Appearing Live!!!!!
Saturday August 17th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill St. Charles
1545 W Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 513-0681
Hotel Gouda, we're the SMEs who melt the cheese!
Check out our playlist on YouTube and watch for us to rock out at a club near you!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Band Overview
Hotel Gouda
Peter Michael Downes is the founder and musical director of Hotel Gouda. A creative expressionist who reaches for new levels of live-performance, his career has taken him throughout the midwest. His non-linear approach is reminiscent of the approach employed by the likes of Andy Kaufman and Frank Zappa. This unusual combination is applied to iconic cover songs and takes the music to a whole new dimension. There is one objective with Pete Downes—being different/unique. The moment he hits the stage his alter-ego Sonny Orbit is in full force, commanding that you pay attention to his voice, words, musicianship, and commitment to his character. He easily could have been a member of KISS minus the makeup. However, his devotion to his craft of acting and music makes the Hotel Gouda experience a unique one; particularly when compared to other cover bands.
Essentially, Peter Michael Downes is an eccentric-performance artist, who uses classic rock cover songs to express his deeper interpretation of the material. An accomplished singer and lead guitarist, he provides improvised direction to the band; influencing the dynamic flow of the music, and the contributions of each member. This allows each performance to be new and unique and allows each member the opportunity to add in their own textures and to always remain in the moment. These are rare traits, behaviors, and characteristics you would not commonly find in any iconic classic rock band, let alone a working cover band. He surrounds himself with musicians who share his vision. More importantly, he remembers certain players or musicians he has always wanted to work with. With his skill set and talents, he has attracted many in the music world to sign up for his next chapter in music. You could say that Peter Michael Downes is an optimist, who wouldn't mind if your Sun sign in Sagittarius is ruled by (Jupiter), which denotes expansion, abundance, good-luck, and good music.
When you analyze their set list, you see that they are playing iconic songs, songs that you have heard on both AM/FM frequencies & radio for decades. There is an organic chemistry on display during their live performances. And yes, each member is actually playing live, and not using backing tracks or other tricks triggered by an iPad. Rather, it is a four piece—Peter Michael Downes (Sonny Orbit) on lead guitar and lead vocals, Roy Wollen (L.Roy) on bass and lead vocals; both providing backing vocals to the other when the other is leading. Their drummer is Bill Hoffman (Chimay Bleu). Bill is currently on IR and Adam Lasko has requested to cover for him during his convalescence. They’ve recently added a keyboard player Dave Connell (Graviera Sardo). A dynamic and creative player, Dave adds another layer to the richness of Hotel Gouda’s sound.
Peter Michael Downes and Adam Lasko share a time where they rehearsed under the cover band (LATE NIGHT FM,) but it just did not work out in two or three rehearsals in his home studio. However, Peter Michael Downes is steadfast on keeping files and recordings to a degree that would cause former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to blush.
Stay tuned, with the covers they do and the chemistry they have, Hotel Gouda puts on a show that you’re not going to want to miss.
Original review by Adam Mitchell Lasko.
August 17, 2024.
Biographies
Sonny Orbit
Legend has it that when Sonny Orbit was born in 1964, he emerged with a full head of golden blond hair, so striking that his mother was reminded of the brilliance of the sun and therefore named him "Sonny." At an early age he had begun exhibiting a love of music and learned to play several songs on a makeshift guitar he had constructed using an old soapbox and fishing line from his father's tackle box. Soon, his parents bought him a real guitar, and soon he was both writing songs and playing the popular songs of the day. As a teenager, Sonny was touring the country and playing to packed houses as the "Sunshine Boy Wonder," sharing the stage with such superstars as The Partridge Family and Sonny and Cher. His musical ideas rubbed off on all he met and performed with, and legend has it he was the first to define the form "disco", years before it became a national trend.
Later, he teamed up with Hayzeus Lovesexy to create Hit Machine. His flamboyant guitar and singing style caught the eyes and ears of the music scene, and soon Hit Machine was in high demand throughout Chicagoland.
L.Roy Wooley
L.Roy Wooley (bassist/vocalist) introduced Sonny Orbit (guitarist/vocalist) to Chimay Bleu (drummer) in 2019, which instantiated Hotel Gouda. L. Roy and Sonny have a long history of cheezy songs starting with Hit Machine, the 70s cover band formed in the 1990’s.
Hit Machine took its name from a K-Tel record and recreated rock, disco, and country songs from the 1970s. Recreating in this case refers to creating art out of the songs, either through highly exaggerated performances, costumes, art, and overall irreverence. Under the leadership of Hayzeus Lovesexy and Sonny Orbit, the band cycled through no less than 405 Chicago musicians in its quest to resurrect the underappreciated hits of the 70s.
L. Roy Wooley joined Hit Machine in 1999 after failing to get into a local Chicago band called the Suckmakers.
L. Roy, who is an ordained Reverend in the State of Illinois, has a long line of musical influences starting with his Dad, who was a trumpet player in the Bronx Symphony Orchestra. L. Roy has been in these musical groups:
Fort Lee High School chorus, Orchestra for the Robber Bridegroom,
Dawgs, BBC, The Suspects, Orchestra for Hair, Hit Machine, Scanning Babies, Heavy Mental,
Roses for Panjo, E Pluribus Freebus, and ultimately, Hotel Gouda.
Chimay Bleu
Chimay Bleu is the son of a highly-regarded cheese producer from northern Wisconsin, Chimay Bleu was named Chimay because it was one of the highest quality of cheeses, and renowned for its taste, character, and tradition.
It was his father’s hope that Chimay would embrace these facets of his name and eventually take over the family business. But as Chimay’s passion for music began bubbling to the surface, it often put him at odds with his father.
Legend has it that at 7 years old Chimay was grounded for creating an entire drum set made out of cheese wheels.
At 16, Chimay left home and hit the road touring with a Jigsaw tribute band. After years of feeling unfulfilled, Chimay found himself waxing philosophic over a pot of fondue, and he suddenly realized he could never be free until he "melted the cheese".
When L.Roy Wooley told Chimay about master sandwich maker Sonny Orbit, and his desire to create the perfect panini, Chimay knew he had found his new home, and Hotel Gouda was born.
Graviera Sardo
Gravi was born in the early 60’s, date unknown, in a small town called Zion Illinois near the Illinois/Wisconsin state line. Gravi was born in the Zion Garbage Dump, he was close enough to Wisconsin to smell the cheese but far enough away to not be considered a “Cheesehead”. Around the time he was four years old someone dropped a piano off the back of a truck and it landed on Gravi’s head and he has been smitten with it ever since. His parents said he started playing “Stairway to Heaven” right away and after the 13,206 time he was asked to leave. Since he just completed third grade and could finally spell “Cat” he figured he had enough education to make it in the world. He walked about a mile east and jumped on the first train that came by and spent the next 30 years riding throughout the country playing in Honky Tonks and dive bars throughout the United States that you wouldn’t take your Gramma to. This is where he came in contact with the great music of blues, jazz, country, country blues, folk, americana and pretty much anything with a rootsy feel. He fell in love with Fats Waller, Lightning Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy, Tommie Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis, Roosevelt Sykes, Memphis Slim, Grant Green, Bill Evans, Barry Manilow and Abba. Upon audition for Hotel Gouda, it appeared that he could play in most keys and it looks like he owns his keyboard, so he fit the criteria. Currently Gravi lives on the north side of Chicago and pretends to do what his wife tells him to do.
Catch Hotel Gouda Live!
Saturday August 17th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill in St. Charles
1545 W Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
630.513.0681
Saturday July 20th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill in Roselle
1360 Lake Street Roselle, IL 60172
847.278.1666
Saturday June 8th 2024
11 pm to 1 am
Gallery Cabaret
2020 North Oakley, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-5471
Saturday December 23rd 2023
6 pm to 9 pm
JB's Bar & Grill
146 W Irving Park, Wood Dale, IL 60191
Saturday December 2nd 2023
10 pm to Midnight
Chicago Loop Bar & Grill
7 Streamwood Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107
Friday September 9th 2022
6 pm to 9 pm
ROOKIES
12220 Princeton Dr, Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 669-8600
December 16th 2021
Lizzie's Lizard Lounge
3058 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
No Cover
September 18th 2021
Fuller’s Pub
3203 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
No Cover
October 8th 2021
Penny Road Pub
545 Penny Rd, Barrington, IL 60010
$8 cover.
November 6 2021
The Chicago Loop
in streamwood 7 W Streamwood Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107
$7 cover
Booking: Pete 773-573-2630
Band Overview
Hotel Gouda
Peter Michael Downes is the founder and musical director of Hotel Gouda. A creative expressionist who reaches for new levels of live-performance, his career has taken him throughout the midwest. His non-linear approach is reminiscent of the approach employed by the likes of Andy Kaufman and Frank Zappa. This unusual combination is applied to iconic cover songs and takes the music to a whole new dimension. There is one objective with Pete Downes—being different/unique. The moment he hits the stage his alter-ego Sonny Orbit is in full force, commanding that you pay attention to his voice, words, musicianship, and commitment to his character. He easily could have been a member of KISS minus the makeup. However, his devotion to his craft of acting and music makes the Hotel Gouda experience a unique one; particularly when compared to other cover bands. Essentially, Peter Michael Downes is an eccentric-performance artist, who uses classic rock cover songs to express his deeper interpretation of the material. An accomplished singer and lead guitarist, he provides improvised direction to the band; influencing the dynamic flow of the music, and the contributions of each member. This allows each performance to be new and unique and allows each member the opportunity to add in their own textures and to always remain in the moment. These are rare traits, behaviors, and characteristics you would not commonly find in any iconic classic rock band, let alone a working cover band. He surrounds himself with musicians who share his vision. More importantly, he remembers certain players or musicians he has always wanted to work with. With his skill set and talents, he has attracted many in the music world to sign up for his next chapter in music. You could say that Peter Michael Downes is an optimist, who wouldn't mind if your Sun sign in Sagittarius is ruled by (Jupiter), which denotes expansion, abundance, good-luck, and good music. When you analyze their set list, you see that they are playing iconic songs, songs that you have heard on both AM/FM frequencies & radio for decades. There is an organic chemistry on display during their live performances. And yes, each member is actually playing live, and not using backing tracks or other tricks triggered by an iPad. Rather, it is a four piece—Peter Michael Downes (Sonny Orbit) on lead guitar and lead vocals, Roy Wollen (L.Roy) on bass and lead vocals; both providing backing vocals to the other when the other is leading. Their drummer is Bill Hoffman (Chimay Bleu). Bill is currently on IR and Adam Lasko has requested to cover for him during his convalescence. They’ve recently added a keyboard player Dave Connell (Graviera Sardo). A dynamic and creative player, Dave adds another layer to the richness of Hotel Gouda’s sound. Peter Michael Downes and Adam Lasko share a time where they rehearsed under the cover band (LATE NIGHT FM,) but it just did not work out in two or three rehearsals in his home studio. However, Peter Michael Downes is steadfast on keeping files and recordings to a degree that would cause former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover to blush. Stay tuned, with the covers they do and the chemistry they have, Hotel Gouda puts on a show that you’re not going to want to miss. Original review by Adam Mitchell Lasko. August 17, 2024.Biographies
Sonny Orbit
Legend has it that when Sonny Orbit was born in 1964, he emerged with a full head of golden blond hair, so striking that his mother was reminded of the brilliance of the sun and therefore named him "Sonny." At an early age he had begun exhibiting a love of music and learned to play several songs on a makeshift guitar he had constructed using an old soapbox and fishing line from his father's tackle box. Soon, his parents bought him a real guitar, and soon he was both writing songs and playing the popular songs of the day. As a teenager, Sonny was touring the country and playing to packed houses as the "Sunshine Boy Wonder," sharing the stage with such superstars as The Partridge Family and Sonny and Cher. His musical ideas rubbed off on all he met and performed with, and legend has it he was the first to define the form "disco", years before it became a national trend. Later, he teamed up with Hayzeus Lovesexy to create Hit Machine. His flamboyant guitar and singing style caught the eyes and ears of the music scene, and soon Hit Machine was in high demand throughout Chicagoland.
L.Roy Wooley
L.Roy Wooley (bassist/vocalist) introduced Sonny Orbit (guitarist/vocalist) to Chimay Bleu (drummer) in 2019, which instantiated Hotel Gouda. L. Roy and Sonny have a long history of cheezy songs starting with Hit Machine, the 70s cover band formed in the 1990’s. Hit Machine took its name from a K-Tel record and recreated rock, disco, and country songs from the 1970s. Recreating in this case refers to creating art out of the songs, either through highly exaggerated performances, costumes, art, and overall irreverence. Under the leadership of Hayzeus Lovesexy and Sonny Orbit, the band cycled through no less than 405 Chicago musicians in its quest to resurrect the underappreciated hits of the 70s. L. Roy Wooley joined Hit Machine in 1999 after failing to get into a local Chicago band called the Suckmakers. L. Roy, who is an ordained Reverend in the State of Illinois, has a long line of musical influences starting with his Dad, who was a trumpet player in the Bronx Symphony Orchestra. L. Roy has been in these musical groups: Fort Lee High School chorus, Orchestra for the Robber Bridegroom, Dawgs, BBC, The Suspects, Orchestra for Hair, Hit Machine, Scanning Babies, Heavy Mental, Roses for Panjo, E Pluribus Freebus, and ultimately, Hotel Gouda.
Chimay Bleu
Chimay Bleu is the son of a highly-regarded cheese producer from northern Wisconsin, Chimay Bleu was named Chimay because it was one of the highest quality of cheeses, and renowned for its taste, character, and tradition. It was his father’s hope that Chimay would embrace these facets of his name and eventually take over the family business. But as Chimay’s passion for music began bubbling to the surface, it often put him at odds with his father. Legend has it that at 7 years old Chimay was grounded for creating an entire drum set made out of cheese wheels. At 16, Chimay left home and hit the road touring with a Jigsaw tribute band. After years of feeling unfulfilled, Chimay found himself waxing philosophic over a pot of fondue, and he suddenly realized he could never be free until he "melted the cheese". When L.Roy Wooley told Chimay about master sandwich maker Sonny Orbit, and his desire to create the perfect panini, Chimay knew he had found his new home, and Hotel Gouda was born.
Graviera Sardo
Gravi was born in the early 60’s, date unknown, in a small town called Zion Illinois near the Illinois/Wisconsin state line. Gravi was born in the Zion Garbage Dump, he was close enough to Wisconsin to smell the cheese but far enough away to not be considered a “Cheesehead”. Around the time he was four years old someone dropped a piano off the back of a truck and it landed on Gravi’s head and he has been smitten with it ever since. His parents said he started playing “Stairway to Heaven” right away and after the 13,206 time he was asked to leave. Since he just completed third grade and could finally spell “Cat” he figured he had enough education to make it in the world. He walked about a mile east and jumped on the first train that came by and spent the next 30 years riding throughout the country playing in Honky Tonks and dive bars throughout the United States that you wouldn’t take your Gramma to. This is where he came in contact with the great music of blues, jazz, country, country blues, folk, americana and pretty much anything with a rootsy feel. He fell in love with Fats Waller, Lightning Hopkins, Big Bill Broonzy, Tommie Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis, Roosevelt Sykes, Memphis Slim, Grant Green, Bill Evans, Barry Manilow and Abba. Upon audition for Hotel Gouda, it appeared that he could play in most keys and it looks like he owns his keyboard, so he fit the criteria. Currently Gravi lives on the north side of Chicago and pretends to do what his wife tells him to do.
Catch Hotel Gouda Live!
Saturday August 17th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill in St. Charles
1545 W Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
630.513.0681
Saturday July 20th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill in Roselle
1360 Lake Street Roselle, IL 60172
847.278.1666
Saturday June 8th 2024
11 pm to 1 am
Gallery Cabaret
2020 North Oakley, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-5471
Saturday December 23rd 2023
6 pm to 9 pm
JB's Bar & Grill
146 W Irving Park, Wood Dale, IL 60191
Saturday December 2nd 2023
10 pm to Midnight
Chicago Loop Bar & Grill
7 Streamwood Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107
Friday September 9th 2022
6 pm to 9 pm
ROOKIES
12220 Princeton Dr, Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 669-8600
December 16th 2021
Lizzie's Lizard Lounge
3058 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
No Cover
September 18th 2021
Fuller’s Pub
3203 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
No Cover
October 8th 2021
Penny Road Pub
545 Penny Rd, Barrington, IL 60010
$8 cover.
November 6 2021
The Chicago Loop
in streamwood 7 W Streamwood Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107
$7 cover
Booking: Pete 773-573-2630
Saturday August 17th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill in St. Charles
1545 W Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
630.513.0681
Saturday July 20th 2024
7 pm to 10 pm
Rookies Bar and Grill in Roselle
1360 Lake Street Roselle, IL 60172
847.278.1666
Saturday June 8th 2024
11 pm to 1 am
Gallery Cabaret
2020 North Oakley, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-5471
Saturday December 23rd 2023
6 pm to 9 pm
JB's Bar & Grill
146 W Irving Park, Wood Dale, IL 60191
Saturday December 2nd 2023
10 pm to Midnight
Chicago Loop Bar & Grill
7 Streamwood Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107
Friday September 9th 2022
6 pm to 9 pm
ROOKIES
12220 Princeton Dr, Huntley, IL 60142
(847) 669-8600
December 16th 2021
Lizzie's Lizard Lounge
3058 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
No Cover
September 18th 2021
Fuller’s Pub
3203 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
No Cover
October 8th 2021
Penny Road Pub 545 Penny Rd, Barrington, IL 60010
$8 cover.
November 6 2021
The Chicago Loop
in streamwood 7 W Streamwood Blvd, Streamwood, IL 60107
$7 cover
Booking: Pete 773-573-2630
Song List
The One I love - REMSunshine of your love - Cream
Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf
Melt with you - Modern English
Walk On The Wild Side - Lou Reed
Thats the way - KC and the Sunshine Band
Foxy Lady - Jimi Hendrix
Frankenstein - Edgar Winter Group
Der Kommissar - Falco
I'm Your Boogie Man - KC and the Sunshine Band
Gloria - Shadows Of Night
Shake Yer Booty - KC and the Sunshine Band
Steppin Stone - Monkees
Born On The Bayou - CCR
All Star - Smashmouth
Sunshine Superman - Donovan
Tax Man - The Beatles
Devil's Haircut - Beck
Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith
Let The Good Times Roll - The Cars
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
I Am I Said - Neil Diamond
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
Just Dropped in - First Edition
Swingtown - Steve Miller Band
Pump it up - Elvis Costello
Hollywood Swingin' - Kool and the Gang
Everyone's a Winner - Hot Chocolate
Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
Fifty Ways - Paul Simon
Riders On The Storm - The Doors
Lime In The Coconut - Harry Nielsen
Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
Werewolves Of London - Warren Zevon
Dangerous Type - The Cars
Low - Cracker
Bad Bad Leroy Brown - Jim Croce
Will It Go Round In Circles - Billy Preston