Published: July 23, 2009 09:23 pm      

Night Owls to play at Canal Place Saturday

CUMBERLAND — Saturdays Live at Canal Place free music series will be featuring the Night Owls playing blues, jazz and rock music on the bricks by the Shops at Canal Place on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.

The local classic rock band the Night Owls have added a new member to their group in Mike Faour, formerly of the Grammy award winning ’70s group Peaches & Herb. Faour plays both guitar and keyboard and can sing lead and harmony vocals. He began playing professionally in 1961 in his hometown of Washington, D.C. The addition of Faour makes the NightOwls band a 5-piece group.

Other members of the Night Owls include Mary Crosten on lead vocals, Greg Larry on lead guitar, John Wisker on drums and Greg Michaels on bass. The Night Owls are made up of veteran musicians who have been playing in the Cumberland area and Deep Creek Lake for over 30 years. The band plays songs by such bands as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crowe, Blues Traveler, Chris Isaak, The Beatles and Carlos Santana. They are currently in the process of adding some original songs penned by guitarist Greg Larry and bassist Greg Michaels to the group. Their shows can best be described as an energetic performance based on a full sound driven by their blues and rock influences. Crosten has a sultry lead vocal that displays her mastery of the blues sound. Larry, who has been playing guitar since the ’70s, plays many extended guitar solos that show his ability to improvise in a blues and jazz style. “The addition of Mike Faour to the group is a huge boost to us,” said Larry. “Mike has played all over the United States while touring with Peaches and Herb.” Faour was able to enjoy the success of Peaches and Herb while touring to support their smash hit “Reunited.” Faour also played in Las Vegas for many years at the MGM Grand, The Flamingo and several other casinos on the strip. He cites guitarists Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan as his top influences. “Danny Gatton was a friend of mine since childhood,” said Faour. “I loved him like a brother.”

Free and open to the public, music lovers are invited to bring their own seating, or they can use the fixed and moveable seating that will be provided. There is also a little space up front by the band for dancing. For a complete schedule of Saturday musical performances and other Canal Place Heritage Area events and activities, visit www.canalplace.org or call (301) 724-3655. For information about Downtown Cumberland’s Arts & Entertainment District, visit www.alleganyartscouncil.org or call the Allegany Arts Council at (301) 777-ARTS (2787). For information about Allegany County Tourism, visit www.mdmountainside.com or call (800) 425-2067.