About Me
Dan Whitaker leads his country band into the classic outlaw realm of country music, playing what they want, and having a good time of it. Dan Whitaker and The Shinebenders make their own version of country music that blends classic country, western swing, hillbilly and outlaw. It features DWs original C&W material, along with a variety of country classics. Their classic country covers range from the 1940's period of Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb through 50's and 60's, with artists such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride, Red Simpson, Bob Dylan, and the Louvin Brothers, and into the 70's outlaw era of Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, and the cosmic American country of Gram Parsons. And yes, this means they won't play Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, or Big & Rich no matter how many times you ask.The band has been playing frequently in the Chicago area and surrounding cities over the past three years, including bigger shows at Arlington Park and The Chicago Country Music Festival. Their first CD, Your Final Ride, is available on Sunny Smedley Records via most on-line retailers, such as Amazon and can also be downloaded at music sites, such as Itunes. Their new CD, Shinebender, is scheduled for release summer 2006.
