I was at the show too and thoroughly enjoyed it, as did my wife. a couple of thoughts:

- the band enjoy each other. smiles all around. really complimentary of each others' playing.
- bruce katz is awesome.
- butch is a mighty fine drummer. he had that freight train going and it was awesome. he led the band from the back.
- heather gillis is a fine talent. glad to see her front and center between the other guitarists.

i hope they come back to new hope.

btw - havana in new hope is a great place to see a show. intimate, respectful crowd, good food and drink.

Just curious, what were your ticket prices ?

Bought tickets for a show down here in SW FL, seats here are $50

[Edited on 11/21/2016 by heineken515]

Who's playing bass in this band now? Thought I read Berry is not there anymore.

Just curious, what were your ticket prices ?

Bought tickets for a show down here in SW FL, seats here are $50

[Edited on 11/21/2016 by heineken515]

We saw them in Homer at a converted church that seats about 400.

Tickets were $32.

It wasn't sold out, probably 350 people.

Just curious, what were your ticket prices ?

Bought tickets for a show down here in SW FL, seats here are $50

[Edited on 11/21/2016 by heineken515]

I paid $40 for tickets which included seating.

Who's playing bass in this band now? Thought I read Berry is not there anymore.

I don't remember who was on bass. I was having way too much fun!

[Edited on 11/23/2016 by The_Newt]

I assumed he was drumming. I saw some YouTube videos which showed the band with a 2nd drummer. Didn't realize Garret was a bassist too. I asked this question before, and didn't get a response, but does anyone know if Butch is treating his band like a Phil & Friends, with a constantly changing lineup?

Garrett plays percussion, the new bass player is Matt Walker.

Butch is trying to have a solid lineup, so the goal is definitely not a Phil and Friends kind of thing, but it has been a revolving door so far, which includes me going in and out that door.

Hopefully they've got a solid lineup now, but I'm not sure.

Garrett plays percussion, the new bass player is Matt Walker.

Butch is trying to have a solid lineup, so the goal is definitely not a Phil and Friends kind of thing, but it has been a revolving door so far, which includes me going in and out that door.

Hopefully they've got a solid lineup now, but I'm not sure.

I saw one of the gigs you played, and just want to say that I thought your playing was excellent...very fluid! Really enjoyed seeing you and Heather trading off leads that night. I'm a lot older than you & have been playing many many years but could take a few lessons from you.

What are your plans BenS ?
Lotta people, including me, enjoyed what we heard of your playing!

What are your plans BenS ?
Lotta people, including me, enjoyed what we heard of your playing!

Thanks! Don't wanna hijack this thread but I'll let you guys know what I'm up to in the near future.

I just finished recording my first full length record called "Wooden" and that will be out on January 13th. It features all of Warren Haynes' Ashes and Dust Band minus Jeff Sipe plus a bunch of other great Nashville players. It's also got a guest appearance from Luther Dickinson. It's more of an Americana thing than my usual four piece jam band stuff, but still has a lot of electric guitar and some psychedelic rock and jazz elements.

I'll be at The Funky Biscuit in Florida opening for Butch on December 28th, and that's my last four piece "Ben Sparaco Band" show for a while, where I'll still be focusing on the material on my current EP, though I'll probably start teasing the new album then. January 12-15 I start promoting the record with a release show in Nashville, then I'm headlining the Sunshine Festival after party at The Funky Biscuit on 1/15. Lots of special guests will probably come out for that one (*cough* Luther, Derek, and Susan *cough*) and Matt Schofield, Mike Zito, and Albert Castiglia are also on the bill.

Late January I'm making a record with a friend of mine, then February 3rd I start the first leg of my spring tour in Johnson City, TN. The February leg brings me through eastern TN, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C. Maryland, up to Philly, and then back down again and back to Nashville. Second leg will be in March and takes us through Georgia and Alabama up through west Tennessee, Kentucky, and some of the midwest.

The first single off my record is streaming on my website now under "music":
http://bensparaco.com

My website and my Facebook page are the best places to see what I'm up to. I'll be announcing the rest of the spring tour dates after Thanksgiving.

As far as my future playing with Butch goes, I haven't heard from his camp since the end of the tour I did with them last summer, which was totally last minute for me. There was no serious talk of me ever being a full time member when I was on the road with them.

[Edited on 11/23/2016 by BenS]

[Edited on 11/23/2016 by BenS]

Bumping this up - Butch has a string of Florida shows this week, I see him Friday !

In case anyone is on the fence about going to see Butch's band - I recommend going !

I think the lineup/setlist I saw Dec. 30 was the same as the original poster.

Could have done without Butch singing, but other than that, the show was great !

Surrounding himself with quality, younger players is a good formula.

I'm hitting the Rock, Ribs, & Ridges Fest in NJ on 6/24 & 25. Charlie Daniels, MTB, Outlaws, Stepping Stones, Blackberry Smoke, & BT's Freight Train are playing between the Sat & Sun shows. I never saw the last 3 bands.

In case anyone is on the fence about going to see Butch's band - I recommend going !

I think the lineup/setlist I saw Dec. 30 was the same as the original poster.

Could have done without Butch singing, but other than that, the show was great !

Surrounding himself with quality, younger players is a good formula.

Agreed, caught them at the Funky Biscuit last week and it was a great show.

I've been to this venue, but not for a band this good. Sad I missed it. I did get to see Les Brers at the Fillmore up close and personal which is high on my list for best show experience I've had. That and seeing DTB at UPENN in a small auditorium in early 2000s during a snowstorm so nobody came but me and a few other straglers. Ticket was under $20. I love what Butch is doing with these 2 bands. It takes a lot of work and courage, and generous to do for the fans. I'm still amazed at the level of talent this band has had over the years. Still underrated.