October 18, 2024
20:00pm
The Castle, Black Rock
The Castle, Black Rock
3171 Fairfield Ave
Bridgeport CT 06605
A special presentation of classic 1970s and ’80s rock ‘n’ roll tunes mixed with new-age ’90s to present rock songs will be held at the Levitt Pavilion tomorrow night as the local cover band, Scratch, hits the stage. Audiences of all ages are invited to join what Scratch considers the “highlight” of their summer.
Scratch musicians Rich Baron, Greg Lippert, Mark Bogues and Jim Indelicato are from all over southwestern Connecticut including Danbury, New Fairfield, Trumbull and Southbury. Lead guitar and back-up vocalist, Lippert, is originally from Westport.
The history of Scratch really started back in 1985 when Lippert and Baron met and started playing at bars in college. Years later, they decided to reunite and form a full band. After a few members came in and fell out, Scratch finally has a steady group and has started to hit local clubs scenes at a demanding level.
“Our name has gotten around and our mailing list has grown. We played one place, the guy said we were the best band he ever had in there,” said Lippert.
Scratch seems to have almost regular shows at popular spots O’Neils in South Norwalk, The Crab Shell in Stamford and Molly Darcy’s in Danbury. Lippert said that they also play shows sometimes in New Haven, Black Rock and Rowayton.
“We found if you want to get a lot of work, you have to give people what they want,” explained Lippert. “We’ve had long debates about the type of much we want to play.”
Eventually they decided to void out two songs — “Jesse’s Girl” by Rick Springfield and “867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone — and continue to play almost any other request given to them.
The band’s repertoire has something for everyone, including songs from Santana, Van Morrison, Grateful Dead, BB King, Def Leppard, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Lynard Skynard, Neil Young, Bon Jovi, U2, Jimmy Buffet, Blink 182, Greenday, Matchbox 20, Fall Out Boy, Sugarcult, Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, The Foo Fighters, and Oasis.
“A lot of these song that are popular almost happen by accident,” said Lippert. He explained that a few songs just had an incredible response when it was requested the first time. “Wonderwall,” by Oasis, was one of them, and so was “Sweet Home Alabama,” by Lynard Skynard.
Scratch is “very much looking forward” to playing at the Pavilion this year. They hope to see friends, clients and family there as well as new fans or anyone else who would like to check it out.
“When it’s good, it’s really fun! Even playing the same old tunes,” said Lippert.
Scratch hits the Levitt Pavilion tomorrow night, Aug. 1st at 8 p.m. The concert is free and is located on Jesup Road behind the public library. The rain location is Saugatuck Elementary School at 170 Riverside Ave. Westport.
Check out Scratch at www.scratchtheband.com.