The Rousers with the Phat Phunktion Horns, Phil Gnarly & the Tough Guys

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One of Madison’s best bands has also proven historically durable: The Rousers celebrate 35 years of music at the recently renovated Barrymore Theatre. With able assistance from the Phat Phunktion horns and other special guests, the Rousers will blow the roof off the place with their signature mix of rock, honky tonk and blues, including some songs they haven’t played for decades. Opening is another legendary local group formed in 1984, Phil Gnarly & the Tough Guys.

press release: The Barrymore Theatre presents; 105.5 Triple M, WORT 89.9 FM, The Isthmus, and Capital Brewery welcome AN EVENING WITH THE ROUSERS

35^th ANNIVERSARY SHOW “LIVIN’ IN THE MIDWEST”

with “THE PHAT PHUNKTION HORNS”

and special guests PHIL GNARLY & THE TOUGH GUYS

more special guests TBA

Tickets $25.00 Advance / $30.00 Day Of Show

But Tickets

By definition the Rousers live up to their name. The six member group’s show stopping stage presence has stimulated audiences regularly throughout the Midwest for the past 35 years. The Rousers have performed at many clubs and festivals around the country and have been a crowd favorite at every show.

Although they all now call Madison, Wisconsin home, most of the members bring other regional influences to the group. Each of the six members has lists of bands they have played with while growing as musicians and fine-tuning their talents. When they came together in 1984, the sound they formed was a combination of, well …everything: deep rooted rock n’ roll, blues, country and even a little bit of swing.

Since the formation of the Rousers, the group has remained intact as they perform today with four of the original members. 2015 saw the addition of two new members, with Frank Queram stepping into the bass guitar slot, and Dave Benton bringing another guitar to the mix. This group creates songs that turn into magic when they perform them on stage. Whether it be the hard driving, “Runaway Train” or the roadhouse piano flare of “Lighting Bolt”, each original Rousers song has layers of depth.

In 1991 the band recorded and produced their first full-length album, “Full Moon Bad Weather” in conjunction with producer Butch Vig. Past Rouser releases which include the EP “In Without Knocking”, and CD’s “Full Moon Bad Weather” and “Rainbows End” capture the true essence of the Rousers.



From Ernie’s rocking guitar riffs to Frank’s soulful harmonica and singing style, to the rhythmic drumming of Lee’s downbeat complete with Frank Queram’s driving bass, and the flavoring of Don’s honky-tonk piano and Dave’s steady rhythm guitar, you can’t go wrong with this combination. The party doesn’t start until the Rousers get there.