One of the longest running bands in the Nashville area, The Don Kelley Band has been going strong since 1981.
The band played at The Stagecoach, first in the Day's Inn on Murfreesboro Road, then the "coach" moved, in 1983, down the street to a bigger place which was once called The Plantation. The band stayed at that location, with a number of different players, until 1992.
Don then took his band to a few other clubs around town before settling into a little place called Gabes, on Arctic Street, where musicians and wanna-be's would get together to jam.
When Don's band left Gabes he went to his old friend, Robert Moore, who, at the time, owned Robert's on lower Broad. That was a breakout time for Broadway, with BR 549 leading the way at Robert's. Soon, many clubs cleaned up their acts and began hiring better musicians. After a long period of dilapidated clubs and peep shows, Broadway began a resurgence, with Br 549, and then The Don Kelley Band leading the way. Since that time, around 1996, Broadway has blossomed into a desirable tourist and local destination for music. The peep shows are all gone, the clubs on the street have wonderful bands, and The Don Kelley Band is still playing at Robert's.
Some of the great players who have played with the band are: Brent Mason, David Byrd, Paul Cook, Sid Hudson, Jimmy Carter, Paul Hollowell, Katherine Styrine, Johnny Hiland, and Guthrie Trapp, just to mention a few. The present lineup is: Dave Roe, Bass; JD Simo, Guitar; Artie Alinikoff, Drums; and of course, Don Kelley, rhythm and lead Guitar.
Hey DKB, Just wanted to say thanks again for letting me set in with you guys! It was an honor and i had a blast! See you guys soon and Thank yall very much!
Hello Don, was in town last week, caught your show a couple times, great band, we really enjoyed ourselves, your song selection is the best, take care my friend, see you again Rick
