Commander Cody rings in New Year

STANHOPE - Commander Cody brings his band to the Stanhope House for a special performance on New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31st. In addition to the music patrons will enjoy all the excitement of New Year’s Eve, including party hats and other festive extras. The close knit Commander Cody Band features the legendary George Frayne a.k.a. “The Commander” (leader /keyboards/vocals), Steve Barbuto (drums/vocals), Rick Mullen (bass) and Mark Emerick on lead guitar and vocals. Guest steel guitar appearances often include folks such as Bobby Black, Tiny Olson, John Wingren and Don E. Curtis. The newest edition of the band harks back to the instrumental virtuosity and spontaneity of the original band, and the response from critics and crowds have been overwhelmingly positive. Commander Cody himself leads the musical mayhem and controlled chaos behind his piano with his legendary antics and ability to spark up even the toughest crowds. The band was first conceived in 1968, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but arrived in San Francisco in 1969, just in time to catch the tale end of the summer of love. They were 8 pieces strong. The repertoire stretched from old time rock and roll; red neck country; boogie-woogie; Cajun; swing/jazz; plus their self-penned party anthems. Eventually, they signed to Paramount Records, and the twangy “Hot Rod Lincoln” was a runaway hit, reaching the top ten in 1972. A few more tunes breached the top 40 as they hit the concert trail, playing the legendary Fillmore Auditorium, and finding themselves on bills with the Grateful Dead, The Doors, The Jefferson Airplane, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin and The Eagles. They also backed up legends Gene Vincent, Link Wray and John Lennon. Later, their 1974 album “Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas,” was named as one of Rolling Stones 100 Greatest of all times. The Stanhope House is located at 45 Main Street in downtown Stanhope. Advanced tickets (including dinner-show combinations) can be purchased by calling (973) 347-0458 or visiting www.stanhopehouse.com.