Monkey Hill

Monkey Hill is a five-piece cover band with guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums.  Their N'Awlins sound is a musical gumbo that includes rock, blues, funk, a little bit of country, and local favorites by artists such as Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, and Dr. John.  The band's name comes from an earthen mound in the Audubon Zoo called Monkey Hill, believed to be the highest point in New Orleans.  Monkey Hill continues to evolve and has added high-energy line dances and contemporary music.

• Dr. Rob Dahmes, Algiers resident, is the founder of the band and a native New Orleanean.  “Dr. Rob” is a bass player and talented vocalist. He was a French Quarter house musician before entering medical school and, over the years, has combined the practice of medicine with his love of New Orleans music.  His current band features a stellar cast of players.  
• Jerry Nuccio, a New Orleans native, plays keyboards and sings. He has vast experience as a professional musician and is noted for his many years as house musician at Pat O'Brien's in the French Quarter and his stint with TQ and the Topcats. Until recently, he hosted weekly open mic nights at at Pour House Jefferson.  Jerry comes from a musical family.  His brother, Carlo Nuccio, was one of New Orleans best-known drummers.  Carlo had the distinction of being posthumously honored by an all-star musical tribute at Tipitina's. 
• Kelly Shaw, vocalist extraordinaire, hails from North Carolina.  She is an outgoing performer who absolutely loves to make music!  She is a well-seasoned professional with a big voice who sings a wide variety of music.  Kelly completed a one-year stint as a featured soloist in the million dollar production of The Miracle in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.  Kelly also offers a duo option for smaller venues.  The duo option may be accessed via the contact information on this site.
• Blaine Daigle, Gretna resident, is a highly skilled guitar player. Blaine is well-known to the New Orleans music scene and has extensive experience performing at popular local venues with top bands such as Chicken on the Bone. His musical interests range from New Orleans R&B to Motown and rock.
• Vic Cangelosi lives on the Algiers Lower Coast. In addition to being an expert drummer, he is also the band's sound manager. Over the course of his musical career, he has kept the beat in the French Quarter, on Frenchmen Street, and multiple venues around the City. 
• Dr. Victoria “Vicki” Dahmes, Dr. Rob's wife, handles bookings, logistics, and marketing.