BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Hitmen and a Dame

These guys have been playing the popular hits for awhile or, as the promo coyly states, “deez guyz been playing da hits of the 60s, 70s & 80s since 2001,” booking everything from bar gigs to festivals, from political rallies (like for some Barack Obama guy, to mention one) to private functions, all with a great sense of professional showmanship and high musical caliber. Now with the addition of vocalist Shelley “the Dame” Simon, the Hitmen, including Ty Wiedenkeller (drums, vocals), Davey Little (guitar, vocals), Stan “da fingers” Kupish (keyboards, vocals) and Tom Butts (bass, vocals), expanded into even more hit territory. Now covering contemporary songs from Gretchen Wilson to Lady Gaga, complimenting the long and ever-expanding list of hits sung by the men, it’s no wonder they were chosen as 2011’s Best Local Band in the Decatur Herald and Review. Besides this Saturday’s show at Marly’s, check out “da band” at the upcoming Route 66 Mother Road Festival on Sept. 22 in downtown Springfield.