Five days later, as I was walking up the stairs to The SeaGull’s Nest, out on Sandy Hook, at Gateway National Park, I heard a familiar voice singing. I turned to look and there was Dave Miller! This time, though, he was performing as a solo act, playing an acoustic guitar and electric keyboard. Was it Fate or Coincidence? I don’t know. But here I am, exactly three years later, writing a review about him on July 4^th weekend.

Since then, my husband and I have become "regulars" at The SeaGull’s Nest, and it’s become one of our favorite places to go. The outdoor bar and restaurant sits right on the beach, with a beautiful view of the ocean and bay. The atmosphere, (complete with a patriotic "Sunset Ceremony") food, and entertainment attract young and old. It’s the perfect place to end a day at "The Shore."

Dave’s kind of entertainment fits in perfectly at the seaside Seagull’s Nest. Clad in his Hawaiian shirt and shorts, he looks like he just rolled off the beach himself. He puts you at ease immediately and before you know it, you’ve escaped from your stresses and problems and, for a few hours, are part of Dave’s world of music and fun.

Dave’s repertoire is seemingly infinite, as he takes request after request of tunes ranging from the ‘50’s to the ‘90’s, including Folk, Rock, Top 40, and even Country. Dave plays songs by such artists as James Taylor, Jim Croce, Billy Joel, John Denver, and Sting. He also performs songs by the bands, Santana, The Eagles, and the Beatles. He even covers Sinatra tunes (a brave undertaking for any artist). But Dave handles all genres equally well and that’s what most impressive about him. You name it? He plays it. He knows how to make everyone in the audience happy.

Dave is not just a performer, though. He’s an entertainer. He involves the audience, as he strolls around the tables (and sometimes stands up on the chairs) with a wireless microphone and a smile. Many a girl of six and a woman of sixty have blushed to find Dave at their side, on bended knee, crooning a romantic song in their ear. Everyone in the audience becomes a part of the fun.

Dave is a solid guitarist and keyboard player. His use of a synthesizer works well. He’s able to really get the sound of a band without a band. But, if you prefer a "live" band, you can see Dave perform with JamPact every Saturday night at The SeaGull’s Nest. Accompanied by solid musicians Andres Gonzales on rhythm and lead guitar, Jake Jones on bass, and Chris Banfitch on drums, Dave puts on a more "heated" performance. Again though, the variety of songs will appeal to everyone in the crowd.

Dave’s been performing "on and off," for nearly thirty years. He fronted his first band when he was only eleven years old! A current resident of Long Branch, he’s performed at many local places including, The Quay, The Wild Scallion, Danny’s Steakhouse, and Tradewinds.

Dave performs mostly as a solo act now, but has performed in the past as a duo in SunLight City (with Yolanda Hummler-Flemming) and with the bands, Liquid Heaven and JazzRock.

Dave’s musical influences include Sam and Dave, Wilson Picket, James Brown & the JB’s, The Stones, The Doors, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Yes, and "early" Genesis. He also credits James Taylor, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Dave Mason and "especially" Joni Mitchell for their influence on his music.

If you’d like to contact Dave Miller, you can reach him at dmiller@monmouth.com or through his Retrieve Records website. (His schedule can also be found on the Retrieve Records web site.) If you’d like booking information, you can call Dave at (732) 263-1736.

Whether you’re a fan of Rock, Folk, Country, or Frank Sinatra, I guarantee that you’ll walk away after listening to Dave Miller saying, "That was fun!"

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