The Cats, featuring Jeff Howell, left, Dan Stillwell, right, and drummer Don Pharoah, are scheduled to perform at Coasters at Tioga Downs on Saturday, March 7 from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m (note performance time change). An energetic rock band, The Cats’ versatility pleases crowds of all ages. (Photo by Wendy Post)
NOTE: Performance time has been changed to 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Well-known regional rock band, The Cats, will take the Coasters stage at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y., on Saturday evening, March 7 from 8 to 11 p.m. (note time change for performance). Multi-talented musicians and vocalists, The Cats have played venues throughout the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier, as well as northeast Pennsylvania. The Cats were crowd favorites at the Owego Strawberry Festival and Bike Night at the Parkview in Owego, N.Y. in 2014.
Ithaca based, The Cats features Jeff Howell on bass and vocals, along with Dan Stillwell on lead guitar and vocals, and drummer Don Pharoah.
Although rock is their mainstay, fans will also enjoy funkier selections, a few numbers with a heavier edge, and plenty of danceable tunes.
From Cheap Trick to Grand Funk Railroad, Neil Young to The Doors, some Foo Fighters, Foghat, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brownsville Station, the Beatles, and an endless list of other notables, The Cats’ energetic mix is sure to please every music lover’s ear.
Jeff Howell’s early career included playing as a regional bass player during the 1970’s, touring the East Coast with the Binghamton-based band, Acts. Opening the further-back-in-time door, Jeff picked up bass playing and learned to read music in his early teens, and by the age of 15, started playing regular gigs with local bands.
Long-time fans of Jeff Howell remember his years performing and traveling all over the world with the incredibly successful rock band Foghat, as well as with legendary southern rockers The Outlaws, and Savoy Brown.
Howell contributed on three albums by The Outlaws, and also Foghat’s 2010 blues CD, Last Train Home, which reached No. 8 on the Top 30 Releases of 2010 on the Classic Rock Revisited list.
Howell produced his first CD in 2011, “First Time,” which showcases his creative talents, and not only his masterful bass, and other guitar expertise, but also his strong song writing ability.
The Cats song catalog includes classics that Jeff Howell played while with Foghat such as “Fool for the City” and “Slow Ride,” and also a few Savoy Brown selections like “Let It Rock” and “Hoochie Koochie Man.”
Guitarist/vocalist, Dan Stillwell owns a long list of credits to his music history, having played for numerous bands since the early 1970’s. A seasoned player, Stillwell is credited with providing inspiration to Howell to pursue the music world.
Drummer Don Pharoah joined The Cats in 2014, also with a successful history of music accomplishments.
In response to his career today, Howell said, “I’m happy with what I’m doing now.” Howell explained there is still an adventurous side of him that might just consider taking off on a jet plane to play a night or two with his friend, Roger Earl, the original founder of Foghat.
Howell seems content to stay in Ithaca’s backyard and continue playing New York and Pennsylvania venues and others closer to home with the current three-piece collaboration, and stay focused on building The Cats fan base and opportunities.
For a complete list of upcoming shows and bios, visit jeffhowell.org or follow the band on Facebook, “Jeff Howell and The Cats.”
To learn more about Tioga Downs, for directions and entertainment information, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
