‘The Punch List’ with Hank Futch
Metronome Charleston‘s weekly Punch List puts local musicians on the spot with a questionnaire that touches on music, venues, gear, records, vices, and more. This week, Hank Futch (pictured above , center) of veteran band the Blue Dogs responds to the big 10.
1. What is your favorite local hang and why?
“There are many, but the one that I’ve been hanging at for as long as I can remember is the Windjammer. I always enjoy hangin’ at the Windjammer whether I’m playing or not. You can always count on a smiling face from behind the bar, great music from local, regional and national acts and some of the best cheeseburgers the Lowcountry has to offer.”
2. You know you’ve played an excellent show when…
“The room is still packed and the crowd wants an encore and you’re not beating yourself up over the mistakes that you may have made. Long and short is when everyone is smiling including your bandmates.”
3. What was the last show you attended that really got you fired up in a good or bad way?
“I saw The Avett Brothers at the North Charleston Coliseum for the first time and was blown away by their show. The band’s musicianship and songwriting gave my musical and artistic battery a serious boost. I especially loved the song ‘Murder in the City’ which was played solo at the end of the show. I was in awe in a very good way.”
4. Define your musical style in exactly 10 words.
“Roots-Oriented Low Country Rock And Roll For The Soul.
5. What’s your theme song?
“‘Sweet Heaven When I Die.’ I learned it from the late great Doc Watson.”
6. Gear-wise, what’s is your irreplaceable baby?
“My Alembic Classico upright electric bass.”
7. What’s the most overplayed album in your collection?
“NRBQ’s Dummy. I love the album, but it also happens to be stuck in my CD player.”
8. When was the last time you were genuinely star-struck?
“When Hootie and the Blowfish invited me to play bass with them at the Merle Watson Festival with Doc, Sam Bush, Steve Earle, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band members, Peter Wernick, Chris Thile, and a host of others. I was star-struck in every direction that I looked on that stage. It was this bluegrass picker’s dream.”
9. What’s your poison?
“Tito’s vodka and tonic with a splash of OJ and a wedge of lime.”
10. In 10 years, I will be…
“Celebrating the Blue Dogs 25th anniversary and preparing to send my kids off to college.”
Bobby Houck and Hank Futch of the Blue Dogs (photo by Ballard Lesemann)
Hank Futch is a veteran singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and go-to collaborator. He’s been playing bass and singing harmonies with veteran Carolina roots-rock band Blue Dogs for years. Houck and his core bandmates Bobby Houck (vocals, guitar) and Greg Walker (drums) celebrate their 25th anniversary this winter with a tour around the Carolinas:
- Wed. Nov. 21 @ Red Bone Alley in Florence, S.C.
- Fri. Dec. 07 @ Plums in Beaufort, S.C.
- Thurs. Dec. 27 @ Ziggy’s in Winston-Salem, N.C. (with Drivin’ N’ Cryin’)
- Fri. Dec. 28 @ The Handlebar in Greenville, S.C. (with Drivin’ N’ Cryin’)
- Sat. Dec. 29 – Blue Dogs Holiday Show @ Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, N.C. (with Drivin’ N’ Cryin’)
Catch Hank Futch performing solo and with guests at Finz Bar & Grill in Mt. Pleasant on Tues. Dec. 4 and Tues. Dec. 18.
Vist bluedogs.com for more.
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About the Author
Ballard Lesemann is a musician and writer. Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., he spent years playing in bands and working for Flagpole Magazine in the bustling music town of Athens, Ga. He returned to his hometown and served more than seven years as the Charleston City Paper's music editor. He's better at drumming than he is at playing guitar.
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