The Davenport Project

About

The Davenport Project is a cover band hailing from the Western Suburbs of Chicago consisting of Doug Davenport (Lead Vocals), Mark Betz, (Guitar, Vocals), Steve Drove (Bass Guitar) and Mark Doherty (Drums/Vocals). They started as an acoustic trio in the spring of 2008 and have since evolved into a full band. The Davenport Project™ pride themselves in not being allowed to get tied down to one particular era, type or genre of music. They are at home on stage playing anything from 70's southern rock classics, 80's hair metal ballads, 90's acoustic power pop or contemporary songs. They strive to play songs that the crowd not only knows, but wants to hear, sing along with, or dance to. They also try to get the audience involved as much as possible by pulling people up on stage with them to sing or giving away free gifts to people that can answer their trivia questions. Right now, The Davenport Project™ has just finished putting the final touches on their 4 song demo CD (entitled "The Davenport Demos") and preparing for the 2010 festival scene with goals firmly set on playing as many large shows as possible. Their influences are as varied as the music they play ensuring an entertaining show for any audience.


Individual Bios

Doug
When Doug was five years old he picked up his first microphone. He was at his sisters drum and bugle practice, at the time he was to young to play any instruments. However, there were big speakers and a microphone sitting in the corner of the studio, so he picked it up and started to sing Elvis songs. Through the early years he always had the ear for music but was taken away from the music scene by his love of sports. As his love for baseball grew, so did his passion for music. He got involved with several musicals and plays in late 80s and early 90s. Growing up in a small town, all they had were bars and trouble. He would wait for a band to come in to town and ask if he could sing one song with them, it was then that he realized the stage was his home after they kept him up there for more than just one song. Through the late 90's he would enter entertainment contests and karaoke competitions. In 2005 he traveled throughout the Midwest singing World Karaoke competitions, which was his last year ending at number at #8 in Miami at the world finals. The past few years he has been working on recordings and several band projects, After finding guitar player Mark Bentz, he formed ‘The Davenport Acoustic Project’. Since then they have added a full band and thus changing the name to simply, "The Davenport Project". He says he is very blessed to have great musicians with him on his Midwestern rock and roll journey. He feels his latest project full of talent and heart! He hopes to see you soon!


Mike
From punk to pop, Mike, 49, hails from Glen Ellyn where, as a yoot, he really dug the drums at an early age. An acoustic emulator Mike could replicate the performances of the studio greats of the 60's, and 70's while still in grade school. While he admits to the guilty pleasures of the Partridge Family and Barry Manilow, he immersed himself in many musical genres and played in a a funk-punk band called Alonzo Savage, a party band called Flyer, and a band called Hearsay that played the local bar circuit. Mike gigged from "the Whale" to the Metro, subbed for the national touring Manny B & the Rhythm Nights and works in the not-so-glamorous television industry. His turn ons are water skiing and attending trade shows.




Steve
Beginning in the Late 1980’s Steve played with various classic rock bands in college. He dropped out of music until 2002 when in a fit of midlife crisis, he dusted off the bass and played again for a short time for local classic rock bands and ultimately for Discount Rack All Stars - an original rock band based in the Northwestern suburbs. Influences are classic blues, and good old-fashioned rock and roll! Steve is excited to get back on the road, hang out in the pocket and lay down the groove.

Personnel

Steve Dove: Bass, Booking
Doug Davenport: Vocals, Booking
Mark Doherty: Drums, Vocals
Mark Betz: Guitar, Vocals

Influences

We have a broad range of influences but only play music that we can reproduce with a great sound!

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 45 - 360 minutes

The Davenport Project offers an engaging performance experience that the audience will enjoy and remember, If you enjoy familiar rock songs that have not been overplayed and are looking for a band that interacts with people rather than just stand on stage then we are what you are looking for! Since 2007 The Davenport Project has delivered more than just music, Please check out our photos, video and audio samples. For more info contact Steve at 847-363-8413 or email through the Gigsalad link.

Stage/Setup Requirements:
Full PA and lighting is available

Additional Notes:
We have PA Equipment for large and small venues if needed
Tech Rider available upon request

Doug Vocal 1 Mic
Dan Guitar/Vocals 1 Mic, 1 Di
Tom Guitar/Vocal 1 Mic 1 DI
Mike Drums/Vocal 1 XLR (drum pad) 1 vocal mic 1 kick 2 drum/cymbals
Steve Bass 1 DI

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Recent set list for an event

1960's
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
The Weight - The Band
Little Sister - Elvis Presley

1970's
Stuck In The Middle With You - Stealers Wheel
Sweet Home Chicago - The Blues Brothers
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
Bad Moon- CCR
Green River- CCR
Lodi- CCR
CROSSROADS- CCR
Sweet Home Alabama- Lyndard Skynard
Closer to Free- Bodeans
Feel Like Making Love- Bad Company
Proud Mary- CCR

1980's
Every Rose Has It's Thorn - Poison
Pink Houses - John Mellencamp
Small Town - John Mellencamp
Centerfield - John Fogarty
867-5309 (Jenny) - Tommy Tuntone
Cherry Rock- Neil Diamond/Mellencamp
Sultans of Swing- Steve Miller
Pink Cadillac- Bruce Springsteen
The Breakup Song – Greg Kihn

1990's
3a.m. - Matchbox Twenty
Heaven's Already Here - Collective Soul
December- Collective Soul
All For You - Sister Hazel
If I Had A Million Dollars - Bare Naked Ladies
Better Man
Get A Leg Up - John Mellencamp
Real World - Matchbox Twenty
Rock This Town- Stray Cats
Good Love- John Mayer

2000's
Wonderwall- Oasis
Can’t You See-

Experience

2009: 7 gigs
2010: 12 gigs
2011: 8 gigs
2012: 6 gigs

Available for Your

Bar/Lounge, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Cruise, Fair, Festival, Fundraiser, Grand Opening, Halloween Party, Hotel, Launch Party, Private Party, Restaurant, Sporting Event, Studio Session, Trade Show, Workshop