Zeek and Wally: Adult contemporary music with funky grooves at Scottville band shell tonight

SCOTTVILLE – This week’s Tuesday night Scottville Clown Band Shell Concert Series will feature Zeek and Wally: Strummin’ and Drummin’. Tom “Zeek” Zatarga plays electric acoustic and lead vocals and Wally Leversey drums and does back-up vocals. Both Ludington residents, Zeek and Wally have been playing music around the area and are excited to team up for this special performance at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 17. Mason County Press Senior Correspondent, Kate Krieger met up with Wally, to discuss the group’s musical journey so far.

Q: How did the band/group get its start?

A: “We started Zeek and Wally about three and a half years ago after being in several different bands, both together and apart over the last 20 years. It gets harder as you get older to get four guys together on the same page. Zeek and I always had the same passion and taste for music, so we decided to take on the challenge of doing a two piece group, which in turn open the door to many different gigs. We were able to play as small as your living room house party, just ask Patti and David Gothwald or we can definitely pump it up and create a big full sound in a larger setting like the Sand Bar or LUDROCK.”

Q: What style of music do you consider yourself? Any musical influences?

A: “Adult alternative with some funky grooves. We play a lot of 90s and newer music with a good handful of what we like to call staple songs ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ etc. We try to keep it upbeat and danceable.”

Q: How often do you play out and where can people check you out at besides this Tuesday’s show at the Scottville Clown Band Shell?

A: “We play about once or twice a month at the Sand Bar, Michael’s and at various events and house parties.”

Q: How did the Scottville gig come to you and what should people look forward to when they come out to hear you play?

A: We got the gig through Jeremy Verstraete, who was at a house party we did.”

Q: In your spare time, when not playing music, what are the members of the group doing? 

A: “In the summer it’s pretty much golf and golf and did I mention golf and of course spending time with our family and friends. We appreciate the opportunity to play in Scottville and are very excited about it.”

Zeek and Wally can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com and search for “Zeek and Wally Strummin and Drummin.”

The band shell is owned and operated as a joint venture between the Scottville Optimist Club and Scottville Clown Band. The committee operates as a separate entity and includes representatives from both organizations and from the community. Tax deductible donations may be sent to Scottville Clown Band, PO Box 278, Scottville, MI 49454.