Casa Captivating
Exclusive Interviews
Casa Romantica is gearing up for our last Casa Cool of the season! Every year we end on a terrific note, highlighting our most unique artist of the series to celebrate the end of Summer. This year we welcome Carey Frank, who has played with a variety of musicians including Bruce Springsteen and Eric Marienthal, in addition to having a residency at Walt Disney World in Florida. Learn about his career, what to expect from his concert, and why he’s excited about performing at Casa Romantica.
Tell us about how you were introduced to music.
I had a lot of music growing up! Both of my parents are very musical and took me to many live shows. And both of my grandfathers were professional musicians. One grandfather was a singer named Don Cornell (has a star on the walk of fame!) and my other grandfather was a klezmer musician, mostly played at Jewish weddings and Bar Mitzvahs in New York then eventually South Florida, where I grew up. Once I was good enough to play with him, he would hire me for his gigs.
What have been some memorable moments in your career!
There are so many great ones! A few that stick out include performing with Tedeschi Trucks Band at Red Rocks Amphitheater for 2 sold out shows, as well as performing with them at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. Another one was when Bruce Springsteen sat in with a punk band I tour with called Social Distortion.
Who has been a big influence on you during your career as a musician?
Dr. Lonnie Smith has been a really huge influence in my “sound” on the Hammond Organ. I was lucky enough to meet him when I was younger and we have become close friends ever since.
What can guests expect from your concert?
Guests can expect to want to get up from their seats and dance! I always throw in popular songs in ways most people haven’t heard them before and I love watching as audience members realize what song we’re playing, then start to sing along.
Tell us about your band, Rumproller Organ Trio.
Rumproller Organ Trio is made up of myself on the Hammond Organ, Kevin Stevens on drums, and James Achor on guitar. We really learned how to play with each other from our weekly residency at a small dark bar in Hollywood that lasted about 5 years! There, we would take current and classic pop, rock, jazz, reggae, and even Disney hits and turn them around to fit into the classic organ trio sound. Throw in any of our guest vocalists or instrumentals into the mix and we’re unstoppable.
If you were to have dinner with any two people, who would they be and why?
Very tough! Probably Mel Brooks, I’ve heard that he loves music and wanted to be a jazz drummer before getting into comedy, and pianist, Chick Corea (who recently passed away), because I have some composition and harmony questions that I can’t figure out what he does!
What most excites you about playing at Casa Romantica?
The beautiful venue!! Also, I love San Clemente, so I’ll be spending the day at the beach before loading in for soundcheck.
Casa Cool: Carey Frank will take place on Thursday, August 26 at 7 PM. Tickets are $25 ($20 for members) or you can buy a reserved table for four that includes a bottle of wine for $100 ($80 for members). Learn more >>
