Billy Davis tribute concert to take place Feb. 22 at The Choconut Inn

Billy Davis tribute concert to take place Feb. 22 at The Choconut Inn

A Billy Davis tribute concert is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at The Choconut Inn, located at 10 Quaker Rd. in Friendsville, Pa. Show time starts at 2 p.m. and includes several bands and musicians from Binghamton and Ithaca, N.Y. and the surrounding region. Davis, a native of Castle Creek, N.Y. is dealing with a long-term illness and is well-known for having played in the bands Foghat, the Outlaws and Badfinger, and has inspired countless musicians.

In honor of fellow musician, Billy Davis, more than a dozen bands and musicians from the Binghamton and Ithaca, N.Y. area and surrounding region are gathering to play at The Choconut Inn, located at 10 Quaker Lake Rd. in Friendsville, Pa. on Sunday, Feb. 22. The live entertainment show starts at 2 p.m.

Performances by Twist of Fate, Beard of Bees, The Revelers, The KiiL, DSD, Citizen 5, Dirt Farm, Reprise, Raibred, The Cats and Kites and Powerlines are planned, as well as special appearances and other potential bands being added to the line-up.

Concert organizer, Sid Peake, shared that the event is an opportunity to show support for Billy Davis, who has been a long-time friend, mentor and source of inspiration to many of the musicians who are scheduled to play. Peake said, “Over 90 percent of the musicians performing know Billy personally,” and he added, “It’s a bond, like a musical brotherhood.”

Billy Davis, a native of Castle Creek, N.Y., has returned to the Binghamton area after having lived in Nashville for more than 20 years. Known for his extraordinary vocals and gift for songwriting, Davis is also a talented guitarist and piano player. With a long list of musical achievements, Davis is a former member of the legendary rock band Foghat and southern rockers, the Outlaws. For over 15 years, Davis played with the band, Badfinger.

Billy Davis tribute concert to take place Feb. 22 at The Choconut Inn

A Billy Davis tribute concert is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at The Choconut Inn, located at 10 Quaker Rd. in Friendsville, Pa. Show time starts at 2 p.m. and includes several bands and musicians from Binghamton and Ithaca, N.Y. and the surrounding region.  A reunion by the Binghamton-based band, Acts, is planned, as well as food, cash bar, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Cost to attend the event is a $10 donation per person at the door.

In the spring of 2013, Davis suffered what he thought was a mini-stroke; however doctors discovered a tumor growing in his brain, at the time about the size of a quarter.  Surgery and chemotherapy followed along with a disheartening message from doctors saying that he had about six to 18 months to live. A medical issue he faces, known as amusia, is the inability to recognize musical tones or to reproduce them.

Today, according to Peake, who has known Davis for 30 years, says that Davis still holds onto the cheerful and witty side of his character, yet also deals with difficult days.  Nearing the two-year anniversary of the original diagnosis, musician friends and fans are hoping that the benefit concert will not only show their gratitude, but be a healing source and much needed break from the cancer struggle.

Sid Peake announced that there will be a special performance by original members of Acts, a Binghamton-based band that helped influence countless musicians in the region. Billy Davis toured the East Coast with Acts during the 1970’s, along with The Cats bassist and vocalist Jeff Howell. Most if not all of the original band members plan to attend the Feb. 22 event.

The cost to attend the event is a $10 donation per person at the door. Food and refreshments, including a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle and door prizes are planned.

For directions to The Choconut Inn, visit their Facebook page or call (570) 553-2179.  For information about the event, search for “Billy Davis Tribute” on Facebook.