Rob Drabkin’s 5th Annual Birthday Bash

Jenn Cohen | February 1, 2012 | 0 Comments

by Jenn Cohen

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of Paul Simon’s release, Graceland. It also marks another birthday for singer/songwriter, Rob Drabkin, and anyone familiar with Drabkin, knows that Simon is one of his favorite musicians. To commemorate both the anniversary and his birthday, Drabkin held his 5^th Annual Birthday Bash at the Bluebird Theatre where he performed Graceland, as well as a full set of originals.

Every January (for the last five years) Drabkin has an Annual Birthday Bash. What started as a performance at Java Creek in 2008, has grown exponentially to what ended up being a packed house at the Bluebird this year.

Something you should know about Drabkin: He has mad talent. Like Midas, everything he touches turns to gold—the guitar, the mic, and the stage he stands on, they all come together to shine a golden spotlight on Drabkin when he plays.

His easy-going approach to life spills over into his performances. His voice is smooth and hypnotic, his fingers glide effortlessly around his guitar, and he smiles. He smiles and smiles . . .

With special guests, Kyle James Hauser (recently signed to SonaBLAST records), Kevin Mileski, Harry Drabkin (his equally talented father) on sax, and a full band to support him, Drabkin gave a fresh voice to the classic album, Graceland, followed by many of his upbeat, soulful, breezy originals; songs that are as delicious as the birthday cake his mom was serving at the merch counter!

If you missed this one, you’ll have to wait until next year, but Drabkin will be playing many shows from now until then. Check out robdrabkin.com for updates, and catch him on February 12^th at Folsom Field Stadium Club in Boulder where he’ll perform a tune with Brian McRae as Barry Fey and Harry Tuft get inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

I asked Drabkin what made him decide to start these annual birthday bashes. His response? “What other way would I want to spend a birthday?” Indeed.