Scroll right to follow
Dave's history from his roots in the CARUSO band to the
most recent events in his musical career. Click on any photo
to enlarge it. Links will open in a new page, so just close
the links to return to your place in the capsule.
|
|
1975
-
1st paid engagement
-
1st local press: "Brothers Form Band"
-
1st public performance, at the Trenton
Theatre, in their home town of Trenton, MI
-
In September, Mike,
Joe and Dave attend Trenton High School together. Mike is
a senior, Joe's a sophomore and Dave's a freshman. In the
THS Marching band, Mike plays trumpet, Joe plays clarinet and
Dave plays snare drum.
-
Dave, who has been writing songs
since middle school, registers his first music copyright
-
3 live CARUSO performances this year
Photo (l-r): Joe,
Rob, Dave and Mike Caruso |
1976
-
First promotional
photo session at Elizabeth Park in Trenton.
-
The brothers get
their first van and start purchasing music equipment instead of
renting. Rob gets his first (and only) professional drum
kit.
-
Mike, the oldest
member of the band, graduates from Trenton HS and enrolls at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
-
15 live CARUSO performances
this year
Photo - Railing (l-r):
Rob, Joe, Mike and Dave Caruso
Photo - Jumping (l-r): Mike, Dave, Rob, Joe
Shirts by Debbie Lawrence |
1977
|
1st Single:
"The Fastest Song Ever Written" /
"What Time Is It Now?" |
Dave finishes 6 years of piano
lessons.
Joe graduates from Trenton High
School. He chooses Central Michigan University, where he
earns a position as drum major in the CMU
marching band.
Photo 1 (l-r): Joe,
Dave (with guitar),
Rob (bottom) and Mike Caruso
Photo - Playground (l-r): Mike, Joe, Dave, Rob |
1978
|
2nd Single:
"The Game" /
"Rainy Day Lullaby"
|
-
CARUSO plays
at the Michigan State Fair
-
The band is now
performing mostly at wedding receptions and private parties.
(Dave Caruso: "Two of us were still under-age for playing in bars.")
-
CARUSO begins
featuring "The Auctioneer," a
barbershop quartet song, in their live show
-
While attending
school at CMU, Joe is diagnosed with
testicular cancer. After a long, torturous combination of
chemotherapy and surgery, he eventually gets a clean bill of
health. Luckily, due to the
band's light schedule, Joe only misses one gig while
recuperating.
-
21 live CARUSO performances
this year
Photo -
Barbershop (l-r):
Joe, Rob, Dave and Mike Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Joe, Mike, Mickey (Dad), Rob, Dave
Shirts by Debbie Lawrence. |
1979
|
3rd Single:
"Class Song" /
"What've We Got to Lose?"
|
|
"Sometimes
an artist perfectly nails a concept, an emotion, or a shared
experience, and does it so well that it is lauded almost
universally by all who come in contact with it. There
are examples in film, literature, and other art forms, but we
found our own particular masterpiece in Class Song."
--Phil Preston |
-
Dave writes
"Class Song," which is selected as the class song for senior
class the 1979
-
1st High School show,
at Bishop
Gallagher in Detroit, MI
-
Dave graduates from
Trenton High School, plays "Class Song"
at his commencement ceremony
-
31 live performances
this year
Photo (l-r):
Rob, Mike, Joe (bottom right) and Dave Caruso |
1980
|
4th Single:
"Someday" /
"Quit Your Foolin'" |
-
After a string of short-term lead guitarists, Wally Piotrowski
(a.k.a. Walter Anthony) is CARUSO's first to be hired for the job
on a
full-time basis
-
High School dances
begin to dominate the band's schedule
-
First of many band
posters
-
Dave attends the
University of Michigan-Dearborn, with a music scholarship from
Trenton HS. He studies music and English.
-
66
live performances this year
Photo (l-r):
Joe, Mike, Dave and Rob Caruso |
1981
 |
Lost Single:
"Heart Says Go" /
"I've Tried To Write You"
|
-
CKLW Detroit Radio
DJ Johnny Williams produces two songs with CARUSO at Ambience
Studios which are intended for their 5th single. The
project is shelved.
-
On July 12th,
CARUSO
appears
with
Rick Springfield
in downtown Detroit
-
Cabrini High School
seniors adopt Dave's "Class Song"; Dave plays it at
their commencements
-
1st college
performance: Eastern Michigan University
-
The band begins
regularly mailing photo-postcards to notify their growing
following of their public appearances
-
Rob Caruso, the youngest member of
the band, graduates from Trenton High
Photo (l-r):
Joe, Dave, Rob and Mike Caruso |
1982
|
5th Single:
"She's in Love With You" /
"Princess." |
|
"Infectious, polished power pop...Mike, Joe, Dave and Rob
deliver the hook-filled goods on "She's in Love," a catchy
dance tune flashing with slick-harmony vocals and fine
musicianship.
--The Detroit Free Press |
|
|
1st Videos:
"In the City," "Let Me Go," "She's In Love With You"
produced for
NACA
showcase.
Director: Dennis Hamilton. |
-
Guitarist Jake
Tobias joins the band
-
First out-of-state show: Hyram
College in Ohio, along with WV, PA, KY, NY
-
73 live performances
this year
Photo (l-r):
Mike, Rob, Joe and Dave Caruso.
Photo by Shawn Parker |
1983
|
Videos:
"YYY," "Dance It Up"
Director:
Dennis Hamilton |
-
College shows now constitute most of the band's performance schedule
-
The band plays their
first bar gig.
-
126 live
performances this year
Photo (l-r):
Mike, Joe, Dave and Rob Caruso |
1984
|
Miller Music
On RCA Records
includes CARUSO's
"Princess" |
-
Miller High Life
signs CARUSO to the
Miller Brewing Company's "Miller Rock Network"
-
Corporate sponsorship by Shure,
Hamer, Ensoniq, Fostex,
Zildjian,
Dean Markley, others
-
The band's song, "Princess,"
is included on an RCA records compilation album
-
1st Canada show:
The University of Windsor
-
Overnight touring
begins
-
Bars and club gigs
now regularly supplement the band's tour schedule
-
209 live
performances this year
Photo (l-r):
Joe, Rob, Dave and Mike Caruso
|
1985
-
Out-of-state touring
begins and tour lengths increase
-
"She's In Love With You" /
"Princess" begins to appear on college radio charts
-
Nominated
"Entertainers of
the
Year" by the NACA
-
CARUSO opens for
Joan
("I Love Rock & Roll") Jett at Muskingum College in New
Concord, Ohio.
-
Guitarist Bradley
Davenport joins the band from June 9, 1985 to August 16, 1986
-
241 live
performances this year
Photo 1 (b&w,
l-r): Dave, Rob, Joe and Mike Caruso
Photo 2 (color, l-r): Joe, Mike Rob and Dave Caruso |
1986
 |
1st Album:
"The White Album" |
|
"The two
standout songs are 'Modern Girl,' a danceable tune, and
'Princess,' a very beautiful ballad that shows off the pleasing
vocal harmonies and effective mood-setting keyboard work by Dave
Caruso, who also serves as lead vocalist."
--The Mellus
Newspaper |
|
|
Miller Music II
On RCA Records
includes CARUSO's
"She's In Love With You" |
|
Videos:
"Modern Girl,"
"She's In Love With You
(Milwaukee Version)"
Director: Kevin
Mitchell |
-
CARUSO celebrates their 1,000th show
with a live performance at Jaggers
in Waterford, MI.
-
RCA Records releases
"She's in Love With You" on a new, special
products album
-
NACA nominates
CARUSO for their Campus Entertainment Award
-
CARUSO opens for
John
("Dark
Side") Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band.
-
249 live performances this year.
The band is now on the road so often, the self-booked band
creates and distributes tour itineraries for the band and crew,
detailing all aspects of each road trip.
Photo 1 (l-r):
Joe, Dave, Rob and Mike Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Joe, Mike Rob and Dave Caruso |
1987
 |
2nd Album:
"In the Face" |
|
"...most successful
selling record by any unsigned Detroit band in the history of
Harmony House."
--Harmony House
Distribution Director, Sandra Bean |
|
"A fresh,
unique piece of pop-rock music...the album reveals the band's
talent for hitting the top 40 market...quite remarkable is the
highly polished sound of the digitally mastered EP. "
--The
News-Herald |
|
"Caruso
has all the makings of a great pop band... The beat on 'London,'
the first number on the disc and the one which has received the
most air play on radio, is a fast-paced, enjoyable morsel of pop
music. It's accented with a gashing guitar and vibrant
vocals... 'Young and Tender' is the strongest song on the
EP... Musically, the Carusos have their house in order. Especially
noteworthy are Joe Caruso's guitar and Rob Caruso's drumming.
The vocals are excellent."
--The Free Press |
"You only need to hear the 12" EP
by the Caruso brothers "In The Face" (Caruso/Nubeat - 1987)
once to sing along the chorus of the four songs on the EP. The
talented Carusos Mike, Joe, Rob, led by Dave, could have
achieved pop stardom in the 1980s based on their immediately
contagious pop gems.
In any case, Caruso's pop potential is undeniable and is
registered for the aesthetics in this record.
The four songs written by Dave Caruso (who went solo and has 1
EP and 2 wonderful albums - Power Pop Station's favorites, by
the way) could have reached the hit parades, led by the super
engaging and memorable "London."
--Power Pop Station, 02/14/2020 |
 |
6th Single:
"London" /
"Young & Tender" |
-
Lee
Thomas assumes the lead guitar duties for the band
-
Nominated
for another Campus Entertainment Award by NACA
-
CARUSO opens for Foghat.
-
Dave gets married on
September 5th. Rob and Lee Thomas play the Genesis song,
"Follow You, Follow Me" at the wedding ceremony.
-
226 live performances this year
Photo (l-r):
Mike, Dave, Joe and Rob Caruso |
1988
-
After 12 years, Dave leaves the group on January 3rd.
Lee Thomas stays on as the band's lead guitarist.
-
The band's 1,500th live performance is
celebrated
-
CARUSO shares a
ticket with
Richard Marx at Muskingum College.
-
The brothers begin
recording demos for their upcoming album. Rob becomes the
band's new lead singer and songwriter, recording demos in Dave's
studio while Dave and guitarist Lee Thomas co-write a few
numbers.
-
Dave plays piano bar
for Colombo's restaurant.
-
Dave records 2
videos and an interview for Wyandotte Cable.
Photo (l-r):
Joe Caruso, Lee Thomas, Rob and Mike Caruso |
1989
 |
3rd Album:
"I Love You...and Other Stories" |
|
"I Love You...
features four songs written by drummer Rob Caruso. The song
titles are indicative of the Pop/Rock boy-loses-girl genre, but in
the end, the hero finds his own identity and says, 'Hey, I can
live without you.'"
--Harmony House |
|
7th Single:
"One of These Days" /
"One of These Days" (remix) |
-
Guitarist Arnie Newman
-
1st Issue of
CARUSO band Newsletter: !Celebrate' la Vita!
-
Dave's newsletter,
"Aural Contact," premieres in June
-
Guitarist Arnie
Newman replaces Lee Thomas
-
The band appears on
PBS TV show "Club Connect"
-
CARUSO earns a Main Stage Showcase at the NACA
CARUSO appears at the NACA
National Convention in Nashville
-
Dave begins playing
solo shows at various clubs and restaurants
-
Dave warms up for
the CARUSO band at their local appearances.
-
Audio sampling
magazine, Transoniq Hacker adds Dave as a periodic reviewer
-
In September, Gig
Magazine publishes an article by Dave about putting original
songs in your live bar show
-
Dave records 2 more
videos and an interview for Wyandotte cable
Photo1 (l-r): Joe,
Mike and Rob Caruso, Arnie Newman
Photo 2 (l-r): Joe and Rob Caruso, Arnie Newman, Mike Caruso |
1990
-
Guitarist Allen Liggett replaces
Arnie Newman
-
CARUSO opens for
New Kids on the Block
-
On October 28th, The Allen Park
Symphony performs a Halloween oratorio with CARUSO, written
specifically around their album, "I Love You...and Other Stories."
Dave Caruso is a guest performer. In addition to playing
all of the
songs from the album with special symphonic arrangements by
conductor Jim Hamman, CARUSO sings Simon & Garfunkel's
"Scarborough Fair." For the encore, Joe plays a classical
clarinet solo, and the group performs "London."
-
Dave continues to warm
up for the band whenever they play locally, through 1991
-
Joe creates the
Caruso Leadership Institute to support his growing career
as an executive consultant, speaker and writer.
-
Dave's now playing his solo show
several nights a week for a series of Michigan restaurants,
including 71 dates for the
Carlos Murphy's restaurant chain in Southfield, Michigan and Escondido, California
-
Dave performs at Michigan colleges.
including Wayne State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn,
Oakland Community College, Lawrence Technological Institute and
Wayne State University
Photo 1 (l-r):
Allen Liggett, Rob, Mike and Joe Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Arnie Newman, Joe, Mike and Rob Caruso
Photo 3 (l-r): Mike,
Joe (seated) Rob, conductor Jim Hamman. |
1991
|
Video /
Retrospective:
"Young and Tender"
Produced by
Debbie Malchie
&
Dave Caruso |
-
Guitarist Randy
Casquejo and keyboardist Rob Casquejo replace guitarist Allen
Liggett. Randy's band, "In Sync," had been warming up for
the CARUSO band from time to time. ("In Sync" had
absolutely nothing to do with the boy band "'N Sync," which
didn't form until 1995, but Randy is happy to accept full credit
for them anyway.)
The CARUSO band now consists of two sets of
brothers whose last names have 3 syllables, begin with a "C" and end with
an "O."
(Rob Caruso: "We were brothers from different mothers.")
-
CARUSO begins frequently
featuring their dad, Mickey Caruso, on trumpet
-
Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte,
MI hires Rob as a percussion instructor for their marching band
Photo 1 (front
row): Mike and Rob Caruso
(back row) Rob Casquejo, Rob
Caruso,
and Joe Caruso
Photo 2: Rob Caruso, Randy Casquejo, Joe Caruso,
Rob Caruso
(below right)
and Randy Casquejo |
1992
-
Ruth Caruso, the
boys' mom, loses her battle to lung cancer on March 14th.
Ruth had proudly supported her sons' band. She was
active as a school parent and she was instrumental in bringing big bands
to Trenton High to perform through the Big Band Boosters
organization.
-
CARUSO begins
performing less often. Rob Casquejo has remained on
keyboards and Keven Holevar signs on as their new lead
guitarist.
-
Dave
and Rob Caruso form "Mr. Happy & The Imposters" (later shortened
to just "The Imposters") with CARUSO guitarist Walter
Anthony and bassist Richard "Quinn" Quenneville.
Joe Caruso and Mickey Caruso, the boys' dad, often drop by and sit in on
saxophone and trumpet. The band specializes in classic
rock.
-
"A Crude Interest"
gives Dave a chance to play an eclectic mix of alternative music with
friends Eric Freeman (drums), Ralph Koschnitzke (keys & vocals),
Tracey Flynn (vocals) and Nick Piunti (guitar).
Photo 1 (back
row, l-r): Mike and Joe Caruso
(front row): Dave, Mickey, Ruth and Rob Caruso
Photo 2 - A Crude Interest (l-r): Ralph Koschnitzke, Eric
Freeman, Tracey Flynn, Dave Caruso |
1993
Rob is married on August 7th. The Imposters plus Joe
and Mickey Caruso, J.C. Unger and others jam at the wedding reception (above).
"The Imposters" perform for the last
time on April 17th.
Rob Casquejo marks his
last year with the band.
Photo (l-r):
Mr. Happy & The Imposters - Richard "Quinn" Quenneville,
Joe Caruso, Wally Piotrowski |
1994
-
May
15th: Mike, Joe, Dave, Rob, and their dad, Mickey Caruso,
perform their first full-length show together in 8 years, in a
reunion at the Sportsman's Den. Also appearing are Walter
Anthony
and Rob Casquejo
-
November 5th: Mike,
Dave and Rob Caruso form a trio project, called "Plan 9."
Joe and Mickey Caruso sit in as the band's horn section.
Photo 1 (l-r):
Joe, Mike, Mickey and Rob Caruso
Photo 2 - Plan 9 (l-r): Rob & Dave Caruso
Photo 3 - Plan 9 (l-r): Mike & Dave Caruso |
1995
Dave appears semi-regularly at "The
Grind" coffee house in Wyandotte, MI. Joe, Rob and their Dad
Mickey make appearances, as well as members of "A Crude Interest."
"CARUSO Trio," another
side project, features Mike and Rob Caruso with guitarist Walter
Anthony
Wyandotte's Roosevelt High School
Marching Band promotes Rob from Percussion Instructor to Band
Director
Natalie Caruso, Rob's first child is
born on March 26th
Dave is divorced after
7 years of marriage
Photo (l-r): Mr. Happy
- Jake
Tobias and
Dave Caruso |
1996
Dave and Rob Caruso form "Mr. Happy," a new trio with longtime
CARUSO friend and guitarist Jake Tobias. Dave learns to
play bass and alternates between bass, guitar and keyboards
during the show.
Rob calls on all
band alumni from all previous years to join the current
Roosevelt Marching Band in a parade. This includes Mickey
Caruso, who played the trumpet in high school at Roosevelt.
On August 27th,
President Clinton visits Wyandotte. Rob leads the RHS
Marching Band in playing "Hail to the Chief" and Clinton shakes
Rob's hand as he walks to the podium to deliver a speech.
This will be Rob's final year as Director.
On September 9th,
Rob and his wife have a
second baby, Julie. Rob asks to be replaced in "Mr. Happy." Jake invites Chris Wietzke
to step in on drums.
On November 2nd,
Mike, Rob and Dave join area dignitaries, clients and friends to
roast their brother Joe for his birthday
Final issue of
Dave's "Aural Contact" newsletter
Photo (l-r): Mike,
Dave & Rob Caruso |
1997
Dave and Rob Caruso
make plans to team up with friends Kevin Holevar and Keith Saxton for "H'Oliver
Twist," an alternative hits band. Before the band can have
its first rehearsal, Rob receives an attractive offer for a job
opportunity in Houston, Texas.
Mike creates a new
company,
The Edison House (now Michael Angelo Caruso), to promote his speaking engagements and
his writing
Mickey Caruso, the boys' dad, dies on
December 7th after an 11-week hospital stay. Mickey had
bought the band's first P.A., driven his 4 young sons to their
first gigs and helped them make decisions in the music industry.
Rob and Dave sing Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band" at his
funeral.
Rob leaves Michigan
and relocates with his family to Houston, Texas on December 14th
Photo (l-r): Dave,
Rob, Mickey (seated).
Joe and Mike Caruso |
1998
Dave plays with "Mr.
Happy" (the band) for the last time. They re-group with Jeff Nolan, Diane Smith and later
Tracey Flynn from "A Crude Interest."
A re-tooled "H'Oliver Twist"
debuts in March, with John Buffa assuming the drumming
responsibilities.
Rob plays a one-night show with "H'Oliver
Twist."
Photo (l-r): H'Oliver
Twist - Kevin Holevar, Keith Saxton, Dave Caruso, John Buffa
|
1999
 |
CD Single:
"Class Song" |
|
"While some songwriters take us to a place we’ve never been
before, Dave’s lyrics take us instead to places we’ve been and
would like to visit again. Listening
to Class Song gives the listener exactly what Dave
intended to give: a trip back to the happy and sometimes sad
memories of our times together in high school."
--Art Zasadny |
On the song's 20th anniversary, Dave Caruso releases the newly
recorded "Class Song,"
on CD.
Dave creates the Aural Contact web site, which becomes
DaveCarusoMusic.com, to support his original music
projects.
Joe is married
in Italy on June 25th. Joe and his new wife, Carol, hold a
Michigan reception on August 23rd.
Dave starts yet
another band, "The Room Upstairs." This time Dave is
joined by CARUSO guitarist / alum Walter Anthony and "A Crude
Interest" drummer Eric Freeman for a mix of classic rock, oldies
and some alternative music.
Dave joins "Mr.
Happy" for a reunion show at Woody's Diner in Royal Oak, MI.
Joe's wife Carol
hires Dave as Vocal Director for musical theatre productions of
"Cinderella" and "Annie" at Woodhaven High School.
Photo 1: Dave
Caruso. Photo by Larry Caruso.
Photo 2 (l-r): Rob, Dave & Mike Caruso |
2000
On July 7th, Joe and Rob Caruso appear with Dave Caruso & The
Room Upstairs at Memorial Park in Lincoln Park, MI.
That same
weekend, Dave and Rob play at the Allen Park Bar in Allen Park,
MI
Dave returns to
Woodhaven High School, this time as Vocal Director and
Keyboardist for "Pippen"
Photo 1 (l-r):
Dave and Joe Caruso. Photo by Lori Juncaj.
Photo 2: Rob Caruso |
2001
-
Dave hosts several
solo concerts at Scalicis Lounge which feature several of his
band mates from "A Crude Interest" and "Mr. Happy."
-
Dave
begins entertaining as a dueling pianist. He
creates a new company called
Piano Wars!
to support his dueling pianos ventures. Dave's first
dueling partner is Bill Jacques.
-
Rob's company moves
him to New Orleans.
-
Dave returns with
"Mr. Happy" for another reunion show at Woody's Diner in Royal
Oak, MI
-
Dave creates a
Songwriting Workshop for young songwriters and presents it for
the students at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton, MI.
Photo 1: Dave Caruso
Photo 2: Mr. Happy Reunion: Jake Tobias, Jeff Nolen, Tracey
Flynn, Diane Smith, Chris Wietzke, Dave Caruso |
2002
On December 27th, Mike, Joe and Rob Caruso stop in to see Dave Caruso & Bill Jacques in the
Piano Wars! dueling pianos show. By this time, Dave,
Rob and Joe have played together at several Piano Wars!
shows and with The Room Upstairs. The boys begin talking
about a possible CARUSO reunion show.
Dave learns to
play drums
More songwriting
clinics by Dave at Boyd
Arthurs Middle School in Trenton and Allen Park High School
Joe asks Dave to
write and record the music theme for his Detroit Public
Television WTVS 56 program, "The Power of Losing Control."
DPT likes the song and commissions Dave to write a theme for a second program.
Photo (l-r):
Dave, Rob, Mike and Joe Caruso.
Photo by Lori Juncaj. |
2003
 |
Anthology:
"CARUSO: The
Albums,
1986 - 1989" |
|
Video /
Retrospective:
"The Boys are Back"
CARUSO / Dave Caruso |
-
On July 13th, Joe, Dave and
Rob Caruso host a CARUSO reunion performance at Pier 500, along with CARUSO band members
Bradley Davenport, Jake Tobias, Wally Piotrowski, Rob Casquejo and special guest
Nick Piunti.
-
The CARUSO band releases a compilation
album called "CARUSO: The Albums, 1986-89," containing tracks from
their three albums.
Photo 1 (l-r): Joe,
Rob and Dave
Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave
and Rob Caruso
Photo 3 (l-r): Dave and Joe Caruso, Pier 500 Owner
Richard El-Awad, Rob Caruso |
2004
 |
Album:
"Elizabeth
Parker" |
|
"Elvis
Costello Alert! Here's a guy that knows his way
around a pop song! He delivers five Brill Building-esque pop
nuggets."
--Kool Kat Musik |
|
"Great EP for pure pop
fans! Payoff is big if you are a fan of early Costello,
Squeeze and Joe Jackson."
--NotLame.com |
|
"....sunny, chiming guitar
melodies that are instantly catchy and accessible... the song
craft is top notch."
--PowerPopaholic.com |
|
"...an island of vivid colors amidst the sea of black &
monotonous pop music today."
--Powerpop
Station |
|
"Pop
craft of a high order... a contender on merit alone for the
2009 AbPow EP list."
--AbsolutePowerPop.com |
Dave releases
his CD single, "Elizabeth Parker"
On Saturday, July 17th, CARUSO performs at Elizabeth Park in
Trenton. The afternoon concert was sponsored by Wayne
County Parks and featured Dave and Rob Caruso, Jake Tobias and
Walter Anthony.
On that same
evening CARUSO play a 2nd show at Scalici's Lounge in Allen
Park, MI.
Rob appears with Dave for the Port Huron to Mackinac boat races.
Dave appears
weekly at Hickey's Grill in Woodhaven, MI, Pub 13
in Ypsilanti and several other clubs, including Rum Bullions in
Reno, Nevada
Photo 1 (l-r): Dave
& Rob Caruso, Jake Tobias at Elizabeth Park.
Photo by Dan Drotar
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave
and Rob Caruso, Jake Tobias at Scalici's
Photo 3 (l-r): Mike, Dave, Joe & Rob Caruso |
2005
Dave and Rob play
again for the Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Races.
In February, Dave is
promoted to dueling pianos Entertainment Director for Pub 13 in
Ypsilanti, MI.
Photo (l-r): Dave
and Rob Caruso. Photo by Lori Juncaj.
|
2006
On May 18th, Dave, Rob
and Joe Caruso play to a full house at Sibley's Hotel Grill.
They perform three eclectic hour-long sets packed with some of
their favorite music on piano, guitar, drums, sax and congas.
Rum Runners USA hires Dave as dueling
pianos Entertainment Director for their Mishawaka / South Bend
store
Photo 1 (l-r): Joe, Dave, Mike & Rob Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Joe,
Rob and Dave Caruso
Photo 3 (l-r): Joe, Mike and Dave Caruso |
2007
On July 15, Dave, Rob
and Joe Caruso return to The Pier 500 with Jason Tobias on lead
guitar, Nathan Montgomery on bass and Paul Bickel on trumpet,
playing songs from their anthology CD and several of their
favorite covers.
CARUSO videos are available on
YouTube.
Dave takes his Songwriting Clinic to
the band students at Western Schools in Jackson, MI.
Photo 1 (l-r): Joe,
Rob and Dave Caruso
Photo by Lori Juncaj
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave,
Joe and Rob Caruso |
2008
For the 2008 CARUSO
reunion show on August 1st, Dave and Rob Caruso bring back vocalist / bassist
Richard "Quinn" Quenneville (The Imposters), guitarist
and vocalist Walter Anthony (CARUSO / The Imposters / CARUSO Trio
/ The Room Upstairs), drummer Eric Freeman (A Crude Interest / The
Room Upstairs) and guitarist Lee Thomas (CARUSO). Joe Caruso
adds sax and guitar to several tunes.
At Rum Runners in South Bend, Dave
played a 1-hour Storyteller concert on May 8th, mixing original
music with personal stories for the intimate Indiana crowd.
Dave celebrates 3500 performances
Photo 1 (l-r): Dave Caruso, Richard "Quinn" Quenneville,
Photo by Lori Juncaj
Lee Thomas, Rob Caruso, Walter Anthony
Photo 2 (l-r): Dave, Joe and Rob Caruso
Photo 3: Dave Caruso |
2009
|
Video /
Retrospective:
"Elizabeth Parker"
Dave Caruso |
|
Video /
Retrospective:
"London"
CARUSO /
Dave Caruso |
-
CARUSO
Reunion with
Mike, Joe, Dave & Rob
(first time in 15 years!)
The band of brothers joins 7 other bands in honoring their good
friend, Dan Drotar at the Pier 500 in Wyandotte, MI.
-
Dave Caruso releases
his first solo CD, "Elizabeth Parker." Several power pop blogs post glowing reviews.
Photo (l-r): Mike,
Dave, Joe and Rob Caruso
Original photo by Dan Drotar |
2010
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Dave plays in Michigan, Vermont, New York,
Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Texas while racking
up a career total of 3,800 shows
-
Dave and Rob Caruso host a holiday jam
at Malarkey's in Southgate, MI on December 27th.
Photo 1 (l-r): Rob
& Dave Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Rob
& Dave Caruso
Photo 3 (l-r): Dave
& Rob Caruso
Photos by Lori Juncaj
|
2011
 |
Anthology:
"CARUSO:
The 80s
Remastered" |
-
On January 12th, "CARUSO: The 80s Remastered," a
completely remastered version of "The Albums, 1986 - 1989," is
released.
-
On January 13th, Dave returns to Boyd
Arthurs Middle School to discuss songwriting with
Mr. Kopera's music composition class. This time, Dave
compared different aspects of songwriting to the preparation and
enjoyment of food.
-
Rob and Dave Caruso reunite on May
20th at Wyandotte's Yack Arena, along with CARUSO Band alum Walter
Anthony on guitar and friend Jeff Nolen on bass.
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Dave clocks in with his 4,000th career
performance
-
In August, Dave plays in Montana for
the first time
Photo 1 (l-r): Mike,
Dave, Joe & Rob Caruso
Photo 2 (l-r): Walter Anthony, Jeff Nolen, Dave & Rob Caruso
Photo 3 (l-r): Walter Anthony, Jeff Nolen, Rob & Dave Caruso
Photos 2 & 3 by Lori Juncaj
|
2012
-
Dave racks up
a career total of 4200+ shows while
working in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York,
Pennsylvania, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska
in 2012.
-
For his 5th songwriting clinic at Boyd
Arthurs Middle School on October 15th, Dave challenges Mr. Kopera's music composition class to consider "What makes a song
original?" He plays examples from popular music and his own
forthcoming album using guitar, piano, vocal and audio samples to
demonstrate creative concepts for writing, arranging and recording
original songs. Two students won copies of Dave's "Elizabeth
Parker" CD for their participation.
|
2013
-
Dave speaks to Mr. Kopera's Music
Compostion class at Boyd Arthur's Middle School. Using "Your
Fake Friends" and "Champion" as examples, he talks with the
students about songwriting form and fields their questions about
writing and performing.
-
T.V.'s Grand Event (the Trenton Grand
Hotel in Trenton, MI) hosts a retrospective solo concert of Dave's
music, featuring sneak previews from his upcoming album, plus
songs from previous CDs, Elizabeth Parker and CARUSO: The 80s
Remastered.
|
2014
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Best Albums of 2014, #6
Best Songs of 2014, #7 (The Art of Erica)
--Jeffrey Raskin
/ Pop That Goes Crunch |
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Best Albums of 2014
--Ice Cream Man Power Pop & More Show |
|
21 Favorite Records of 2014
--Alan Haber
/ Pure Pop Radio |
|
- Dave returms for
several engagements at TV's Grand Event in Trenton, Michigan and
appears for several shows in Waterford, MI.
- In July, Dave launches a music
store at DaveCarusoMusic.com. The first two items for sale
are his new CD and promotional poster.
- On August 1st,
Dave releases his new album, "Cardboard Vegas Roundabout."
|
2015
-
In
January, Dave launches monthly "Live To Your Living Room" music
parties (streaming concerts).
-
TV's Grand Event
books Dave for more shows in February and April.
-
Dave is invited to
play at the prestigious International Pop Overthrow - Detroit music festival
on April 4th.
-
April 5th marks the
40th anniversary of CARUSO's first paid engagement.
-
Dave and the CARUSO
band appear at the Trenton Summer Festival's 40th anniversary on June
26th.
-
Dave writes and
records "Listen
To This." Host Jeffrey Raskin chooses it as the theme
song for "The Big Show," his melodic pop music discovery program
on "Pop That Goes Crunch" radio.
-
Jim Prell interviews Dave on The Music Authority.
-
Dave is invited for
an interview and performance on "Friday Night Live with Jill &
The A-List" at Cave Radio Broadcasting.
-
"Your Fake Friends"
is tied for 10th most-played song on "This
Is Rock 'N' Roll Radio" with Dana & Carl.
Photo 1: Dave at
International Pop
Overthrow - Detroit
Photo 2: Dave's StageIt Show
Photo 3 (l-r): Dave Caruso, Rob Caruso,
Arnie Newman & Kevin Holevar at
the Trenton Summer Festival
Photo 4 (l-r): Dave Caruso & Kevin Holevar
at the Trenton Summer Festival
Photo 5 & 6 (l-r): Kevin Holevar &
Dave Caruso at CRB Studios |
2016
-
Rewind 94.3 invites
Dave to co-host the Dance Hall Days radio show with Brad & Rik.
The theme is "Pop Goes the 80s" and Dave provides some of his
favorite 80s tracks, plus music by CARUSO and his own songs.
-
Dave hosts his own
radio show, "My WAVlength," on Pop That Goes Crunch.
Each installment features songs sharing a musical theme, with
comments from Dave.
-
International Pop
Overthrow-Detroit kicks off on April 7th. Dave is the first artist
scheduled to perform.
-
In September, Asher
School in Southgate, Michigan hosts Dave's new weekly, 6-part
songwriting course, "The Secrets To Better Songwriting."
|
2017
|
#9 Power Pop Album of 2017
--Richard
Rossi / Power Pop News |
|
Top 13 Essential Tracks
for 2017
--Rick Warhall
/ Chasing the Essential: |
|
#17 Top Albums of 2017
--Paolo Milea
/ Power Pop Station |
|
18 Favorite Albums
of 2017
--Alan Haber
/ Pure Pop Radio |
|
#60 Top 100 of 2017
--Stephen Ferra / Absolute Powerpop |
|
-
WHFR host Phil Maq
interviews Dave and plays several of his songs on March 20th.
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Allendale Elementary
School asks Dave to participate in Career Day.
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Dave is now teaching
3 songwriting courses at Southgate Asher School.
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The Hangabouts
invite Dave to join them for a live show at Dexter Days on
August 8th.
-
Dave appears at Tour
de Ile, a bike ride in Grosse, Ile, Michigan.
-
Dave stops by Rewind
93.4 to appear as a guest and play a few live songs on the
Strange Magic radio show. The show's theme is "Piano Men."
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On October 30th,
Dave releases a new album: "Buddha Pesto Manifesto."
|
2018
-
On January 24th,
Alan Haber interviews Dave on "Pure Pop Radio: In Conversation."
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In February, Dave
appears on "Behind the Mic," with Pam Rossi.
-
In March, Dave
launches "Songwriter Stories," an interview and music discovery
podcast. His inaugural guest is Tony Macaulay, who
co-wrote "Build Me Up, Buttercup."
-
In May, Dave
receives his 100th song copyright.
-
June finds Dave
focusing more heavily on his video channel at YouTube.com/DaveCarusoMusic.
By year's end, it will be the home of almost 100 music videos.
-
Mike Caruso, Rob
Caruso and Dave Caruso unite for a "Saturday Morning Live"
Facebook video call, during which they share stories about the
CARUSO band.
-
Dave creates 4 more
songwriting courses for Asher School in Southgate, Micihgan:
"Rewriting to Improve Your Songs," Music Theory & Ear Training
for Songwriters," "Arranging for Songwriters," and "Songwriting
CSI."
-
On 09/29, Dave and
Rob Caruso perform in Grosse Ile in a show called "Rock on the
Grass."
-
During the week of
10/21, Dave's album, "Buddha Pesto Manifesto," reaches the #1
album position on the Top 10 Albums chart by Phil Maq of WHFR.
BPM stays on the chart for 10 weeks.
|
2019
-
As Songwriter
Stories reaches its 14th episode, it continues to build its
guest list and appears on PlayerFM's 2019 "Best
Songwriting Podcasts" and Feedspot's 2019 "Top 20 Songwriting
Audio Podcasts." College radio show "Indie Pop Takeout"
and the "Chasing the Essential" podcast regularly feature nods to
Songwriter Stories.
-
Dave periodically
subs on keyboards for Detroit-based dance hits band, Fifty Amp
Fuse.
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By year's end, Dave
has created over 100 hours of class material for 14 different
eight-week courses for his community education series, "The
Secrets to Better Songwriting." He has taught these
courses for 7 semesters in Southgate, Michigan and led his first
course in Dearborn this year.
|
2020
-
 |
Album:
"Radiophonic
Supersonic" |
|
#8 Best Power Pop Album of
2020
--Power Pop News |
|
Top 10
Songs of
2020 (Little Miss Sunshine)
--Hop On Power Pop |
|
Top 15 Essential Tracks for
2020
--Chasing
the Essential |
|
#19 Best
Power Pop Album of 2020
--Power Pop Station |
|
#23 Top 100 Albums of 2020
--Absolute Powerpop |
|
Top 25 Albums
& EPs of 2020
--Indie Pop Takeout |
|
Top 50
Albums of
2020
--Pop Forever |
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Dave's first album is reissued as
"Elizabeth Parker Revisited," featuring remixed and remastered
tracks.
-
With the help of guests like
Marshall Crenshaw and Vicki Peterson of the Bangles, Dave's
Songwriter Stories podcast racks up 23 episodes in its
third year.
-
During the COVID 19
pandemic, "The Secrets to Better Songwriting" goes online for
the first time. Dave has created and led a total of 16
course titles.
-
Elizabeth Parker,
Your Fake Friends, Boomer, Letter To My Ex and Throwing Out My
Baby With the Bassinet are latest of more than 100 music videos
at Dave's YouTube channel.
-
Dave joins Bandcamp.
|
2021
-
Dave Caruso Music Publishing is
created at ASCAP & SoundExchange.
-
Dave expands his
music teaching practice to 30 piano and guitar students.
-
The Secrets To
Better Songwriting has grown to 20 courses which Dave has
taught in Southgate and Dearborn, Michigan. Wayne
County Community College picks up one of Dave's songwriting
courses, and Dave continues to lead his classes across the
country using Zoom.
-
Piano Wars!,
Dave's dueling pianos entertainment company, celebrates 20 years
in business.
-
On his Songwriter
Stories podcast, Dave interviews Matthew Sweet and
Jon Auer of The Posies.
|
2022
-
Dave logs over 5,000 lifetime
performances.
-
As a music educator, Dave has led
230 hours of his own songwriting and music course material for
adult community education classes in three Michigan cities as
well as online.
-
Southgate, Michigan Adult Education
offers multiple sessions of Dave's new group class, Guitar Basics.
-
Dave Caruso, Summer in the Park:
The 60s, the 70s, & Me -- an outdoor concert on August 11th
-- features Dave's favorite music from the era, interspersed
with his own songs.
-
Dave's YouTube channel surpasses
87,000 views.
|
2023
 |
Album:
"In
the Face
35th Anniversary
Deluxe" |
-
The 1987 CARUSO
album, "In the Face" is reissued with 12 additional rare,
live, remix and bonus tracks.
|