After nearly a quarter century of making great music all over the South, the multi-award winning showband, Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs of Natchitoches, Louisiana could rest on their laurels. But that’s not what the Moondogs are about.
The accolades have been many over the years, Battle of the Bands Champions, several “Best Of” designations including “Cenla’s Best Band”, and most recently receiving the “Best of the Best” wedding band national award two years running from “The Knot” wedding planning website.
The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame has even awarded Johnny Earthquake with special recognition.
Along the way, reviews by media, renowned musicians, and clients alike have been glowing.
City Lights entertainment magazine described the Moondogs as “Quite simply Louisiana’s Best Showband.” Portfolio entertainment magazine said “No other Louisiana band can touch them!” Rock Legend Eddie Money called them “The best Louisiana Band in the World.”
Grammy winning David Letterman bandleader Paul Shaffer referred to the Moondogs as “My favorite band.” Country music superstar Trace Adkins has declared “I LOVE THE MOONDOGS! THEY ROCK!” and artists like Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Robert Plant of Zeppelin, Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, Jimmy Vaughn, and Delbert McClinton are on record expressing their desire to “Jam” with Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs.
The list of musicians who HAVE performed with the Moondogs is no less impressive. They include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Elvis Presley band leader, James Burton, along with other Elvis band members Estelle Brown and D.J. Fontana.
Also, sharing the stage with the Moondogs have been Trombone Shorty, Rick Derringer, Sam the Sham, Steve Lukather of Toto, T. Graham Brown, Joe Stampley, Wayne Toups, Jo El Sonnier, Mitch Ryder, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, members of Eric Clapton’s, Rod Stewart’s, Michael Jackson’s and Janis Joplin’s bands, along with members of Chicago and The Doors. The Moondogs still found time to go in the studio and record several critically acclaimed albums. Their songs have even been featured in Hollywood movies.
Johnny Earthquake himself has performed with The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Percy Sledge, Badfinger, Mitch Ryder, Wayne Toups, and many other acts. Johnny even has his own popular syndicated radio show, “Jammin’ with Johnny – The Johnny Earthquake Show” on 100.7 KZBL in Natchitoches and 99.9 KTEZ in Sabine Parish.
One might think with that kind of resume the Moondogs would be past performing at weddings, Mardi Gras Bals and the like. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Yes we get to play some cool stuff with some amazing legendary performers” said Moondog guitarist and manager Adam Guillory, “But our bread and butter and some of the best and most fun gigs remain weddings, Mardi Gras Bals and parties, festivals, and other events in our area.”
“We take every wedding reception as a challenge to make it the best one the people there have ever attended,” Guillory continued “You’d be surprised how many times folks have told us we accomplished that goal and I guess the ‘Best of the Best’ award from The Knot confirms it.”
Guillory said Mardi Gras Bals and parties are another favorite of the band. “Louisiana is the home of Mardi Gras.” He said, “But we’ve played bals from Shreveport to Alexandria, to Lafayette, to Lake Charles to Mississippi, to Alabama and even as far away as Pensacola Florida. We feel like we know the formula to make every Mardi Gras event fun and successful”.
When asked what the Moondogs’ favorite gig was, Guillory said it’s a tough call. “We’ve had so many great ones,” he said, “Like getting to play with so many big stars in front of huge crowds.”
“But if I had to pick one favorite,” he said, “I would have to say our annual ‘Bands on the Beach’ concert we’ve played for the past five years on Pensacola Beach. The venue is amazing, looking out over the gulf, with thousands of excited fans in attendance.”
The sentiment is confirmed by Buck Lee, former Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority which books the event. “I’ve been booking bands for over 30 years and have booked hundreds of bands of all shapes, sizes, and types. I can honestly say that Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs is the best band we’ve ever had at Bands on The Beach. We love the Moondogs.”
After nearly a quarter century of making great music all over the South, the multi-award winning showband, Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs of Natchitoches, Louisiana could rest on their laurels. But that’s not what the Moondogs are about.
The accolades have been many over the years, Battle of the Bands Champions, several “Best Of” designations including “Cenla’s Best Band”, and most recently receiving the “Best of the Best” wedding band national award two years running from “The Knot” wedding planning website.
The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame has even awarded Johnny Earthquake with special recognition.
Along the way, reviews by media, renowned musicians, and clients alike have been glowing.
City Lights entertainment magazine described the Moondogs as “Quite simply Louisiana’s Best Showband.” Portfolio entertainment magazine said “No other Louisiana band can touch them!” Rock Legend Eddie Money called them “The best Louisiana Band in the World.”
Grammy winning David Letterman bandleader Paul Shaffer referred to the Moondogs as “My favorite band.” Country music superstar Trace Adkins has declared “I LOVE THE MOONDOGS! THEY ROCK!” and artists like Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Robert Plant of Zeppelin, Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, Jimmy Vaughn, and Delbert McClinton are on record expressing their desire to “Jam” with Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs.
The list of musicians who HAVE performed with the Moondogs is no less impressive. They include Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Elvis Presley band leader, James Burton, along with other Elvis band members Estelle Brown and D.J. Fontana.
Also, sharing the stage with the Moondogs have been Trombone Shorty, Rick Derringer, Sam the Sham, Steve Lukather of Toto, T. Graham Brown, Joe Stampley, Wayne Toups, Jo El Sonnier, Mitch Ryder, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, members of Eric Clapton’s, Rod Stewart’s, Michael Jackson’s and Janis Joplin’s bands, along with members of Chicago and The Doors. The Moondogs still found time to go in the studio and record several critically acclaimed albums. Their songs have even been featured in Hollywood movies.
Johnny Earthquake himself has performed with The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Percy Sledge, Badfinger, Mitch Ryder, Wayne Toups, and many other acts. Johnny even has his own popular syndicated radio show, “Jammin’ with Johnny – The Johnny Earthquake Show” on 100.7 KZBL in Natchitoches and 99.9 KTEZ in Sabine Parish.
One might think with that kind of resume the Moondogs would be past performing at weddings, Mardi Gras Bals and the like. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“Yes we get to play some cool stuff with some amazing legendary performers” said Moondog guitarist and manager Adam Guillory, “But our bread and butter and some of the best and most fun gigs remain weddings, Mardi Gras Bals and parties, festivals, and other events in our area.”
“We take every wedding reception as a challenge to make it the best one the people there have ever attended,” Guillory continued “You’d be surprised how many times folks have told us we accomplished that goal and I guess the ‘Best of the Best’ award from The Knot confirms it.”
Guillory said Mardi Gras Bals and parties are another favorite of the band. “Louisiana is the home of Mardi Gras.” He said, “But we’ve played bals from Shreveport to Alexandria, to Lafayette, to Lake Charles to Mississippi, to Alabama and even as far away as Pensacola Florida. We feel like we know the formula to make every Mardi Gras event fun and successful”.
When asked what the Moondogs’ favorite gig was, Guillory said it’s a tough call. “We’ve had so many great ones,” he said, “Like getting to play with so many big stars in front of huge crowds.”
“But if I had to pick one favorite,” he said, “I would have to say our annual ‘Bands on the Beach’ concert we’ve played for the past five years on Pensacola Beach. The venue is amazing, looking out over the gulf, with thousands of excited fans in attendance.”
The sentiment is confirmed by Buck Lee, former Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority which books the event. “I’ve been booking bands for over 30 years and have booked hundreds of bands of all shapes, sizes, and types. I can honestly say that Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs is the best band we’ve ever had at Bands on The Beach. We love the Moondogs.”
C. Rodney Harrington
Lead Vocalist/Bandleader
Rodney’s been “Johnny Earthquake” for nearly twenty years now, ever since he got a few friends together to play some parties, and Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs was formed. Since then, nearly 60 musicians have been regular members at one time or the other, but Rodney (C-Rod) is the only remaining original member.
Rodney was raised in a home where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, and Ray Charles records were always on the turntable and in ’64 he got caught up in Beatlemania. He sang in church and school talent shows and performed with groups throughout high school and college. He says he received his musical education from “Honky Tonk University”.
After being out of music for several years, in the late eighties he and some friends formed the group “Dick Dante’ and the Infernos” which had quite a successful run.
After The Infernos disbanded, some of the members split off and joined with some friends to form “Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs”. The rest, as they say, is history. The Moondogs have progressed to be one of the south’s top showbands, garnering many awards, releasing critically acclaimed CD’s, and playing with countless musical luminaries.
Over the years, Rodney has checked several items off his bucket list by getting to perform with The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Percy Sledge, James Burton (on many occasions), Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder, Trombone Shorty, Badfinger, Wayne Toups, and many, many others.
Rodney hosts “Jammin’ With Johnny–The Johnny Earthquake Show”, a popular sydicated radio show that is rated the #1 show in it’s time slot and serves on the Board of Directors for the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and The James Burton Foundation, which provides free guitars for school children and hospital patients.
His “day job” as he likes to call it, is as a practicing attorney in Natchitoches. He’s been married to Jan for over 30 years and they have four children.
Adam Guillory
Guitar/Vocals
Adam Guillory is a lifelong resident of Pineville, La. Adam started playing guitar at the age of 14 and within a few short years was performing all over the state of Louisiana. Nearly 20 years later, Adam has shared the stage with legends such as James Burton, Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder, Joe Stampley, Wayne Toups, Jo-El Sonnier, Marc Broussard, members of Confunktion, the Gap Band, Lakeside, and many more. Adam has also had the distinct honor of performing for President George H.W. Bush as a part of Louisiana College’s Centennial Celebration.
In addition to performing with The Moondogs, Adam has performed with the Kelli Roberts Band, Goodlowe Brothers, Pineville High School Theatre Department, and The Front Street Project. His influences include The Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, The Dave Matthews Band, Warren Haynes, Santana, Dickey Betts, and Jimmy Herring.
With degrees from Louisiana College, Northwestern State University, and Southern University Law Center, Adam is a high school teacher by day.
Marcus Davis
Saxophone
A graduate of Grambling State University, Marcus Davis is an international recording artist. His performances have taken him all over the country, including a performance at President Clinton’s Inaugural Ball. Marcus has shared the stage and opened for many legends, including James Brown, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, Dion Warwick, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Marcus’ soulful improvising ability is a strong and vital part of the Hornyboys Horn Section. His background playing a large variety of genres and styles is sure to keep the party going! Marcus is even known to occasionally jump off the stage to lead the crowd in a line dance….while still soloing!
Mickey Burton
Drums/Vocals
Starting his musical career at the age of thirteen, Mickey Burton honed his musical skills playing clubs six nights a week in Beaumont,Texas. Working as a drummer and vocalist, he lived out of a suitcase for years while touring throughout the U.S. He has over fifteen albums to his credit and has played with many musical luminaries including: Johnny Winter, Bobby Kimble and Steve Lukather of Toto, John Smith of White Trash, G.G. Shinn and The Boogie Kings, Delbert McClinton, B.W. Stevenson, James Burton, Albert Lee, Junior Brown, Bugs Henderson, Buddy Guy, Rusty Burns of Point Blank, and Dusty Hill of Z Z Top. He has extensive experience in a wide variety of musical genres and is thoroughly equipped to keep the Moondog Party Train a rockin’.
John Le Boeuf
Trombone
John’s first “garage band” gigs dates back to the summer of 69, marking over 45 years of musical activitiy. During the 70’s, John’s musical activities warranted full time status as he pursued a Music Degree at Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux, La. in the late 70’s. During the day, John works at KLAX-TV, Central Louisiana’s ABC affiliate as the General Sales Manager.
Chuck LaCroix
Trumpet
Chuck’s musical background is best described as “jack of all trades”. It started with Menard High School and two years in the LSU Golden Band from Tigerland. (And yes, he’s old enough that he once had to wait for Bear Bryant to get out of his way at halftime.)
After Tiger Band, Chuck did a little of everything. Concert music with the Louisiana College Symphonic Band, Praise Band / Christian Rock at a Baptist church in Alexandria, orchestra work for more than a dozen musicals, a little brass quintet work, and more church services, weddings and Christmas concerts than he can remember.
In the early 1990’s, Chuck teamed up with Moondog trombonist Bill Conerly to form the 18 member “Cenla Big Band”. The Big Band played over 100 dances and concerts in Central Louisiana over the next 12 years.
On stage with the Moondogs, Chuck plays trumpet and shares the tambourine, cowbell and backup vocal duties with the other members of the “Horny Boys” horn section.
Off stage, Chuck is the managing partner for the law firm of LaCroix, Levy and Barnett in Alexandria. He still performs in several Churches on a regular basis, playing both trumpet and handbells. He’s been married to his wife Camille since 1982, and they have a daughter, Ellen, and a son, Walter. He is extremely proud of his children – despite the fact that they both play the electric bass and dabble in acoustic guitar.
Henry Reggans
Keyboards/Vocals
Born in Leesville, LA, graduated bi centennial year and studied music at Grambiling State University. Went on the road with group such as Lil Johnny Taylor and The Emotions, moved to California for a long stint in the Hollywood and Inglewood area, and then decided to move back to Louisiana due to the health of his mother, and decided to continue his career of music in the deep south. Henry played with musicians such as “James Burton” Elvis guitar player, Sammy Kershaw, Sam the Sham, and opening act for Percy Sledge, T Graham Brown, Edgar Winter, and many many more. Henry Reggans is an active member of the Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, and when not playing with the Moondogs he is performing with The Sidemen, The Rivers Revue, Short Notice, and his variety style of music called, Henry Reggans and Friends. For more info you can log onto MySpace, Facebook, or e-mail him at h.reggans@yahoo.com.
Kelli Roberts
Vocals
Kelli realized she could sing when she was twelve years old after singing with her cousin in church. She comes from a family full of musical talent. Some of her best childhood memories stem from gathering around the kitchen table, harmonizing with her brothers. As a member of the high school choir in her home town of Anacoco, Louisiana, Kelli gained the confidence to pursue music further in college at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. In 1993, as a college student, Kelli joined her first band, “Doyle Primm and the Primm Roses.” She now has three children—Meredith and twins, Seth and Faith. In 2000 Kelli began singing in church again with an all-female Christian vocal group, “Extravagant Grace.” After this band disjoined in 2005, Kelli was asked to become a member of “Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs” and now reigns as one of the lead vocalists of the band. A high school French and English teacher by day, Kelli looks forward to the Moondogs gigs, where she enjoys making sweet harmonies with her friends. Kelli is married to The Moondogs’ bass player, Mark Roberts.
Mark Roberts
Bass
Mark is involved with law and bass guitar. He’s still practicing both.
Andrej Kurti
Violinist
In addition to Andrej’s extensive classical background, he loves playing rock and roll, country, and zydeco with The Moondogs.
He has been a regular performer with The Moondogs for years (in between classical gigs), and has brought many a house down with his legendary performances of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”.
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