THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 27, 1995 TAG: 9508250233
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
The Tidewater-based band, led by singer Danny Morgan, brings its blend of rhythm and blues, classic rock, reggae hits, Motown and original material to Kellys in Nags Head.
Here's some dirt on the four-man band.
Morgan put the group together at Virginia Tech in 1982. His aim was to be the party band of all party bands. After auditioning musicians and settling on four other men who shared his musical mania, the group needed a name.
``I remembered a guy named Sarge,'' Morgan said. ``He was the janitor at our high school. He was happy-go-lucky, always whistling while he worked. That's what we were all about.''
The band used Blacksburg, Va., as its base until 1989, when Morgan moved to Virginia Beach.
Although The Janitors have gone through a number of personnel changes (there have been 40 Janitors), the current lineup of Morgan, drummer David Kirkman, guitarist Mark Penton and bassist Alton Smith is rock solid.
Morgan and his mates tackle such tunes as AC/DC's ``Shook Me All Night Long,'' Louis Armstrong's ``Wonderful World,'' The Neville Brothers' ``Iko, Iko'' and Bing Crosby's ``Daddy's Little Girl.''
``We try to please people from 22 to 82,'' Morgan says.
Other artists favored by the band include: The Ohio Players, James Brown, Van Morrison, Little Feat, Stevie Wonder, Spin Doctors and Elvis Presley.
But music is only half the show. Frontman Morgan is perpetual motion, dancing dressed in outrageous hats and costumes. The band also encourages audience participation. They bring an assortment of Hula Hoops for audience members to try out. On stage every night is a bright yellow bucket with the band's name printed in bold letters.
While some audience members Hula Hoop, others may ride the bucket across the dance floor.
``We want to make sure our audience has a good time,'' Morgan says.
The Janitors play about 200 dates a year, mostly in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.
In addition to the wide range of cover tunes the band plays, five original songs have recently been added to the repertoire. The originals may find their way onto a CD the band plans to record in the winter.
The Janitors have opened for a number of big-time acts: Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood and Fabulous Thunderbirds.
And wherever they play, it's a party. MEMO: John Harper covers Outer Banks entertainment for The Carolina Coast.
Send comments and questions to him at P.O. Box 10, Nags Head, N.C.
27959.
WHAT & WHERE
Who: The Janitors
Where: Kelly's Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern, M.P. 10.5, U.S.
158
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
For more information: 441-4116 ILLUSTRATION: Photo courtesy of The Janitors
The Tidewater-based band, The Janitors, will perform their blend of
rhythm and blues, classic rock, reggae hits, Motown and original
material at Kelly's in Nags Head.
by CNB