February 16th 2004

November 19th 2003 Newsletter

I got home from Nashville at 7:30 p.m. on a Saturday in April of 1998. I had just enough time to unload what little luggage I had, load my equipment into my car, and get to the gig I had to play with The Planet that evening. That gig was at The Backstreet Café. That was the last and only time we played there. I think that is why we are very excited about this Saturday. Amongst other reasons. Its always exciting going into a new club and show everyone what a Planet party is like. And believe me, this Saturday will be a party. We will be playing some new songs that we have learned over the past month along with some songs that we haven’t played in a while. So with that, we hope to see all of yas there. Tell you friends, family, neighbors, whoever. Let everyone know that the place to be this Saturday is The Backstreet Café in Mentor. Enough of that. We moved practices back to my basement and have been writing still for the cd. We scrapped a couple of songs for some better ideas, and this has added time to our target date of release. I know that we had been saying that the cd was gonna be out by now, and we were pushing hard for it, but we have come to realize that taking our time and putting the best of ours songs on it and not just the songs that we have is a much better way to go. I think when we completed the first 4 songs and mixed them that we got too excited and anxious to complete the cd and get it out to everyone. I guess that what I am saying is be patient, I know that we have been saying “ It will be out soon” but we don’t want to rush it. Also we will be branching out into the Akron/Canton market next month and we hope to bring all of you with us. Maybe we can do a bus thing or something. Email the website with feedback on the bus thing. If enough people are interested, then maybe we can make it happen. Until then we want to thank everyone for their continued support. I have never been in a band were the audience is so appreciative of what we do. From all of us, Thank You. You deserve it. One last note. Please continue to support our troops. I am witness to what a lot of families throughout this country are dealing with. It’s a hard situation, but one that is easier with support. A big shout out to Alan Dumont and the 762^nd division of the U.S. Army. We  have a big Planet party waiting for you when you get home. Hey Dre. Daddy loves you.

                                             GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Tommy Fiore

May 2003 Newsletter

There was once a young boy who really wanted to play guitar.  Bad enough in fact that he bugged his parents about buying him a guitar every day for months on end.  When on one hot summer day, the entire family went to a flea market where the young boy saw a new/used acoustic guitar.  The price seemed more than reasonable, to a boy who was only 9 years old that is.  So he begged and pleaded with his parents to buy him the guitar, but to no avail.  On the way home, the young boy tried to hide his tears and whimpering of disappointment from his parents.  As the young boy stomped back into the house, arms crossed and head down upon returning from the flea market, his father shouted “I think we left something in the trunk…Go get it!”  So the boy gathered himself together.  Trying to fight his bitterness and rebellion from the anger of not getting his beloved guitar, went back out to the car and checked the trunk.  His eyes opened wide as the trunk lid flew open to reveal something he didn’t expect.  The guitar he wanted so terribly lay in from of him.  His childish bitterness quickly turned into joy and celebration.  He couldn’t wait to start playing.  He dreamed of being a Rock Star.  Strumming chords in front of countless, adoring fans as his amp threw ripping bar chords across the arena floor.  Why he couldn’t stand it anymore, he just snatched it up out of the trunk, ran in the house, thanked his parents and went straight to his room to begin his career as a lead guitar player.

          Sounds like a typical story of most guitar players right?  Well let me continue.  That same boy soon found out how much he actually did NOT like playing the guitar.  “This is a pain in the… and it’s not as fun as I thought!  And aren’t most lead guitar players gay anyway?”  The little boy pondered this for about another week and eventually never played guitar again.  Have you figured out who the little boy is yet?  If you haven’t that same boy eventually bought a drum set at age 16 and has never stopped since!  Yes, that little boy was me, Drummer Dave, and it is a true story.  Just a little more history “Behind the Music” of Dave’s Planet for you. 

          Thanks to all our fans for your continuing support.  We all appreciate it very much.  The shows continue to be a good time, and I look forward to seeing all of you every week.  We are still working on our original CD.  The progress is slower than expected, but we should have a better final product when we are done.  I personally like what we have so far, and look forward to recording the rest of the songs.  As soon as it is finished, we really need your support, as long as you like it!  If you do, spread the word, call radio stations, tell your Uncle who is a record executive at Wind-Up Records, whatever it takes!  We need all the help and support we can get.  This is a really competitive business as you all know, but we are doing all we can to make it.  I promise Back Stage Passes for all if we make it!  Although you all wouldn’t fit Back Stage, there is too many of you!  I tell you what, if we make it, I’ll throw a private party (pool party that is) at my house.  Private invitation to all those on our e-mail list, plus one guest.  All food, adult beverages, and…whatever on the house.  Plus an MTV unplugged style outdoor concert in my back yard.  Mark my words, if…or I should say when it happens, keep checking your e-mail!

Come on stage and say hi! (during the songs too!)

Drummer Dave Vogrin

                                                   APRIL 2003 Newsletter

Hi all.  As April comes upon us,  we look back at March and remind ourselves of the fun/insanity we had at the PLANET SHOWS. (what we can remember)  We had a 5 yr. reunion show at Sneakee Pete's.  where  DAVE JUKA  had not one but two of the road crew carry him off stage at the end of the night.   We spent St. Pattys day at the Stadium where there was more green skin than shirts.   We added a few new song by Seether, Chevelle,  System of a Down,  3- Doors Down & Saliva.    We reached over 40,000 hits on our website : WWW.DAVESPLANETLIVE.COM  , we had another local band steal our e-mail list, and  we even took a weekend off without being arrested.

We added a few new things into the stage set up for those who were not looking.  We brought back the American Flags,  Tommy brought in a new Mesa Boogie Amp,    Juka has a new guitar strap,   Sammy has a new 53 - P bass,   and Vogrin added a Purple Monkey to his collection of drum toys.  (you may want to send him an e-mail with ideas for a name)  We can't leave out Dennis as he has added a few new things to the mix.  You can see what Dennis did by going to our website,   WWW.DAVESPLANETLIVE.COM
First you will notice the NEW LOGO, (how cool is that?)  and then you can go to the new CALENDAR LINK that will give you the bands schedule for THE ENTIRE YEAR.  (now you can plan way ahead)   which is a good time to mention Dennis has scheduled some  outdoor shows for the summer so stop by the Calendar link and make your plans to join us.  

Mark Snodgrass from the North Coast Voice Magazine gave the band a very positive review in the March 4th thru 17th issue.  Dennis has put a link on the PLANET WEBSITE so you can read the article along with pictures by Brian Douglas,  Kim Juka, & Kevin Honaker.  Please stop by and check it out.   We want to send a big thanx to Mark Snodgrass & the entire gang at the North Coast Voice for all the support. 

April will be a very exciting month as we are putting the finishing touches on the first group of songs from our as yet untitled CD.  Actually to tell the truth,  Tommy has been very busy.   He is the only one of us that  understands how the damn computer program works.  But he assures us it will be nothing less than great!   Stay tuned for updates on the CD!!!

finally,  We have decided to take the band across the river to the Westside of Cleveland and WE NEED YOUR HELP.   ON SATURDAY,   APRIL 12TH,  We need you and anyone you can get to come out to:

THE RUNWAY BAR
15318 BROOKPARK RD.
CLEVELAND,  OHIO
216 -267-0494

THE RUNWAY IS THE SECOND BUILDING WEST OF W.150TH ST.
ON BROOKPARK ROAD.  IT IS VERY EASY TO GET TO FROM EITHER
I-480 OR   I - 71 .....................

For anyone who wishes to make a night out of it,  there is a DAYS INN  hotel across the street from the RUNWAY . You can call for reservations.

DAYS INN
16161 Brookpark Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio
216-267-5100

THIS BAND IS ONLY SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  AND WE KNOW THIS SO,,,,,,WE ARE ASKING YOU TO HELP US TEACH THE WESTSIDE HOW  A REAL PLANET PARTY SHOULD BE.    APRIL 12TH................APRIL 12TH............APRIL 12TH.............APRIL 12TH........................

Last and most important..........Dave, Tommy, Dave, Dennis the road crew and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support.  We will keep trying like hell to keep you entertained and as usual,

                                            WE'LL ROCK YOUR WORLD!

                                            See you at the next gig!!!!

                                        SAMMY FREE & DAVE'S PLANET




WWW.DAVESPLANETLIVE.COM
America Rockz!

Newsletter for February 2003

Hello Fans;

Once again were in the middle of what appears is going to be a long cold winter. If you can brave the weather on a Saturday night we’d love to have you stop out for a show.  We would also like to thank all of our fans who have been showing up regularly.  We know who you are and we appreciate your support.  Not only have we had a lot of fun over the years but we’ve also made a lot of good friendships.  We would also like to thank all of the club owners for treating us so kindly.  The reason we play these places and not some others is because of the respect we receive from the management and staff of these establishments. 

          The band is incredibly about to begin our 6^th year of playing music together.  Where in the hell did the time go?  We have so many memories of great moments over the years and so many blurry moments as well, accompanied by the Sunday’s on the couch unable to move.  But that is exactly what we are all about.  Getting out to party away a week’s worth of the real world singing and dancing to good music.  By the way if you have not seen the band lately now is a good time to do so.  We feel we are playing as well and as tight as we ever have.  We are also constantly learning new material and for our fans who see us every weekend you will notice that we change at the minimum 10 songs per show from week to week.  I know sometimes it may appear your hearing the same songs all the time but that’s really not the case.  Of course we do have our favorites (Godsmack, Disturbed). Fuck Yeah Baby.  Also if you here a song that you think the band might do well please e-mail your suggestions to us.  We’re always looking for new material to learn.  Keep in mind we won’t do any Backstreet Boys, J-Lo or Bee Gee’s songs.

          With that being said, we are now officially in the studio creating our first all original project and we are really pumped up about it.  The CD, which will consist of 10-12 original songs, will be out some time this spring. We will begin playing some of the material in near future shows.  We’ve got a lot of great things coming up this year so make sure you keep in touch.

          The web site will be two years old in February and we are approaching 35,000 hits. Phenomenal.  Thanks to Dennis Steffy for doing a great job.  Also thanks to our great crew for their hard work in our continual effort to puncture eardrums.  IF IT AIN’T LOUD IT AIN’T ROCK & ROLL!

          We are in search of an artist who is interested in giving us some logo ideas.  If any one has any drawing talent please sketch some ideas down and let us take a look.  You never know it could make the cover of the new CD.

Thanks Again

Dave Juka &  DAVE’S PLANET

                                   TOMMY  FIORE

Newsletter for April  2002

     Okay so its been a while since we have had to worry about people showing up to our gigs . But at about 9:15 Saturday night I heard the words come from my mouth that always gets a rise out of Dennis Steffy, “Do ya think that anyone will be here tonight?”. He hates that question and it is a running joke amongst the band members. But for a moment I was actually worried. But it seems that no matter where or when, you guys always show up. That is what I was trying to say at our birthday party at the wheel. We are very grateful for the loyalty of the Dave’s Planet fans. Once again a crowded room full of pretty girls and  partying guys. It was a great turnout for our debut at The Cove. And those who were able to make it can chalk it up to another party that the police didn’t break up. They are all that way. We are very excited about the upcoming months and the future. We have written and played our first original and the initial reactions to the song have been very positive. We are currently writing number two and hope to have a cd worth of material by the end of the year. All along the writing process our plan is to record each of the songs as they are completed. Feel free to give us feedback. Who is to say that sometime down the road we will be sending out an email for our cd release party. That is our plan. The Horseshoe and Scores are two new clubs that we playing at in the next month. We are constantly learning new songs to keep our sets different. Please keep in mind that we are always open to suggestions as far as tunes go. Email us or let one of us know at the gigs what you want to hear. Just don’t tell Vogrin. We had to listen to him whine about The Game by Disturbed. Ha! We proved you wrong Voggy. Sit down! Just play! We hope to see more and more of   you and your friends in the future. This sh*t is getting out of control and we are loving every bit of it. I will try to write a mailer once a month if I can and give you the inside scoop. Oh yeh, two last things. I still don’t have blinds on my front window so keep honkin as you drive by and see me sitting there. Second, whoever it was that drove by on Monday and beeped. I couldn’t see who you were but the least you could have done was stop and help me shovel my F-in drive….Ha ha…. Stay tuned for details @  WWW.DAVESPLANETLIVE.COM

Tom Fiore Guitar                                

Newsletter for March 2002

     Well……another new club and a packed house.   I have a feeling we will be going back there.  The Beachcomber II staff was more than cordial and a pleasure to deal with.  Daves Planet not only “Rocked their House” they “Tore it down”!  I have been around bands for a good part of my life and I can honestly say that Daves Planet is one of the best that I have witnessed.  They excell not only in sound quality, thanks to top level equipment and Dennis behind the board, but also in showmanship and pure musical talent.  They simply take command of a crowd and keep the party going all night long.  From the moment they open with a thunder, Dave Juka takes possession of a crowd and simply dismisses them when he is done well into the end of the night!  There is an incredible stage presence and combined overall energy in the room that could power a small town.   It is rare that the bar workers aren’t kicking people out at the end of the night, well after the show is over.  I know this, because I am there every night waiting for my fiancé Brian and his partner to load it all up for the next show. 

       I know each one of these band members personally. I have over time become friends with them and it is easy to say, they are a really good group of guys.  They all want to make sure that people are comfortable and enjoying themselves.  Entertaining the flurry of fans is the number one issue on their minds.   But, I believe people get the wrong impression of them. The impression that this is all fun and games to the guys, and that has nothing to do with Sammy losing his pants.  Yes this is a lot of fun, but behind that is a very strong work ethic.  These guys work very hard to make sure they put on the best show possible for you.  This isn’t a “show up and give them what they have always gotten” thing to them.  They practice during the week and are constantly learning new songs to be on the cutting edge of the grooves.  That is what gives the persona that it is second nature to them.  They all have kind hearts, are genuine, and it shows through their performance.   I would say that anyone who goes to see them, will walk away feeling like they know them personally as well.   It’s hard not to.

       Now, since I am with one of the crew guys, I have to be a little bias and give credit to them as well.  These guys, Brian & Dennis are there 3 hours before show time setting it up and tearing it down for 1-2 hours afterwards, and this doesn’t include their participation during the night as well.  Dennis is masterful on the light show (in fact big things on the way), and Brian is running around the room like a crazy man, dancing, jumping, partying and taking pictures of all you guys for the website trying to capture your party moments!  Brian and Dennis devotedly support Dave (lead), Sammy (bass), Dave (drums), Tommy (guitar) and Steffy (sound), and they instantly jump in on the rare occasion that there is a problem during a performance.  Make no mistake these guys are just as crazy as the ones on stage, they just do it off the stage.  These are the behind scenes events that the fans are unaware of.  I have seen most bands treat their crew guys like a lower class, but NOT “Daves Planet”.  This band truly cares, and they are always helping them out and concerned that they are being taken care of.   That is how they keep good people.  When you add it all up, it spells out reliability, showmanship, great sound, and a fantastic party experience.

     Lastly, THANK YOU TO THE FANS AND THE “GROUPIES”.  Without you, this band would not be what it is today.  Don’t think for a second that everyone involved with this band doesn’t know and appreciate that!  I know I speak like I am with the band, and in a way I am.  I am also a “Groupie”.  I have never seen such loyal fans as all of you.  It’s awesome!   But, then again, it’s not hard to keep going back, they are so good, and everyone has such a good time, that I find myself anxiously awaiting the next Saturday show! If you haven’t yet come to a “Planet” show what they heck are you waiting for???

     See you there!!!  P.S.  If Brian gets in your face with that camera feel free to flip him off.  In fact flip the whole band off, they live for that s**t.

 Nicole Caprara