Chit-Chat with musician Dave Johnson: West 34 plugs into entertaining audiences

West 34 puts the liveliness in live performances. The 2-year-old Brookfield-based band -- with members “Big Wave” Dave Johnson (rhythm and lead guitar, trumpet, keyboards); Tim Majewski (rhythm and lead guitar, lead vocals); Eugene McGhee (bass guitar) and Aaron Allan (drums) -- pumps the adrenaline into their high-energy rock and blues show, giving their audiences a rockin’ good time and a rush of cover tunes. And it helps that Johnson’s guitar doesn’t limit him to just the stage.

West 34. SUBMITTED PHOTO 

You’ve produced some original music, but most of the music in your shows are cover tunes. Why is that?
With typical bar performances, that’s what people are looking for. That’s what they want to hear. They like the familiar songs that they can sing along to. But with our music, we leave room for improvisation.

What do you play to get the crowd hyped?
We do this “Surf Medley” that’s a mix of the songs “Pipeline” and “Miserlou” (both by Dick Dale). It’s a high energy medley with a trumpet and everywhere we go people go wild over it.

What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened during a performance?
The first craziest thing we can’t print in the newspaper. (laugh) Plan B is that I have a wireless set up on my guitar and I get a good range, so sometimes I like to go outside of the building and play out there. While the band’s playing inside, I can be out in the street playing.

You’re almost limitless with your guitar?
Yeah. One night I was in the other room on my guitar and playing ping pong, while we were all performing. (laugh) Even our drummer has played the drums while on his back. It’s exciting for the audience. They love it. You’re not going to see that with other bands. We’re kooky.

As a young band, what are some goals you’re working toward?
We want to release a full-length CD of all original material, play at more festivals and ultimately play at the House of Blues in Chicago... But starting Dec. 14, we’ll be hosting the open mic jazz and blues night at Walter Payton’s Roundhouse in Aurora every Monday night.

So what can the audience expect from your performance in Brookfield?
Maybe I’ll go back in the kitchen with my guitar and make a sandwich while I’m there. (laugh)
 

SEE THE SHOW
WHAT West 34
WHERE Tequila Mockingbird, 3733 Grand Blvd., Brookfield; (708) 387-7300, www.west34.com
WHEN 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11
HOW MUCH $5