Monkey Hill takes its name from the earthen mound in the Audubon Zoo — believed to be the highest point in New Orleans — and its sound from everywhere else in the city. Founder Dr. Rob Dahmes, an Algiers resident, bass player and vocalist, was a French Quarter house musician before entering medical school, and has combined the practice of medicine with his love of New Orleans music ever since. His band is a stellar cast of local veterans.
Keyboardist and vocalist Jerry Nuccio spent years as house musician and manager at Pat O'Brien's (and hosts open mics at Pour House Jefferson); he comes from a deep musical family — his brother Carlo Nuccio was one of New Orleans' best-known drummers, honored posthumously with an all-star tribute at Tipitina's. Guitarist Blaine Daigle of Gretna cut his teeth with top local bands including Chicken on the Bone, drummer Vic Cangelosi has kept the beat in the French Quarter and on Frenchmen Street for years, and vocalist Kimberly Mueller brings high-energy frontwoman experience from stages across the Gulf Coast.
The repertoire runs from “Cissy Strut” and “Iko Iko” to “Proud Mary,” “Respect” and contemporary hits, with high-energy line dances in the mix. Based on the Westbank and traveling within 100 miles, Monkey Hill is available for weddings, fairs, festivals, community events and private parties — and a regular presence at Algiers Point's Old Point Bar.
