Grape Ape - ProfilesArchive

About Me

They say there must be something in the water here, for so many great musicians to come from this cultural Mecca. And they're right- from the dirty, funky depths of that Mighty Mississippi floodwater comes Grape Ape, 100% pure unadulterated New Orleans funk.
Their first gig was in front of three hundred volunteers in the 9th Ward, just weeks after that bitch we've all come to know and loathe came through town uninvited. No electricity, except for the two generators which that would frequently flicker on and off during inopportune moments. Throngs of volunteers living in tents on the blacktop parking lot across from the deserted church they now called home. It was during that gig that the boys realized, they've got something special on their hands.
Rhythm. The Beat. The Groove. J.B. and George Clinton call it "The One." Grape Ape is these things. And much more.
It all starts with the rhythm. In this case, the rhythm section. Grape Ape was born out of mid-March 2005 jam sessions between bassist and ringleader Dale Dolese and drummer Dane Bono. The two found a common link, and quickly searched for like-minded musicians that shared their goal of mixing their funk and jazz elements with blues, latin, rock, and just about anything else that fits the bill.
Enter Eric Ciborski (keys) & Mike Massel (guitar). Both veterans of the music scene in their own right- Ciborski in the Jersey area, Massel as a native of New Orleans- their sleek melody lines and unique phrasings act as the perfect compliment to Dolese & Bono's rump-shakin' foundation.
With the recent departure of Dolese in March, the remaining core looks to write new material while expanding their musical vocabulary, bringing their blues, fusion, and experimental elements even further to the forefront.
A few of our favorite clubs and venues:
The Howlin' Wolf * The Shiloh * Outer Banks * Banks Street *
The Old Point * Handsome Willy's * Tarantula Arms * Buffa's Lounge *
McAlister Auditorium
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/19/2005
Band Website: grapeapemusic.com
Band Members: Dane Bono- Beats

Eric Ciborski- Keys & Fine Cigars

Mike Massel- Guitars, Vox

Dale Dolese- Bass, vocals (Former Member)

For Booking:

Renee Aragon - (504) 309-1943
Dane Bono - (504) 256-8604
[email protected]

Influences: The Meters, John Scofield, Booker T and the MG's, Professor Longhair, Galactic, moe., MMW, Morphine, Sly & The Family Stone, Hendrix, Zeppelin, James Brown, Beck
Sounds Like: Buckle Rubbin' Muzak for Hilljacks
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Our Post Grape Ape Projects

Eric- Peace Jones Asheville-based good vibes. Mike- 3rd Echo; New Orleans based power pop. Dane- Kings of Happy Hour; ass shakin’ old school R&B/hip hop. Please check out our new ...
Posted by Grape Ape on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:21:00 PST

The End?

Thanks to everyone who came out last night to The Old Point to catch our last gig. The Old Point has always been one of our favorite clubs, and we had a great turnout for the band's finale. ...
Posted by Grape Ape on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 07:43:00 PST

We Need a Bass Player 3/18

As stated in our previous blog, Dale is leaving the band after our gig on 3/24 to pursue other interests. That said, The Band Formerly Known as Grape Ape (or T.B.F.K.A.G.A. for short, until we ...
Posted by Grape Ape on Sun, 18 Mar 2007 12:46:00 PST

Band Breakup, Curtain Call Gig on 3/24

Grape Ape bassist, vocalist, and ringleader Dale Dolese has decided to leave the band to pursue other options. Dale has a lot on his plate at the moment, the biggest of course being that he is a...
Posted by Grape Ape on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 08:34:00 PST

Mid City Endymion Protest Party Announcement!

Simple Play Productions and Grape Ape present:The Great Endymion Protest PartySaturday, February 17thCorner of North Murat and Orleans AvenueJust because Endymion is riding uptown again doesn't mean t...
Posted by Grape Ape on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:16:00 PST

Katreters 2.0

Finally have a studio version on Katreaters available for consumption. Not quite the final mix- maybe just a bit of tweaking/mastering to do, but a much better version than the live DAT recording we'd...
Posted by Grape Ape on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 10:18:00 PST

It's a Boy!

Congrats to bass player and ring leader Dale Dolese and his wife Renee on the birth of their son Sebastian this Wednesday. 7 lb. 4 oz. I believe is the official weigh in. Baby and mom are doing ...
Posted by Grape Ape on Thu, 07 Dec 2006 07:24:00 PST

Brief Hiatus/Gig Review (posted 11/15)

WHO'S YOUR DADDY? Looks like the apes are going to take about four weeks off from playing shows. We still have rehearsal space issues to resolve (and bands interested in sharing?), but more impo...
Posted by Grape Ape on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 10:06:00 PST

Grape Ape needs REHEARSAL SPACE (posted 11/9)

Well, our landlord has put the kabosh on our Short Street Studio (AKA Dane's house) after almost two years at the joint. So now we need a new rehearsal space. Any bands/clubs/friends that know o...
Posted by Grape Ape on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 06:53:00 PST

Katreaters Demo for Your Consumption!

A very rough demo from our Scrubs & Flubs with No Overdubs collection- they're sort of like those defective Z Cavaricci's your parents bought you back in the 90's (don't lie, you all had 'em)- sti...
Posted by Grape Ape on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 08:00:00 PST