Soundz
Frank Manhardt
Vocalist for The Frank & Woody Show
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.16.2006
Age: 59
There are times when vocalist Frank Manhardt wishes his local country band, The Frank & Woody Show, hadn't broken up in the early '80s.
The band's 2003 reunion concert, for instance.
About 700 people showed up at El Casino Ballroom to reminisce with the band through an evening of lighthearted Southwest swing tunes and raucous country rock melodies.
"That was probably every single fan we had in the world, but they were all there for us," said Manhardt in a phone interview last week.
If you missed the performance, you will get a second chance this weekend. The Frank & Woody Show will take the stage for the second "It Just So Happens" reunion show at El Casino Ballroom Friday night.
Why did the band break up? "Bands always break up for this or that reason. After being together so long, personal issues got to the band and we finally just split up. The lead guitarist wanted to move to Nashville, and we were having conflicts also."
Who influenced you most when you first started out in music? "My mom was a beautiful singer. I got her ear and genes for music. She was in a church choir, and there was always singing going on in our house. She sang or whistled constantly. I picked that up from her and sang in the choir. It was a gift from mom, you might say."
Why did you have the first reunion concert in 2003? "What really started it off was about a year earlier Woody's former band, the Dusty Chaps, had a reunion at the Casino Ballroom. I went and saw all our old fans there and everybody said, 'Frank, you need to do this, too. You need to do a reunion with The Frank & Woody Show.' I thought, well, that would be fun. That would be swell. I have the Dusty Chaps to thank for our own reunion."
What were some of the best moments spent with the Frank & Woody Show? "I can't think of any of the best moments. We just had a nice long run here in Tucson. We recorded our two albums in a year's span. There was a lot of partying and wildness going on. Every night with The Frank & Woody Show you never knew what to expect. "
You are throwing this reunion concert on Saint Patrick's Day. Any particular reason? "That is why we are calling it the 'It Just So Happens' reunion show. It just so happens it is on Saint Paddy's."
What are your thoughts on corned beef and cabbage?
"I love corned beef and cabbage, but nobody makes it quite like my mom did. I haven't had good corned beef and cabbage for years."
Gerald M. Gay. To nominate someone for this column, email ggay@azstarnet.com.
