the set, this time including the Duals' "Stick Shift," Tom's original "Three on the Tree," and the Astronauts' "Batman." Roberta recorded our version of the Dave Clark Five song "Glad All Over" near the end of the set. See links on the Music page. Photo by CB.

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Friday
January 11
Two Boots
http://www.twobootsbridgeport.com
281 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604

This was a 3-Band Night with the 'Tudes opening, then (from New London) the Anderson Family Picnic, and (from Russia!) The Vivisectors. This is the third time the Aquatudes have shared a bill with the Vivisectors. Rocking bands, great pizza, good company - oh yeah, and matching shirts. Photo by Christine. Thanks to Bobby D. and Deb Noble.
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Gigs of the Recent Past (2012)
Friday
November 2

The Dirt Salon
50 Bartholomew Avenue,
Hartford, CT 06106
First anniversary party for this Hartford Arts venue brought in a very interested crowd which stood and watched the 'Tudes (and some danced!) for most of their set! The guys had a particularly good night here.

Also on hand at the Dirt Salon were cool art exhibits, good food and drink, and lots of very interesting people.

Eastern CT band Hanging Hills opened with a tight set of nice originals. Carlos Hernandez Chavez closed with a set of bass and guitar vocal and instrumental tunes from a variety of genres. Thanks to Carlos for supplying the PA! Photo by Roberta R.

Watch a video of the 'Tudes playing Mona My Love from this gig.

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Saturday
October 20

4th Annual Classic & Custom Car Show - "Cars and Cannolis"
McLevy Green, Bank Street,
Bridgeport, CT

The 'Tudes love car shows and this one was tons of fun, right in the middle of downtown Bridgeport. It didn't hurt that the weather cooperated fully!

Quite a variety of great classic cars, from Model A Fords to Alfa Romeos to 70's muscle cars and lots in between.

The other two bands played awesome sets and were completely different from the 'Tudes. Good sound guys, too.

Thanks to Bobby D. for hooking us up with this event! Photos by Christine; matching shirts courtesy of Mike and Roberta, direct from Hawaii.

bridgeport 1

bridgeport 2
Sunday
September 30

Durham Fair
Main Street, Durham, Connecticut 06422
The Aquatudes return yet again - this time on the Main Stage!
They played to an intimate crowd at 11 in the morning! The first photo shows just how H-U-G-E the stage was, while the second is a nice action shot of the band. Note Dr. Dave on the combo organ. Both photos by Christine. There's also some video from Roberta on the Music page!

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photo 2
Saturday
September 22

Cypress Restaurant
1265 South Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
860-346-3367

The Aquatudes had a great time, as usual, at the Cypress, playing 3 sets with Dr. Dave on organ. They played all 12 songs off the CD "Unsafe at Any Speed!" as well as some fun organ-led instrumentals, including "Rinky Dink" by Dave "Baby" Cortez and "Ja-Da" by Johnny and the Hurricanes. Photo by Christine and some new video links are on the Music page, shot by Roberta.

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Friday
August 10

The Middletown Elks Lodge #771
Summer Patio Music Series

44 Maynard St.
Middletown, CT 06457
Well, the patio thing didn't work out because of the rain. The guys ended up playing indoors, but had a great evening that included a visit by 'Tudes alumnus Fred Magetteri and family.

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Sunday
August 5

Cruisin' on Main Street
Main Street, Manchester, CT
http://www.cruisinonmainstreet.org/
Another great day with four NESMA bands and cool cars as far as the eye could see!
The Aquatudes supplied the PA for the show this day, which started with the Crustaceans, then 9th Wave, then the Clams, then us. It was a hot day! About 2/3 of the way through our set, the skies opened up. Luckily, we were under a canopy and were able to gather our equipment in and keep it relatively dry. Action photo at right is by Tom's high school classmate, Wayne Whitney.

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Friday
July 6

Ocean State Tall Ships Festival
Newport, RI

The Aquatudes had a blast playing at Bowen's Wharf in Newport on the opening day of the Tall Ships Festival! Our morning set was well-attended by friends and family, as well as hundreds of passers-by. Many of the folks stopped and listened or grabbed hula-hoops and hooped it up for a few tunes.

Many thanks to our Connecticut fans who slipped across the border with us to enjoy a great day in Newport!

We had a good reception for our new CD Unsafe at Any Speed!, with a bunch of copies purchased.

The sound crew from Matrix Production Associates of Middletown, RI were top-notch, and had us sounding awesome!

The top photo is from early in the set, with Tom wearing his straw hat and the bottom shot is from later on, with Tom hat-less. Thanks to C-Lou for the photos!

newport 1
newport 2
Friday
June 22, 2012

Grace Academy Golf Tournament
Tunxis Plantation, Farmington, CT
The 'Tudes played during this charitable event, around the event program and live auctions.
No photos yet, but we saw one attendee taking at least one, so we'll see if we can get a copy.

 
Friday,
May 25, 2012

Black Eyed Sally's
http://blackeyedsallys.com/
350 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT 06103
This had to be one of the funnest gigs ever! We had many friends and family in attendance, as well as members of The Clams, The Crustaceans, and 9th Wave. Kind of a NESMA party! Awesome venue with great food, nice staff, and Rowdy the soundman kept everything balanced and sounding its best. Photo by CB.

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Friday,
April 27, 2012
Rockin' the Sound
(Surfrider Foundation Benefit)
BAR

http://www.barnightclub.com/
254 Crown Street, New Haven, CT
Four Connecticut NESMA bands joined forces in a fundraiser for the Connecticut Surfrider Foundation. It was a fun event with great food, drink, friends, and surfin'-good music from the North Shore Troubadours, the Clams, 9th Wave, and us. See three videos from the night on our Music page. Photo by Christine B. Ed from 9th Wave was nice enough to let Mike use his bass amp. Check out Dick's new drums!
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Saturday,
March 3, 2012
Otto's Shrunken Head
http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/
538 E. 14 Street, NYC
The 'Tudes returned to NYC for Unsteady Freddie's monthly bash. They played first and enjoyed an excellent audience response to their set. Unsteady Freddie shot two videos of the 'Tudes and the amazing Roberta shot three more. All are linked on the Music page. Photo by Jenna Bascom.
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Gigs of the Less-Recent Past (2011)
Date Venue
Thursday,
September 22, 2011

Durham Fair
Main Street, Durham, Connecticut 06422
http://www.durhamfair.com/
The Aquatudes returned for the second rain-free year in a row, this time on the compact Green Stage! Dr. Dave joined us again on the combo organ and Aquatudes alumnus Fred Magetteri played bass for the first six songs (see the top photo). Mike played bass for the rest of the set (second photo). Photos by Roberta R.

gig photo 1
gig photo 2
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Cruisin' on Main Street
Main Street, Manchester, CT
http://www.cruisinonmainstreet.org/
The Aquatudes (with Dr. Dave on organ and alumnus Fred Magetteri on bass) played along with with fellow NESMA bands The Crustaceans, 9th Wave, and The Clams. Photo by Christine B.

gig photo
Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Cafe Nine
http://www.cafenine.com/
250 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511
SURF FOR FOOD
The Aquatudes and 9th Wave
Show to benefit DESK, the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen located in New Haven
We had a great time playing our set and then watching 9th Wave. Tom and Dick even played a couple tunes with them.
Photo is a screen shot from a video shot by the amazing Roberta. See the video of The Aquatudes Theme HERE.

cafe nine

Saturday, August 6, 2011

50's/60's Night and Classic Car Show
Stafford Springs American Legion Hall
10 Monson Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06076-1039
(860) 684-7619
The 'Tudes played from 6-10 p.m.
There were some awesome hot rods and classic cars in attendance, as well as some great folks that stayed for all four of our rockin' sets.

gig photo
Saturday, June 18, 2011 Cypress Restaurant
(http://www.cypressgrill.com/music.htm)
1265 South Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
(860) 346-3367

A great evening out on the patio. Thanks to family, friends, and all who came, watched, danced, and hula-hooped!
cypress
Saturday, June 18, 2011

Private Party
Stafford Springs, CT
First gig of a double-header for this day. Nice weather for a performance in the outdoor pavilion and a swell crowd to play for.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Cypress Restaurant
http://www.cypressgrill.com/music.htm
1265 South Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
(860) 346-3367
We're brought some sounds of summer fun to the Cypress electric jam. Hopefully we'll be back for a full night on the patio during the summer!
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Saturday
March 26, 2011
Private Party
Our first gig with Mike was, in fact, a party for him, celebrating his retirement from the U.S. Air Force. The 'Tudes played 25 songs for the family and friends in attendance. Photo by Christine.
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Gigs of the Much Less-Recent Past (2010)
Date Venue
Sunday
September 26, 2010

Durham Fair
Main Street, Durham, Connecticut 06422
http://www.durhamfair.com/
No rain and Dr. Dave! We were pleased to play from 2-4 p.m. for the nice folks seated on the hay bales and the other nice folks on the hill in front of the Center Stage. Our 2-hour-plus set was punctuated by the awesome roar of souped-up tractors blending perfectly with our high-octane surf and hot-rod rock! Thanks to all our friends, fans, and family who came down to watch.

Saturday
August 28, 2010
26th Annual Plainville VFD Balloon Festival
Norton Park
South Washington Street, Rt. 177
Plainville CT 06062
http://www.plainvillefireco.com/ Balloon_Festival.html
(860) 379-5534
Another fun outdoor concert. We played as a quartet once more with Dr. Dave on combo organ. Dave added great organ sounds to our original tunes, as well as classics like "96 Tears" and "Green Onions." Thanks to friends and family who came out in the noonday sun to watch us. Booked by Cubed Squared, we had the pleasure of playing through a monster sound system, manned by an engineer named Joe, who maintained a hands-on approach to keep us sounding our best.
Saturday
August 21, 2010
Swingin Parrott Pub
Ledgebrook Plaza
200 New Hartford Road, Winsted, CT 06098
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winsted-CT/The-Swingin-Parrott-Pub/189737886749
(860) 379-5534
This was a full night gig and we pounded out three sets of twang and reverb, as well as some left-field rock tunes, converted to the Aquatudes sound. We had lots of friends, former classmates, and family in attendance (THANKS!) which kept our energy level up there for the evening.
Saturday
July 31, 2010
Zen Bar
317 Farmington Avenue, Plainville, CT 06062
(http://www.zenbarct.com)
Blue StingRaye presented “A Mid Summer Night’s Dream Tiki Party” with Commercial Interruption and the Matt Rae Trio filling out the fill. The Aquatudes had the added virtuosity of Dr. Dave on the combo organ.
Wednesday
June 23, 2010
Durham Community Concert Series
Allyn Brook Park, Pickett Lane
Durham, Connecticut 06422
FREE!
6:30 p.m.
This was our second appearance as part of the Durham Community Concert Series. A bonus for us was the supplied high-powered sound system and the great folks running it - they helped us sound our best! We were also happy to see some friends come by who hadn't caught our show before.
Thursday
May 13, 2010
Two Boots
http://www.twoboots.com/TW2008/Bp08/Bp1.html
281 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 331-1377
SURF NITE! courtesy of our friend Bobby D., this time also featuring the well-known and incredible Daikaiju (http://www.daikaiju.org/) as they toured the northeast. We were pleased to share the stage with these talented guys. Mike from Local Band Review was there and took video of us and Daikaiju.
Thursday
May 6, 2010
Cafe Nine
http://www.cafenine.com/
250 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Go-go Smackdown! Joining up with the Clams again, this was a rockin' surf night in New Haven! Included the unstoppable dancing of Frisky a go-go and All Systems Go-Go.
Saturday
April 24, 2010
BAR
http://www.barnightclub.com/
254 Crown Street, New Haven, CT 06511
Two-band + DJ show for the benefit of the Surfrider Foundation of Connecticut. We split the gig with the Clams and DJ Zoloft. Also included Frisky a go-go, All Systems Go-Go and Nouveaux Pony Banditos, all of whom danced up a storm at various intervals. Very good crowd turnout for the charitable event.
Thursday
March 18, 2010
Cafe Nine
http://www.cafenine.com/
250 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511
The Aquatudes were a last-minute (like at 3 in the afternoon!) replacement, in a show with 9th Wave and, from Russia, The Vivisectors (the first gig of their latest US tour). Show produced by Blue StingRaye Productions (thanks Deb!).
Tuesday
March 2, 2010
The Lansdowne Bar : Grill
179 Crown St., New Haven, CT 06510
8 p.m.
The Aquatudes were the featured band for New Haven Lansdowne/Ultra-Radio Show. We played a single rocking set of our best tunes to kick off the evening's open-mike format.
Saturday
January 30, 2010
Roaring Brook Nature Center
http://www.roaringbrookconcerts.org/
70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT  06019
The third annual "Surfin' at the 'Brook" show, again this year with our friends, the Clams. Tom's brother Dr. Dave sat in for a few songs on the combo organ and added a new dimension to the Aquatudes sound.
Gigs of the Considerably More Distant Past
Date Venue
Tuesday
December 15, 2009

Private Party
Hartford, Connecticut
The Aquatudes wrapped up a festive holiday party for a noted local interior/exterior landscaping firm celebrating their 30th successful year of business. We added "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night" to a vocal/instrumental surfin' set. Happy Holidays to all!

Thursday
November 19, 2009
Discover Durham Business Expo
Fire House Function Room
41 Main St., Durham, CT
We set up small and provided some cool Instrumental Surf ambiance at the reception following the day's activities!
Saturday
November 14, 2009

2009 Special Olympics/Law Enforcement Torch Run
International Conference
Southern California Hospitality Event

MGM Grand at Foxwoods
39 Norwich-Westerly Road
Mashantucket, CT 06338
We got this gig through Cubed Squared Entertainment. We played after the closing banquet, where attendees at the conference were invited to “...dance the night away to the classic surf-rock favorites of the live band, The Aquatudes..." What a gig - huge sound system, the client paid us to play an extra hour - it doesn't get much better than that!

Saturday
October 3, 2009

Otto's Shrunken Head
http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/
538 E. 14 Street, NYC

We had the pleasure of being second on the bill this time at Otto's, where we knocked out a high-energy set including a few surf-vocals.
Sunday
September 27, 2009

Durham Fair
Main Street, Durham, Connecticut 06422
http://www.durhamfair.com/
Well, we got rained-out for the second year in a row - DANG!
We'll have to try again next year.

Saturday
September 12, 2009

Cypress Restaurant
(http://www.cypressgrill.com/music.htm)
1265 South Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
(860) 346-3367
Another great Luau Night at the Cypress!
We had quite a crowd, many stayed for the whole evening!

Friday
July 10, 2009
Higganum Green - Outdoor Concert
272 Saybrook Road, Higganum, Connecticut
7:00-8:30 p.m.
The Aquatudes presented a rockin’ and surfin’ set for the whole family at the Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series. It was a bee-utiful evening and there was a fine crowd present to take in the proceedings. Lots of young ones hula-hooping throughout our set and a spirited contingent of maraca-shakers during our audience participation tune. Thanks to all for a fun gig on a summer evening!
Friday
June 19, 2009
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill
384 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, Connecticut
http://www.myspace.com/timeoutmanchester
The Aquatudes played three rip-roaring sets of classic and original surf and rockabilly. We had some great dancers and participants with hula-hoops and hand percussion. Thanks to Cubed Squared Entertainment.
Friday
May 8, 2009

Private Party
Groton, CT
We played 4 rocking sets for some great folks at the Elks Club in Groton, Connecticut. Thanks to Cubed Squared Entertainment.

Saturday
May 2, 2009
Zen Bar
(http://www.thezenbar.net/)
Farmington, Connecticut

The Blue Stingraye presented her Swingin’ Spring Fling! We opened to a sizeable crowd, including our Hartford friends, folks from Northford, and a bunch of Tom's high school classmates, who converged on the Zen Bar for a mini-reunion.
Saturday
May 2, 2009
Gengras Ducati/BMW/Triumph
East Hartford, Connecticut

We played 3 sets during an Open House at this well-known motorcycle dealer. The passers-by enjoyed the tunes and we got some nice compliments. This gig was arranged through Cubed Squared Entertainment and we hope we'll be able to return.
Friday
March 20, 2009

The Warehouse, Hartford
45 Bartholomew Avenue Hartford CT 06106
http://www.thewarehousehartford.com
The Aquatudes opened the "Friday Night Spotlight" series at The Warehouse, Hartford. This series is presented by Cubed Squared Entertainment, and features a wide sampling of original music genres by local musicians. Thanks to Cindy, Dano Clam, Marge, and other friends who came out and supported us - and danced!

Thursday
February 26, 2009

Two Boots
http://www.twoboots.com/TW2008/Bp08/Bp1.html
281 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 331-1377
SURF NITE! Another show with our surf-buddies, the Clams. Also on hand were the Nouveaux Pony Banditos, dancing up a storm in precise synchronicity while the Clams played. Great stage at this place, complete with a fine sound system with monitors (good for Tom's singing!). We're told we were HOT!

Saturday
January 31, 2009
Roaring Brook Nature Center
http://www.roaringbrookconcerts.org/
70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT  06019
The second annual "Surfin' at the 'Brook" show, this year with our friends, the Clams http://www.myspace.com/theclamswedontsing. Another fun night at the RBNC, This time we used "Bo Diddley" as our "audience participation" song, with a bunch of brave souls coming forth to play various shakers and other percussion.

Friday
January 2, 2009

Stonewall Tavern
Route 32, Eagleville, Storrs, Connecticut
We played with 9th Wave on their home turf, along with The Vivisectors/Gulag Tunes from Russia. Lots of NESMA folks and other regulars came out to see the show. Thanks to all our peeps who attended! Also on hand was Unsteady Freddie from NYC who shot some video of each band.

Friday
September 26, 2008
Durham Fair (rained out)
(http://www.durhamfair.com/)
Durham, Connecticut
We were scheduled to headline the Town Green Stage at 7, but the weather didn't cooperate (in a big way) and all entertainment was cancelled for the day. Oh, well, better luck next year!
Saturday
August 16, 2008
Private Party
The Aquatudes were the featured entertainment at a long-running annual private bash. It was a great group and we had a blast!

Saturday
July 26, 2008

Silvercity Shakedown
Quality Time Cafe, 999 Broad Street, Meriden, Connecticut
http://www.myspace.com/silvercityshakedown
http://www.qualitytimecafe.com
AllStar Hotrods and QT present The 1st Annual SILVERCITY SHAKEDOWN Pre 1962 ROD & CUSTOM gathering. The Aquatudes went on at 3 p.m. for a wild power-set! Also playing were our friends The Crustaceans and the Preston Wayne Four.
Saturday
July 19, 2008
Cypress Restaurant
(http://www.cypressgrill.com)
1265 South Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
(860) 346-3367
The Aquatudes returned for their second engagement at the Cypress, this time on the patio. Great weather, great evening, great crowd - thanks to all our friends/family who attended and special thanks to those who stuck around for all four sets!
Tuesday
June 17, 2008
Corporate Event
New Haven, Connecticut
The Aquatudes entertained at a private party with a beach/surf theme. Interesting international crowd enjoyed the music, danced a bit, and took lots of pictures of us!
Saturday
June 7, 2008
Zen Bar
(http://www.thezenbar.net/)
Farmington, Connecticut
The Aquatudes returned to the site of their first trio gig, courtesy of host the Blue Stingraye. Three other cool bands filled out another fun night.
Friday
May 23, 2008
Allyn Park
Pickett Lane, Durham, Connecticut
The Aquatudes kicked off the Summer Concert Series outdoors in the meadow in Durham. It was a perfect spring evening and the audience stuck around despite the presence of thousands of mayflies!
Saturday
April 19, 2008
Cypress Restaurant
(http://users.ntplx.net/~cypress/index.htm#here)
1265 South Main Street
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
(860) 346-3367
Well-known restaurant that regularly offers entertainment.
Another one-band-night - another cool place to play!

We played three sets to a receptive, dancing crowd. Rockabilly Willy from WESU-FM (88.1) was in attendance and was kind enough to introduce us.
Saturday
March 29, 2008
Funky Monkey Cafe
(http://www.thefunkymonkeycafe.com)
130 Elm Street, Watch Factory Shoppes
Cheshire, CT 06410
(203) 439-9161
Cool restaurant in Cheshire - a little hard to find the first time, but worth it. We played for 2 hours and covered a lot of ground. Audience stayed all the way through and had a great time. We hope to go back during the summer to play outdoors on the patio.
Friday
February 29, 2008
Corner Pocket Cafe
http://www.myspace.com/thecornerpocketcafe
501 Boston Post Rd.
Orange, Connecticut 06477
(203) 891-0777
Cost : $5.00 - over 21.
SURF NITE! with 9th Wave and Big Fat Combo. We played first and got a great reaction to our original material. Dick brought his vintage blue Slingerland kit.

Saturday
February 2, 2008

Roaring Brook Nature Center
http://www.roaringbrookconcerts.org/
70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT  06019
Phone: 860-693-0263
We performed at this well-known venue, along with our friends, The Crustaceans (http://www.myspace.com/crustaceansrock). Rockabilly Willy from WESU-FM (88.1) was in attendance and was kind enough to introduce both bands.

Saturday
January 5, 2008
Otto's Shrunken Head
http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/
538 E. 14 Street, NYC
The Aquatudes were one of four bands. Otto's was a really cool place. We were the 4th band that night and some great folks hung around for our whole set. Thanks to Unsteady Freddie for adding us to the show.
Saturday
November 17, 2007
Zen Bar
Farmington, CT
Our first gig as a trio - we rocked out and had a great time with all the friends and family who came out to see us. THANKS!

 

Copyright 2006-2013 Thomas J. Bittel/The Aquatudes

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