Snap Daddies Play "Man Eater" and "Like a Virgin," For Beer, Friday at the Tavern

Tonight, the Snap Daddies are packing in the Celtic Tavern right here in Northborough. This four-piece band out of Westford, MA, features James Lee on vocals and guitar, Jonathan Pehl on vocals and guitar, David Chambers on vocals and bass, and Tod Salmonson on drums. 

Pehl, Lee and Salmonson have been playing together since they were in eighth grade, which is roughly 30 years ago, according to Talmonson. The old trio went through such names as Labyrinth, Jonny Fish and The Flamingos and Doctor Smigley's Baby, forming the Snap Daddies a year and a half back with Chambers. Originally, the band got together to jam in Salmonson's basement. And while it's still "for the fun of it," they've taken the act to the stage. 

"We do primarily covers that fall into funk/reggae and straight up rock 'n' roll," said Salmonson. "There are handful of original tunes that we've developed that tend to fit more into the reggae/ska genre.  Jon and James do primary writing for the originals and Jon has recently brought a countryish tune to the table - maybe we'll play it tonight....not sure if we've got it down, we'll see how it goes....maybe. We're all pretty loose on stage so ego trips don't come into play with figuring things out on the fly in front of a live audience."

Northborough Patch caught up with the Daddies for a brief chat with Salmonson.

Where'd the band name come from?

From my own mind. My nickname is "Fish" so I was toying with the idea of "Fishmonson" but it just didn't flow off the tongue...and it felt a little egotistical.  I just like the way "The Snap Daddies" sounds. I think it feels fun with a little bit of energy behind it....plus it cracked up my daughter when she heard it. I am the father of 7 year old bo and twins girls.

Anyone really a daddy in the band?

We have three daddies in the band. As far as we all know, James has no children.

Who tells the best jokes in the band?

You can put James and me as the jokesters in the band....although I'm at least four times funnier than he is....plus I look better naked behind the drum kit than he does naked behind his guitar. His a$$ is getting kind of flabby with age.

Song you might not expect to hear by the Snap Daddies, but will?

A surprise song that you may hear from us would be the "Jeffersons Theme" or maybe a little "Man Eater" by Hall and Oates. Maybe even "Like a Virgin" by Madonna if enough beer is brought to the stage for Jon. Yes, we'll play for beer.

Why go to the Celtic Tavern tonight?

There is always a good reason to come and see us at The Celtic Tavern (like no cover charge), but I highly suggest that you bring your boogie shoes if you do. We've got a small fan base that loves to dance and grab a tambourine and come up on stage with us.  Our folks love to dance and we've seen some interesting displays of movement here.  If you're not there to dance at least come over and say hello to the band and enjoy the crazy folks on the floor whom we hold so dear to our hearts.  Please forward videos or pics to our FaceBook page - we'll post it if you take it.                

We've been harmonizing since we were 13 years old and have developed the band with David to a masterful sound that is truly a musicians band.....plus we're ego free (can I say that enough?). David can hit this craaaaazy falsetto and gives Barry Gibb a run for his money. 

What to expect in a typical Snap Daddies setlist:  The Beatles, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, The Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Hot Chocolate, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Billy Preston, Blondie, CeeLo Greene, Bowie, Queen, Doobie Brothers, George Michael, KC and the Sunshine Band, Musical Youth, Hall and Oats, Toto, No Doubt, Sublime, TrainWild Cherry, U2, Weezer, Blink 182