Cover Celebrations, Hard Work, & the Road: Pat Guadagno’s Musical Journey

Are you a musician struggling to stay inspired on the road? Discover how to keep your passion alive, even when far from home. In this episode of Gig Gab, host Dave Hamilton sits down with Pat Guadagno, a celebrated singer and musical storyteller from the Jersey Shore music scene.

Pat shares his journey from cover artist to respected interpreter of classic songs, including his unexpected collaboration with Blue Öyster Cult’s Buck Dharma. He discusses the evolution of his career, from playing local bars to performing shows celebrating iconic songwriters like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

The conversation delves into Pat’s approach to gear, his preference for Takamine guitars, and why he still records with a Shure SM58 microphone. Pat also offers insights on the importance of always giving your best performance, no matter the size of the audience.

From the challenges of being a non-songwriter in a songwriter’s world to the thrill of unexpected fan encounters, Pat’s stories remind us to “Always Be Performing.” Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for any working musician.

Ready to be inspired? Tune in to this episode of Gig Gab and learn how to keep your musical flame burning bright, no matter where the road takes you.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 468 – Monday, February 10, 2025
  • February 10th: National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• 00:01:43 Guest co-host: Pat Guadagno
• 00:02:24 Meeting Buck Dharma…without knowing!
  • Buck Dharma on Gig Gab
• 00:05:58 The Jersey Shore Music Scene
  • Saw Bruce Springsteen at a YMCA Dance
• 00:08:10 A gig on Bob Dylan’s Birthday becomes an impromptu tribute show
  • BobFest with Pat Guadagno
• 00:12:11 And then tributes to: Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Hank Williams, Warren Zevon, Van Morrison
• 00:12:43 Tribute bands vs. celebration shows
• 00:17:48 Bob Dylan covers and collaborations
  • Wagon Wheel
  • Well, Well, Well
• 00:20:05 Tribute shows teach us musicians more about the artist and the songs than just being in a cover band
• 00:22:20 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:23:46 Pat’s Warren Zevon cover appears in … Californication!
  • Terry McGovern with Bruce Springsteen
  • SiriusXM’s Coffehouse Covers
• 00:28:15 Playing covers vs. originals
  • Painting Houses is working in bars
  • Painting Pictures is working on stage
• 00:29:50 Music Directing METV’s Big Variety Show
  • Glen Burtnik
• 00:36:00 Leverage Your Free Time to Book Gigs!
  • The Shannon Door Pub in New Hampshire
• 00:39:26 Never take a night off
• 00:41:55 Gear Gab
  • Dunlop Custom Made Picks!
  • Takamine Guitars
  • LR Baggs Pedals
• 00:45:00 Shure SM58 for recording vocals in the studio
• 00:48:31 Traveling as light as I can
  • Bose S2
• 00:50:20 Upcoming Pat Guadagno Shows
• 00:53:11 Gig Gab Outtro
• Contact Gig Gab!
  • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
  • feedback@giggabpodcast.com
  • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

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