The former Allman Brothers Band member will be playing with his Toler/Tucci Band and there will also be a performance by the Matthew Facciolla Band. Both acts are highly recommended.
The live music will take place on the patio.
The event is a fundraiser for Toler, who is battling ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease.
There will be drink specials, food specials, raffles and prizes.
UPDATED 11/2: Esteemed blue-eyed soul singer Bonnie Bramlett, formerly of the famed duo Delaney & Bonnie, has been added to the Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival.
Bramlett performed with the Allman Brothers Band during the Toler era of the late 1970s (here's a clip). She can be heard on the ABB albums "Enlightened Rogues" (1979) as well as "Reach for the Sky" (1980). She also performed with Toler on the acclaimed 1978 Dickey Betts & Great Southern album "Atlanta's Burning Down."
As a member of Delaney & Bonnie she performed with Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Dave Mason. Her many recording credits include singing with the Allman Brothers Band. She also co-wrote The Carpenters' hit "Superstar" but is perhaps best known for playing Bonnie Watkins on the hit TV show "Roseanne" in the early 1990s.
As first reported here Oct 4., Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dickey Betts and his Great Southern Band will headline the festival taking place Nov. 12 and 13 at Herschberger Ranch in Sarasota. The benefit is being held to raise funds for Toler’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Herschberger Ranch is located at 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
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Dickey Betts performing in July. From dickeybetts.com
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dickey Betts and his Great Southern Group have signed on to headline the Dan TolerALS Support Benefit Festival.
The plan is for the former Allman Brothers Band guitar greats to once again jam together — perhaps on such Betts-penned classics as "Ramblin' Man," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" or Jessica" (see video below).
The charity event to raise funds for Toler’s battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, takes place Nov. 12 and 13 at Herschberger Ranch, 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.
BlackHawk, which had a string of Top 10 country hits in the 1990s including "Every Once in A While" and "I'm Not Strong Enough to Say No," are scheduled to perform, as well headline the second day.
The lengthy lineup also includes "American Idol" season four runner-up Bo Bice, Wilson Williams and His Platters, Tony Tyler's newly named act Come Back Alice, the Mike Kach Group and many more (click for poster).
Dan Toler honoring his brother on June 25, 2011. By Wade Tatangelo
"Dan's always taken care of everybody around him," said Mark Serio, charity event co-organizer and Mike Kach Group guitarist. "He's a wonderful cat who I've known for 30 years and I would do anything for him."
A resident of Manatee County's Whitfield neighborhood, Toler played guitar in Great Southern before Betts, who resides in Sarasota, landed him the Allman Brothers Band gig in 1979.
Toler can be heard on three ABB albums, including the group’s comeback “Enlightened Rogues,” which reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200.
The Brothers disbanded in 1982 and Gregg Allman (a former Manatee County resident) formed his namesake solo band with Toler and recently deceased sibling David Frankie Toler on drums. Together they recorded the 1986 album “I’m No Angel” that produced the hit title track.
Toler rejoined Great Southern in 2002 and stayed for several years before leaving to pursue various other projects. He announced he had ALS in August. That same month a highly successful fund-raiser was held for Toler at Aces Live in Bradenton.
"This is a labor of love for all of us," Serio said.
Details: Dan Toler ALS Support Benefit Festival, Nov. 12 and 13 at Herschberger Ranch, 13010 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Tickets: $20 (one day) $35 (two day pass), $100 (one day VIP), $150 (two day VIP). $5 for children ages 12 and under. Information: (941) 228-5099 or http://www.dantolerbenefit.myevent.com.
Please see him perform -- with many star guests -- at the benefit for him Saturday at Aces Live in Bradenton.
When I watched you at the private memorial for your brother at Mossman Barn you appeared in pain much of day. But as soon as you sat down and started playing guitar -- as beautifully as when I first heard you with Betts & Great Southern about a decade ago – your face beamed with joy. What happens when you step on stage?
Toler: Being able to play for people is something I take great pride in and I try to think of it as being the last time I will ever play therefore pouring my heart out all over the stage and trying to get inside each persons heart to let them know I understand them and love them and without them music would not be the thrill it is and the emotion it expresses. Also I could feel the presence of my brother David all around me. It was an interesting night and when I sat down all the pain left and I felt great joy to "turn it up and let it eat."
What do you have to say to others suffering from ALS?
This is all knew to me and scary at the same time. I do not know how long I have and actually none of us do but I would say my chances are slim. Right now I still have good use of my arms and hands and hopefully will have for a few years if lucky. To anyone else having this disease, May God bless you and continue to bless you and trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and put all this in His hands as H has control anyway and He has the ultimate plan for us all.
How does it feel to see the outpouring of support the community has shown in organizing this benefit, which already looks to be filled to capacity?
I am so blessed to have the friends I have and to have the family I have and everyone has shown so much love and caring it is so beautiful. I have tried all my life to never burn bridges and I am so grateful to all of you family, friends and fans that care about me I am so blown away and God bless each and every one of you, thank you. This will be a "killer" show I promise.
How does it feel to know that Tony Tyler considers you a hero, brother and a great honor to be in your band?
He is a good guy and he cares about people and I love him like he was my own son. I`m proud of his musical abilities and I have hi hopes for my lil' l brother to make it in this wacky business we call the music business. I too am proud to share the stage with Tony.
What would else you like to add?
Never lose sight of the Lord Jesus Christ. Follow your heart and your dreams, be good to each other. Love your neighbor and be good to him and keep your head on straight as there are too many crazy things happening in todays world. Know that us guys on stage at any show concert or backyard love playing to anyone who will listen. God Bless.
UPDATED 8/10: Check out the new website HelpDanToler.com. Also, please note the photo credit below.
UPDATED 8/2: "Former Allman Brother battles ALS"
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Former Allman Brothers Band guitarist and Manatee County resident Dan Toler has gone public about his worsening battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease).
His younger sibling, drummer David “Frankie” Toler, died June 4 at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.
Danny and Frankie had played together in the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern as well as several other projects.
Allman Brothers Band featuring Dan and Frankie Toler performing "Whipping Post" live in Gainesville, 1979
A swollen vocal cord has made it impossible for Toler to speak above a whisper in recent months.
So he has used Facebook to issue a stirring "Note to Family, Friends & Fans:"
"First of all I thank each and every one of you for being such good people and I want all of you to know I love you very much with all my heart and soul," Toler writes.
After acknowledging his friend, fellow local guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt (Iron Butterfly, Captain Beyond), Toler continues: "We are both fighters and a couple of strong willed men that happen to love playing music for our family, friends and fans. We both have been dealt a tough way out of this life.
"Jesus Christ is going to take care of the both of us and just maybe a cure will come along. Rhino has the liver to deal with and I have been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Neither one of us know how much time we have left but then again this is true with each and every one of us. I know in my heart without God I am doomed. I thank my wife Debby Toler for taking care of me like no other person in this world could. She has been my rock for many many years and I love Debby with all my heart and soul. Thank you Lord for having Debby in my life.
I hope you people come out to Aces on Aug. 13th as there will be some killer picking happening for sure with (performers) like Greg Poulos, Sean Chambers, Tony Tyler, Tucci Band, Matt Facciolla, my band will be there performing, Mike "Louie the Lip" Logan and a possible jam at the end with other fine pickers. Should be fun. Maybe Larry Reinhardt might sit in and pick one with me. Who knows who will show up and play.
I love doing benefits for people that need help and I never ever thought a benefit would have to be held for me. It definetly breaks my heart but I want to thank everyone helping out with this event. Chaz Trippy, Angie and Todd Cook, Tom Mossman, Don Carrington (Mr. Pink Ball) Steve Tucci,Glenn Halverson and I know I am leaving out some names therefore please forgive me.
Without our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ there is no reason to exist and He is offering everlasting life to all who believe in Him. Trust in the Lord. May God bless you all and keep you forever, Amen.
Your Friend,
Dan Toler"
Benefit for Danny Toler
Starting at 4:00 p.m. with Greg Poulas & Friends, Mike Kach, Greg Voorhees, Frankie Lombardi, Tucci Band; at 5:00 p.m. Billy Rice 6:00 p.m. Jack Elka, Bill Huff, Todd Cook, Chaz Trippy, Matthew Facciolla Band, The Dan Toler Band (Dangerous Dan Toler, Chaz Trippy, Gary Guzzardo, Jeff Artabasy, Mike Hensley, Tony Tyler, Dani Jaye, Lauren Mitchell) and the Sean Chambers Band.
4 p.m. Aug. 13 to 1 a.m. Aug. 14
Ace's -Bradentons Live Music Venue
4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton
Information: (941) 795-3886 or http://4aceslounge.com.
If you are unable to attend Danny's Benefit but would like to make a donation you can send a check payable to Dan Toler and send it to:
Ace's Bradenton's Live Music Venue
Dan Toler
4343 Palma Sola Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34209
Dan Toler honoring his brother Frankie on June 25, 2011. By Wade Tatangelo
Former Allman Brothers Band drummer David "Frankie" Toler, who died June 4 in Bradenton, didn't want a funeral.
He requested a celebration.
And that's what he received Saturday at Tom Mossman's beautiful grounds and the barn he uses as a recording studio/practice facility in the woods of Parrish.
Frankie's big brother Dan Toler, the guitar great who played with his sibling in the Allman Brothers,Gregg Allman Band and Dickey Betts' Great Southern, delivered a performance teeming with emotion and skill that bellied the fact health conditions forced him to sit throughout the set.
Frankie (left) with Dan Toler. By Wade Tatangelo.
Percussionist Chaz Trippy, who played with his best friend Frankie, and Dan, in the Gregg Allman Band from 1982 to ’89, organized the commemorative concert with Mossman and Angie Vail Cook.
Gary Guzzardo, who replaced Frankie in the Marshall Tucker Band during the 1990s, augmented Trippy’s spot-on congas work. Dan’s longtime collaborator Johnny Townsend handled vocal duties on moving renditions of Allman faves like “I’m No Angel” — Gregg’s smash 1987 single featuring the Toler brothers and Trippy — as well as “Midnight Rider” and “Statesboro Blues.”
Betts couldn’t attend Saturday because he was not feeling well, according to a close friend of his. But Great Southern members Mike Kach (keyboard/vocals), Frankie Lombardi (drums/vocals) and Mark Serio (guitar) enhanced the festivities in honor of their pal.
Another highlight was watching on a large inflatable screen an unreleased DVD of the Gregg Allman Band performing at Daytona Beach in 1987. It features fierce interplay between the Tolers on "Whipping Post." The crowd roared every time the camera focused on Frankie.
Good times inside Mossman Barn. By Wade Tatangelo
More than 300 friends and admirers were there with folding chairs and coolers enjoying the festivities that also included delicious barbecue for sale and raffles to raise money for Frankie's widow Marsha and their daughter Aja Kayle.
The congregation of Sarasota-Manatee musicians were all smiles, whether on stage or sitting around telling stories about the good old days.
People enjoyed a superb Southern party.
And Frankie Toler's last wish was definitely granted.
UPDATED 2:45 p.m.: Marshall Tucker Band lead singer Doug Gray worked with his friend Frankie Toler from 1992-94.
"Frankie's personality was so big — it stuck out farther than his mighty drumsticks," Gray said. "I didn't know anybody who couldn't talk to him."
Gray paused and added, "There are a lot of people who loved Frankie. I'm just one."
Frankie (left) and brother Dan Toler/undated live photo provided by Mark Pucci Media.
A key player of the national Southern rock scene — and a beloved local — has passed.
David 'Frankie' Toler, former Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band and Marshall Tucker Band drummer, died 2 p.m. Saturday at Tidewell hospice care in Bradenton after a prolonged illness following a liver transplant.
He was 59 years old.
Frankie is survived by his wife, Marsha, their daughter, Aja Kayle, and his older brother, Dan Toler, who played with Frankie in the Allman Brothers Band, the Gregg Allman Band and several other projects. Dan Toler headlined MacFest in downtown Bradenton on May 14.
“Frankie was absolutely the best drummer I have ever played with in my entire life," Dan said in a statement. "He was a part of my life for the past 60 years and to lose him now is just devastating. But I did have the opportunity to grow up with one of the best rock and roll drummers in the world and it was truly a gift from God. I was blessed to have known him.”
Frankie Toler’s health had been in decline for several years and it prevented him from recording and going on tour, but after receiving a liver transplant two years ago he had been able to play at some band rehearsals.
Frankie (left) and brother Dan Toler/undated publicity photo provided by Mark Pucci Media.
"It's a sad day in Sarasota, Bradenton and in the music world in general," said Sarasota Blues Festival producer Barbara Strauss. "Danny and Frankie, you always said them in one sentence. They'll always be loved by everyone. Our hearts are broken but there are no words for what Danny and Frankie's family must be going through."
Frankie Toler came to national attention as the drummer on Dickey Betts & Great Southern’s 1978 album "Atlanta's Burning Down" and toured extensively with the group. He was then asked to be the drummer for the Allman Brothers Band and appeared on their 1981 album "Brothers of the Road," which features the Top 40 hit single "Straight from the Heart."
When Gregg Allman began planning his solo album at the time, he only had one drummer in mind for his new band: Frankie Toler. Frankie recorded two albums with Gregg — including the 1986 gold record "I'm No Angel" — and toured extensively as the drummer with The Gregg Allman Band.
“Frankie was a big part of that era of the Brothers,” Gregg Allman told Relix.com shortly after Toler’s passing. “We had amazing times and we stayed great friends. I’m gonna miss him.”
Frankie also played and toured with The Marshall Tucker Band from 1992-1994 and he played on their album, "Walk Outside The Line." Frankie, along with his brother Dan, recorded two albums as The Toler Brothers Band and together they toured extensively throughout the country in the early 90s. In 2005, Frankie recorded an album with a legendary ensemble of Southern Rock all-stars as the Renegades of Southern Rock; and in 2009 Frankie played drums on the Toler/Townsend Band’s self-titled first album.
Gregg Allman introducing Frankie Toler and rest of band before performing his solo masterpiece "Queen of Hearts" at New Orleans show from 1982.
"JoeBradenton" commented: "Great event. Music, fun, beer and no problems. Bradenton has become a destination for festivals."
Good call, Joe. I didn't see or hear of any trouble. Just hundreds of people getting together to enjoy first-rate music made by residents of Manatee and Sarasota.
Dan Toler playing to a big, happy crowd Saturday. Posted to http://www.facebook.com/macfest by Dan Kriwitsky
I waited until the rain stopped and walked over to Old Main Street around 4:30 p.m. to catch The Mike Kach Group as well as Pedro Arevalo and Friends and the Michael MacBand turn in sizzling, crowd-pleasing sets before Toler delivered his powerful performance.
Full disclosure: my younger brother Joel Tatangelo, whose Pinellas-based StandBack Band kicked off this year's Wanee Festival, played slide/lead guitar with Mac's band and Kach's group Saturday.
L to R: Duane Betts, Michael Mac, Frankie Lombardi, Joel Tatangelo, Mike Kach/photo by W. Tatangelo
Here's a clip of the Mike Kach Group performing the Allman Brothers Band fave "One Way Out." Not pictured above is Bodie Valdez, who's seen below playing some sweet harmonica. And, yeah, that's me at the end of the clip looking proud but nervous, which is how I pretty much always look when my brother performs.
As a personal and Bradenton Herald policy, I don't do email interviews for feature stories. But when told that former Allman Brother Band, Dickey Betts & Great Southern as well as Gregg Allman Band guitarist and Manatee County resident Dan Toler had a swollen vocal cord and was under doctor's orders not to speak, it seemed only fair to make an exception.
Toler headlines MacFest: A Free Celebration of Suncoast Music.
The event on Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton starts at 2 p.m. Saturday (May 14) and features an outstanding lineup of artists who are members of Dickey Betts' Great Southern group.
In addition to this e-mail exchange with Toler, I talked to Great Southern keyboardist/vocalist Mike Kach, Betts' bassist/vocalist Pedro Arevalo and others involved with MacFest for this Weekend cover story:
So sorry to hear about the vocal problems. How long have you lived here?
I actually live in the Whitfield area ... I have been in this area since 1975, with the exception of 1989 through September of 1992, when I lived in Nashville.
Who will be singing vocals and backing you May 14?
I have a young man, a guitarist and vocalist by the name Tony Tyler. And a good possibility of a young lady who really sings her you know what off, Lauren Mitchell, may do a couple tunes. What a voice.
Of the other confirmed artists/acts on the lineup — Michae Mac Band, Ben Hammond Kettle of Fish, Mike Kach, Pedro Arevalo — have you performed with any of them before?
Yes, I have worked with Mike Kach and Pedro Arevalo when I was working with Betts & Great Southern. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ben Hammond or Kettle of Kettle of Fish but am looking forward to it.
Kach and Arevalo are in Betts’ band, which you played in as recently as the mid-2000s. When was the last time you talked to (Sarasota resident) Betts?
Actually several months ago. I am not 100% sure of when exactly. We run into each other once in a while.
Last time you played/jammed with Betts?
We played a benefit for a little girl with eye problems a few months back. Dickey`s son Duane was playing with Great Southern and it was really cool jamming with Duane. He`s a real good dude.
When you were an Allman Brother for a three-album run from 1979 to 1982, including the band's comeback, “Enlightened Rogues,” how many band members lived in Manatee or Sarasota?
Dickey, Frankie Toler (drums), David Goldflies (bass), Greg Allman and myself. Butch Trucks (drums) lived in Tallahassee, Jaimoe (drums) lived in Macon and Jim Essery (harmonica) lived in St Augustine.
What’s your favorite memory from that period with the Allman Brothers?
There are a few, I really enjoyed playing JFK Stadium in front of 140,000 people or fans. When they would cheer the musical sound would disappear from the crowd volume, and what a feeling of power that represented.
When you and your brother Frankie were cutting the title track to “I’m No Angel” with Gregg Allman did you sense it would be such a big hit?
Yes, absolutely. Ya know, ya kind of get a feeling in your gut about a song like that, as it has all the right ingredients: catchy intro good chord changes, a great melody and vocal, a killer solo and a killer vamp out. We played that song on the road for three years before recording it.
When was last time you spoke with Gregg?
Right after my brother's liver transplant in 2008.
Any surprise guests expected at MacFest?
Can`t let any cats out of the bag as you never know who might show up. This area has several fine artists so just come on down and check out the scene on May 14th and see for yourselves.
What future Dan Toler projects — or Toler/Townsend Band should we know about?
John Townsend and I have been collaborating on new songs and ideas for a new album in the future. As for myself, I am thinking about a possible blues album for next year and am currently working on gospel songs as this is something I have a major desire to do and to be able to give something back to the Lord as He has blessed me with music all my live and I am totally grateful for this.
You’ve played with all the Southern rock greats. What’s your favorite song to perform (that you didn’t write)?
Tough one here. I would have to say "Can`t You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band is one of the all-time great Southern rock songs. Also, I would have to say "Midnight Rider" (Gregg Allman) is another classic and it stands to reason if you are going to play Southern rock ya best know one of these numbers.
Favorite of your own songs?
I love all of them bro. They are all very special to me.
Anything you wish to add?
We love playing to our fans and new people and I am proud to play with these guys. I only hope our fans come out in big numbers to support us as they usually do and we promise to rock their socks with some of southern rocks best players. We love ya`ll. Come have a good time with us on Saturday night May 14th. God bless you all.
Check out "Dangerous" Dan Toler's killer, 3 minute solo at the 1:42 mark from this 1979 Allman Brothers Band performance in Gainesville.
Buzz Worthy is a forum for Bradenton Herald features writer/columnist Marty Clear to share his thoughts on the Bradenton-Sarasota arts, theater and music scene as well as the national entertainment scene, including television and movies. He welcomes feedback on all these topics.
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