Events: Celebrate Romano’s 80th Birthday and Album Release
80-year-old Rock Romano, a prominent figure in the Houston rock and roll scene, is gearing up to celebrate not only reaching this milestone birthday but also the highly anticipated release of his latest album, Seasons Change. Throughout his impressive career, Romano has accumulated a wealth of musical talent and an abundance of captivating stories that he is eager to share with fans.
The birthday festivities for Rock Romano kick-off with a grand album release party at Dan Electro’s on February 14th. The following day, on February 15th, a special performance at Cactus Music promises to be a highlight of the weekend celebrations. The band will then head to Lucy Blues in Conroe for another inaugural performance and conclude the weekend of jubilations with a final show at Green Oaks Tavern on Sunday night.
In anticipation of the string of events, Romano expressed his excitement, stating, “To me, the party at Dan Electro’s is like a bunch of kids putting on a show for the neighborhood.” With emotions running high, Rock Romano reflected on the remarkable turnout of fellow musicians and friends who will be joining him on stage for the celebrations. Notably, he plans to reunite his much-loved Houston band, Dr. Rockit, accompanied by the Rock In Orbit All-Stars and a lineup of special guests, including the talented Cindy Thrall.
One of Romano’s longtime collaborators, Steve Krase, praised the musician, lauding him as an exceptional individual who could potentially win a mayoral election in a landslide. Krase, who has played harmonica with Romano for two decades, played a pivotal role in encouraging Rock to record and release his latest songs, a project that was expertly executed with the vinyl produced locally at 610 Record Manufacturing.
The album Seasons Change paints a vivid picture of Romano’s musical evolution, showcasing an eclectic mix of styles ranging from blues and soul to jazz, zydeco, and rock. With a prominent horn section adding depth to the tracks, Romano’s songwriting skills and storytelling abilities shine through. Reflecting on his journey, Rock Romano hails from humble beginnings as a teenager performing at school functions and local events, enriching his musical repertoire along the way.
Recollections of past experiences, such as opening for legendary performers like Jackie Wilson and Solomon Burke, add to Romano’s remarkable journey through different musical eras. From his early days with The Baroque Brothers to his psychedelic rock ventures with Sixpence and Fun and Games, Romano has always been keen on learning and growing. His time spent with Fun and Games resulted in notable hits like “Elephant Candy” and “The Grooviest Girl In The World.”
Rock Romano’s dedication to his craft is evident in the meticulous work that has gone into his latest album. Despite his illustrious career, Romano remains humble, always eager to engage with fellow musicians and fans alike. The release of Seasons Change not only represents a significant milestone in his musical journey but also a testament to his enduring passion for creating music that resonates with audiences of all generations.