A Midwest kid, from Chicago and Indianapolis mainly, one of Dan Janke’s earliest musical memories was hearing Simon & Garfunkel’s “Cecilia” percolating from the radio while his mom sipped coffee at a neighbor’s.
Damn Jankes is playing its first show in Waynesboro at Chauncey’s Smokehouse on April 5.
On Saturdays while doing chores around the house, the 8-track usually spit out something by either Simon & Garfunkel, Glen Campbell, John Denver or Neil Diamond. That gave way to his and his siblings’ 45s, albums and cassettes. Being the middle of five kids, it ranged from Abba to AC/DC, Bee Gees to Beatles, The Cars to Creedence Clearwater Revival … and his tastes continued to diversify over the years.
Music has always been the one common thread, playing in the background of all his memories.
Dan — who played in several Midwest bands, including Traffic Jam Zombies and whoa!tiger (indianapolis) — formed his latest project after setting roots in Virginia.
Damn Jankes is primarily an alt.country/rock band (sounds a bit like Old 97s, Steve Earle and Traveling Wilburys). The band blends its original outlaw rock and swamp stompers with blues shuffles and even a little reggae. Damn Jankes is as diverse as the soundtrack of Dan’s life.
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