The Taylorville High School Class of 1975 is reuniting this month and celebrating in some style.  As part of their plans, they are holding a gathering called the Old Farts Festival.  It’s scheduled for Friday, September 19 from 7-10 p.m. at The Backyard on East Vine Street.  The Pat Dailey Dog Band, a group consisting of several THS alumni, will perform live at the event.  It precedes the more formal class reunion, set for the following day. 

Pat Dailey, Rick Penz, and Don Kauffold are all part of the Pat Dailey Dog Band.  They say that combining their 70s-style music and covers with drinks and the company of their classmates should make for an exciting evening all around. 

While the event is called the Old Farts Festival, people of all ages are welcome, subject to any age restrictions the venue has at that time.  There will be no cover charge. 

The band got together when its charter members were in eighth grade.  They took inspiration from more well known groups they had listened to and seen. 

Rick Penz – sometimes known as Chicago Rick – wears multiple hats in the Pat Dailey Dog Band.  He brings the vocals and can also play guitar and keyboard.  He says his biggest influences inspired him not just to take up music, but to strive for excellence. 

All three of them recall plenty about life in Taylorville in the 1970s.  They even remember a local performance by Ted Nugent, which some in the community did not view highly. 

More information on the Old Farts Festival is available on the Taylorville Illinois Class Of 1975 Reunion Facebook page. 

Pat Dailey, Rick Penz, and Don Kauffold appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.  During the segment, they even did a live performance in-studio of some of their music.