Dallas Miller has a message for those who might have caught his Bigger Is Better Band’s performance at the recent BBQ Blues & Brew in downtown Columbus.
They were just getting warmed up.
“We’re gonna crank it up a notch,” the bassist/vocalist said of the overall energy while speaking from Indianapolis where the group is based.
The ensemble, which got some in the crowd up and dancing to tunes such as “Uptown Funk,” promises to bring plenty of exuberance to the Columbus Area Arts Council’s next JCB Neighborfest free street concert July 11 in front of The Commons at 300 Washington St. The series is a joint effort with Fun On Fourth, which coordinates food and drinks for purchase.
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Miller guarantees he and his bandmates will make the event Fun on Washington. For proof, check out the group’s groove on its video of the classic rock tune “Mustang Sally” on its Facebook page. Or you might catch a Youtube clip of the band’s version of Sly and the Family Stone’s hit “Dance to the Music.”
But if you want to see the brass section dance a bit to the music, you’ll have to see the video for the Katrina and the Waves’ song “Walking On Sunshine.”
“You know what?” Miller asked. “I think the secret of our band is that we’re all great friends. People tell us, ‘You look like you’re having a great time up there.’”
Indeed they are, with Miller and his mates all music veterans now in their 60s and relishing tunes from the 1960s to today. Back in the 1980s, group members toured with Indianapolis-area artists ranging from Carl Storie to Henry Lee Summer and performed on Q-95 album projects full of polished artists.
Lead singer Tara Trumaine, at 21, gives the group a more modern, contemporary edge.
“She’s kind of like the nice hood ornament on an old beater (car),” Miller said with a chuckle.
Those who’ve heard her soulful pipes might consider listening to her performance something a spiritual experience, given the fact that she’s a church pop-rock worship leader. But the band is built on the divine principle of humility.
“We’re all past the point of wanting to be rock stars or the next Rolling Stones,” Miller said. “We just love to play, and want people to have a great time.”
He acknowledged that a bassist’s musical underpinning can be key to the band’s often-bluesy sound.
“But, if people hear a mistake,” he said with a laugh, “I always blame the drummer.”
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What: The Columbus Area Arts Council’s JCB Neighborfest street concert presented with Fun on Fourth.
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 11.
Where: In front of The Commons at 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus.
Admission: Free, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Information: artsincolumbus.org
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