Excerpts from emory university student paper, the phoenix, september 20th 1991 A profile of Emory’s most popular band: Several Dudes--- by Jen Wong “Steady beat of my footsteps keepin’ time……” Several Dudes has been keeping time since its formation in the late 1980’s, playing throughout the years in and around Atlanta and doing numerous events here at Emory. The six member band encompasses a broad definition of the word rock and roll, with strong influences of blues and funk and undertones as unusual as Carribean percussion. It reminds one of the Radiators on one hand and Little Feat on the other. Victor Rosenfeld, the group’s percussionist, describes the bands’ sound as “southern, bluesy, funky, rock”. Despite the band’s “big” stage presence, they’re definitely a band at one with their audience, says Several Dudes fan, Yvette Garcia. “ They are never predictable, and they have a sense of humor. They’re definitely a very fun band to be around. “ Just as their music is diverse, so is their audience. “We attract everyone from deadheads and rednecks to clean-cut professionals and grad students” says Rosenfeld. Several Dudes originated in 1988 when drummer Kevin “Greensauce” Green met guitarists Nick “Dudeman” Stevens and Jonas “Nasdude” Goldstein at Emory. Nick’s incredible talent as a lyricist combined with Jonas’ songwriting ability carried the band through the early days. Nick led the band onstage with his emotional stage presence as a guitarist, performing with the ostensible influence of Bruce Springsteen and Carlos Santana. Dave "dudester" Pretlow, an Emory freshman, was not looking into joining a band when signs searching for a bass player began circulating around Dobbs Hall in the fall of "88. Yet he borrowed an amp for his bass and sat in on a few practice sessions with Jonas, Nick, and Kevin . Liking the set-up, he promptly had his bass amp sent from home. There was a time when we were concerned about the band name, and seriously considered changing it" says senior bass player Pretlow. "But at the time, people were just getting to know us as "Several Dudes", and that's basically all we were- several dudes playing music and having a good time. The quartet of Jonas, Kevin, Nick and Dave started to perform in and around Atlanta, including Little Five Points, as the music scene there began to become recognized nationwide thanks to Rolling Stone magazine, who dubbed it the hottest place in America for up-and-coming rock bands. They have played with acts like Michelle Malone and Drag the River, The Call, The producers, and the Swimming Pool Q's. In January of 1989, the Dudes produced a 10 song album called "Redefining Rock and Roll". The songs were written entirely by Nick and Jonas, and recorede by the Dudes on a four-track recording machine. The Dudes had sold just over 100 albums when they were ready to embark upon their second recording project. "Putting New Moves on the Old World", composed of 9 new songs, the album was recorded in one week, and included tunes written by Nick, Jonas, and David. As the spring semester of 1989 drew to a close, so did Nick Stevens' involvement with the band. Nick and Kevin graduated Emory Law school, and while Kevin remained in Atlanta, Nick headed back to the Garden State. The band took the summer off, and when they regrouped in the fall of 1989, they were in need of a lead guitarist. The Dudes attempted to practice at Jonas' apartment using acoustic guitars and bass, and a cardboard box for the backing beat. Now a three piece band, Jonas, Kevin, and Dave auditioned guitarists that fall. "We went through about 30 that month, trying to w**d out all of these terrible guitarists" says Jonas. " But what we really needed was someone to make a commitment."A week before their first gig of the season, Wisconsin-native Patrick Winger was taken on as Nick's replacement. Several Dudes next added on saxophonist Nick "the Shredder" Longo in the winter of 1989. Jonas met Nick, and Atlanta native, at a jazz show at Georgia State, where Nick was performing. . An incredibly talented sax man, Nick can play the baritone, tenor, alto, and soprano sax with an incredible proficiency. In the spring, the Dudes picked up percussionist Victor "Raw" Rosenfeld, who plays the congas, bells, blocks, and anything else pertaining to percussion. Impressing the Dudes with his percussion ability, he quickly become on of the Dudes. Now a six-member set up, Several Dudes recorded their third album, "Admitted as Evidence" in the summer of 1990 which consisted of 19 songs. However, Pat winger become restless to leave the Atlanta area, , so he packed up his volkswagen bug and left the Dudes another guitarist short. Luckily, the Dudes knew of a guitarist named Barry Richman, who fronts his own 3 piece band called Barry Richman and the Visitors. Barry agreed to step in on lead guitar for friday nights, but was unable to do most Saturday shows with the Dudes because of the obvious committment to his other band. However, the Dudes gratefully pulled him into the group. The evolution of Several Dudes' music is apparent from the starting point. The earliest 4 man version of the Dudes had the basic undertone of today's Several Dudes music, but the replacement of guitarist Nick Setevens and Pat Winger and the addition of saxophonis Nick Longo and percussionist Victory Rosenfeld have been a large part of forming a more enriched sound today. "When we got Patrick, a lot of changes happened. They began performing fewer covers and writing more original songs" says senior Yvetee Garcia, who has been a fan since the beginning. "Nick brought them a lot closer to their newer, improved sound....I've enjoyed watching the change." The live shows seem to be what draw in and keep new fans. "They're definitely an incredible live band." says emory graduate Mark Pharo. Improvisation takes place at their shows as we, as the Dudes continue to rework and improve older songs. This past spring, Several Dudes also found the opportunity to open for the New Orleans-based band, the Radiators, on April 26, 1991. This show was definitely a big highlight in the Dude's career. "It was definitely the most professional show we've played so far," comments Dave, who cites the Radiators as a major Dudes influence. The next day, the band made it over to Piedmont Park to play for a March of Dimes benefit concert, where they have performed for the last three years. "Several Dudes have very danceable, fun music" says senior Charlene Saltz. " You can see the dedication they have onstage working so closely together. They have received some radio play over Atlanta's 96.1 fm, georgia state's wras and Emory's own WMRE. A record contract would be ideal as soon as they find the right package, but as of yet they have produced every aspect of ther work, whether it be their albums or artwork, by themselves. Tapes and Several Dudes merchandise are sold at Wuxtry's, Dragnet, and Eat More Records, as well as at each Several Dudes show. All of the merchandise is produced by the band, and much of it, included the tie-dyed shirst, are hand made. Several Dudes have recently played the Cotton Club and will be on campus at the ATO fraternity tomorrow night and at the Phi Delta Theta House on halloween. The Dudes will be appearing at Petrvs' thursday night rock and roll shows during the month of october, and will also be featured in the New south Music Showcase on thurdsay oct 3, at the variety playhouse in little five points. They will return to little five points on tuesday to play at the Point. Several Dudes has been playing at Emory since their genesis and will continue to play here in the future. Fliers are probably plastered around campus at this moment. So, if you should happen to see a van covered in flames and adorned with a huge image of a dude surfing on a guitar, you'll know that you are in the presence of Several Dudes. 1992- the dudes went into suspended animation……..fast forward to 2015…..the dudes have ReAnimated!!!! They have re-mixed and remastered a double album (available on itunes, cdbaby, etc). They will be giving yearly benefit concerts throughout the southeast, focusing on Atlanta and Asheville! EPIC!!!