Members of The Pool – Nick Honerkamp, Dave Cornwell, Monte Coulter and Michael Welch – will celebrate their 25th anniversary as one of Chattanooga’s premiere party/dance/hits bands at 8 p.m. Saturday at Rhythm & Brews.Jason Norris knew back in 1989 that the band he hoped to put together would be heavily influenced by The Beatles. In fact, he wanted to choose its name based on the Fab Four’s hometown of Liverpool. So, just think, The Pool could have been called The Liver.
Twenty-five years later, Norris is no longer part of the group, and the group has strayed from its original Beatles tribute focus to more of a British Invastion slant, but the band is still playing local clubs, parties and weddings. They’ve recently added songs by American acts like Cheap Trick and Tom Petty, as well.
The Pool will celebrate its landmark anniversary Saturday, Sept. 27, at Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St., beginning at 8 p.m. Singer/guitarist Michael Welch says the secret to the band’s longevity is simple.
“Plain and simple, we really, really like what we do,” he says. “This is one band that I enjoy going to rehearsal, and in 25 years, we’ve never had an argument.”
The original five members were Norris, Welch, Dave Cornwell, Nick Honerkamp and Dave Olson. Olson played drums for a year and was replaced by John Wilson, who was replaced by Matt Turnure in 2004. Monte Coulter, who also handles percussion for the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, took over in 2010.