We frequently discuss talented LH kids here on the blog, but did you know we also have plenty of talented parents in Lake Highlands?  The CatDaddies are one example, and you can catch their show at the Arboretum’s “Concert in the Gardens” Tuesday, July 5.

The CatDaddies started in 1998 as an act in the Lake Highlands Freshman Center talent show, part of a challenge to the LH Dads’ Club to put together a performance. Original members included Mark Sales on lead guitar, Steve Gwinnup on rhythm guitar, Roger Esparza on drums, Victor Cordova on bass and Sam Finklea as lead singer.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

With that first rousing ovation the guys were hooked, and they kept playing together, rehearsing in the Lake Highlands Elementary auditorium on Wednesday evenings and focusing on the music they grew up loving in the ‘60s and ‘70s. In addition to playing their favorites by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and the Kinks, Cordova and Sales wrote some original material.

Sales, a local attorney by day, is the only original member still playing with the band. He invited fellow lawyers Christina Melton Crain, Bryan Dunklin and Kent Hofmeister to join the group, and advertising exec David Michnoff plays the drums. LHHS 1968 grad Brad Young, father of three LH graduate daughters, plays bass and sings vocals, and Steve Richey, an IT guy, plays lead guitar.

The July 5th concert at the Arboretum begins at 7:30 pm, and gates open at 6 pm. You can bring a blanket or low-slung lawn chair sitting just off the ground, and outside food and beverages are permitted, including rolling coolers and alcoholic beverages. You may also purchase catered meals from Highland Park Cafeteria to be delivered to the event. More information about the concert is available here. Break a leg, guys!