Father’s Day Fun!

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

5 Songs for a BBQ with Dad

What are you up to this weekend for Father’s Day? Did you mow the lawn and power wash the driveway in preparation for a family BBQ? Have you stocked up on some ice and beer? And most importantly, did you remember to make a playlist for the BBQ?

Father’s Day is a special time to honor and celebrate the amazing dads, grandpas, uncles, and father figures in our lives. From fixing scraped knees to offering wise advice (and maybe a few bad dad jokes!) dads are always there for us and do so much. So, it’s important to show our appreciation with a rockin’ playlist on Father’s Day! Get ready to crank up the volume, share a dance and cherish the good vibes together.

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others – Are You Alright

Remember all those times you fell off a skateboard, a bike or went through a heartbreak–dad was always there. Every time you fall, your dad is right there to check on you and ask you if you’re alright, just like Siegel’s beautiful vocals in this song. Nod along with this jazzy rendition of Lucinda Williams’s 2007 tune, which is a part of Night is Alive’s country album, Cryin’ in My Whiskey. Who knows–maybe if your dad is a country fan, you’ll want to buy him the album as a gift!

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

Hopefully the weather where you are is warm and sunny this weekend, just like the blue skies and cotton candy clouds over Cape Cod. This lovely, relaxing tune, from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3, will transport you and dad to all the family vacations you’ve gone on together throughout your lives. Remember that time you got so sunburned that dad had to go take an emergency trip to town for aloe? Or how about the time that dad laughed so hard beer came dribbling out his nose?

Lorca Hart Trio – Song for Ganda

This fast-paced, upbeat tune from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration & Gratitude is the perfect one to get you and dad up dancing! The snazzy, groovy melodies will make y’all want to snap your fingers, clap to the beat and start shaking those feet. Remember, it doesn’t matter what you look like on the dancefloor (or driveway!), all that matters is that you’re having fun.

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others – Always on My Mind

After all that groovy dancing, I bet you and dad are a bit tuckered out! So, take a breather and listen to this jazzy rendition of Willie Nelson’s beloved 1982 ballad. Because really, what dad doesn’t love good ol’ Willie Nelson? You might even want to pour out a drink of whiskey to amplify the vibe.

WJ3 All-Stars – Wave

From Night is Alive’s album My Ship, this mellow tune really showcases the masterful trumpetering of Jeremy Pelt! Not only does it have excellent trumpet, but this song also creates a calm and smooth vibe to end a lovely barbeque with dad. As you’re putting the folding chairs and folding tables back into the shed, allow this song to guide you into a reflective state that gives you a chance to feel gratitude for the great day and memories you made with dad.

Check out some of this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

When is Father’s Day 2021?

Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June, so this year, that means Father’s Day is on June 20th! The holiday was founded in 1910 in Spokane, Washington by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Dodd wanted a day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent, so she proposed the idea to her church. Initially, Dodd wanted the day to land on her father’s birthday, June 5th, but the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, so they decided on the third Sunday in June instead. 

Well, now that you know some of the history behind Father’s Day and its observation time, you might be wondering, what kind of music and what songs should you listen to during the celebration of paternal bonds? Well look no further because we have a playlist that’ll impress any dad!

The Temptations – Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone

An award-winning dad deserves award-winning music, like this 1972 Motown classic, which was the number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the winner of not one, not two, but three Grammy awards. Featuring a variety of instrumental textures, like the plucked bass guitar solo, the hi-hat cymbal drumming, wah-wah guitar and electric piano, this groovy, soulful tune will be sure to get your dad’s head nodding. 

George Strait – Love Without End, Amen

If your dad is a country music fan, he’ll definitely be familiar with this tune from the “King of Country,” George Strait. The song is about a boy who was sent home from school one day for fighting. He told his father what happened and stood there on those tremblin’ knees, waitin’ for the worst. But the boy’s father surprisingly said, let me tell you a secret about a father’s love… daddies don’t just love their children every now and then, it’s a love without end, amen. The sweet, sentimental lyrics might just make you and your dad tear up this Father’s Day—I know my eyes are watering! 

James Brown – Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag 

With its rhythmic innovations, this 1965 tune was formative in the development of funk music as a distinct style. Brown sings about an old man who was brave enough to get out on the dancefloor and try something new by busting a move. Maybe this is the tune that’ll finally get your dad to put his dancing shoes on and show y’all what he’s made of! 

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Lonnie Plaxico – Always on My Mind

Your dad is bound to know this iconic song, which has been covered by everyone from Elvis to Loretta Lynn, and of course, the most popular version from Willie Nelson in 1982. But has your dad ever heard a jazz ballad treatment of “Always on My Mind”? The answer is probably no, at least not until now. In this jazzy rendition, Janis Siegel and John Di Martino highlight the bittersweet regret and remorse, and also feature a lovely flute solo by Aaron Heick. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but your dad might just love this new version of the classic tune!

And if you’re fretting over what to get dad this Father’s Day, we have a suggestion: Cryin’ in My Whiskey. This album features country classics, like, “Always on My Mind,” “Where Do I Put His Memory?” and “I Fall to Pieces,” that are all spiced up with a fresh jazzy twist—perfect for the dad who might want to try something new without straying too far away from his country music comfort zone! 

“Cryin’ In My Whiskey” is available in our store right now and on all major music platforms! 

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.