The groundbreaking work on Paul’s pre-Poco career has been done by Rich McGrath, with assistance from DELIVERIN’ contributor Stu Rosenberg.
Sadly, since my last update, Norman Paul Cotton passed away July 31, 2021. In his honor, I will continue to add and research his pre-Poco and solo career live appearances.
1959-1960
The Capitols were formed in February 1958 when Paul was almost 15. Paul (Norman) Cotton on guitar, Keith Anderson on accordian & bass, Jerry Urban on sax, Guy Franchot (Frenchy) Germany on drums, Walter (Buddy) Riley on guitar, Chuck Edelhofer on vocals and Jim Jaroscz on vocals. Cotton was the lead guitarist but did no singing in the band. Within a week of announcing the band’s formation the group had its first gig at the YMCA. They played at the local South Chicago YMCA, school functions and private parties during its lifetime. This original band name was taken from the brand name on Keith Anderson’s accordion. In 1960, they recorded a demo album in the studios of WIND in Chicago. Comprised mostly of instruments, it also included two vocals although Paul doesn’t sing. It’s this recording that will be used to draw several singles from in the coming years.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
August 15, 1959
Harvey Y Center
Harvey, IL
Twixt Twelve and Twenty Dance
January 28, 1960
Moose Teenage Club
Harvey, IL
March 26, 1960
Thornton Township High School
Harvey, IL
22 other acts on the bill
Circus – 1960 Variety Review
August 21, 1960
Art’s Roller Rink
Harvey, IL
The Moderns
Blitz Benefit Bop
1961-1962
The Capitols change their name to the Mus-Twangs after Nero Records sells their recordings to Mercury Records. Mercury releases a single for their Smash record label. Marie was a fiery instrumental featuring Paul’s early guitar work. The band dissolved by the end of 1962. Frenchy Germany left first in mid-year replaced by Johnny Jordan. Keith Anderson and Bobby Simms left at the end of the year to form a trio act. When Jerry Urban fell ill and had to leave the band, the group was through.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
March 25, 1961
Thornton Township High School
Harvey, IL
Dance after 8th Annual Variety Show, the group has recently changed their name from the Capitols. They perform ‘Marie.’
April 8, 1961
Hillside Ballroom
Nakoosa, IL
April 22, 1961
Bremen High School
Harvey, IL
Beehive Bowl
May 11, 1961
Mike & Jean’s Hall
Posen, IL
June 2, 1961
Thornton High School
Harvey, IL
Bermuda Hop
October 31, 1961
Whittier Gym, Thornton High School
Harvey, IL
November 17, 1961
Poppel’s Under 21 Tropicana Club,
Riverdale, IL
November 23, 1961
Thornton Junior High School
Harvey, IL
December 9, 1961
Grade School Gym
Gridley, IL
FFA’s Snowflake Dance – billed as Keith Anderson’s Mus-Twangs
February 17, 1962
Shadowland Ballroom
St. Joseph, MI
Promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury
March 31, 1962
Shadowland Ballroom,
St. Joseph, MI
Promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury
April 27, 1962
Marian High School
Turnabout Dance
June 22, 1962
American Legion Hall
Chicago Heights, IL
Friday night shows promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury. The Mus-Twangs played every other Friday night. Tonight’s show also featured Ral Donner.
July 20, 1962
American Legion Hall
Chicago Heights, IL
Promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury
August 3, 1962
American Legion Hal,
Chicago Heights, IL
Jay & Americans, Kenny Dino
Promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury
August 5, 1962
Just For Fun Roller Rink
McHenry, IL
Promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury
September 29, 1962
Kinney Shoe Store
Harvey, IL
Bobby Simms & Cheerleaders
Promoted by Chicago DJ Jim Lounsbury
October 31, 1962
Gym, Thornton High School
Harvey, IL
1963
In February of 1963, Jerry Urban, now recovered, pulled Paul and the remainer of the Mus-Twangs together and adding Johnny Moore on bass, formed the Starfires. Urban stayed only until the summer before leaving to get married in late July. During the year Paul attends barber school and plays sessions for Bobby Simms solo records.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
1964
Carol Vega had been around the scene and she’d rehearsed with the Mus-Twangs and the Starfires but had never performed a gig with them. Paul, Johnny Moore and Johnny Moyer formed “Carol Vega & Trio.” Paul performs with the group through 1964 and perhaps early ’65 before moving on. While with the group, Paul played guitar on at least one Carole Vega single, Sugar Over You in May 1964.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
Poppel’s 21 Club, Riverdale, IL
The band debuted at this popular haunt.
July
Schuler’s,
Niles, MI
Two week engagement after the release of their debut single.
1965
In early 1965, Paul forms a new band called the Gentrys with Frank Bartel (Bortoli) and Freddy Page (Pappalardo). The band began as a trio playing cover tunes of the Beatles, Righteous Brothers and other Top 40 hits. Partway through the year the Gentrys add Michael Anthony on keyboards and Kal David on guitar. As the year neared an end, a group out of Memphis scored a national hit entitled Keep on Dancin’ forcing the group to change their name to The Rovin’ Kind. The band did some recording during the year but nothing is released.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
September 17-21
Whisky a Go Go
Chicago, IL
Bobby Whiteside
Poppel’s Under 21 Tropicana Club
Riverdale, IL
Black Orchid Club
Chicago, IL
Summer
Turner Hall, St. Anthony’s
Chicago, IL
December 31
Whisky a Go Go
Chicago, IL
Billed under their new name and their old one
1966
The newly-named Rovin’ Kind gets a major break when Dick Clark sees them and earns them a spot on the iconic teen TV show, American Bandstand. Although mostly a cover band, the Rovin’ Kind record some original tunes and release ‘Bound to Roam’/ ‘Everybody’ on Contrapoint Records during the year.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
February 19
Curry Hicks Cage, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
Four Seasons, Simon and Garfunkel
April 22-May 1
International Amphitheatre
Chicago, IL
Dick Clark’s Young World’s Fair – Rovin’ Kind wins the Battle of the Bands competition over 185 other bands. Dick Clark was impressed and signed them for an appearance on his show, American Bandstand.
May 4-13
Whisky a Go Go,
Chicago, IL
Beef Trust
May 20-June 3
Whisky a Go Go, Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
July 26-August 19
Tiger Club, Airport Hilton
San Francisco, CA
The Rovin’ Kind get a big gig outside their home territory, performing in a lounge in San Francisco. The gig was originally for two weeks, but they are extended at one point. During this season, they fly down to Los Angeles to film their appearance on American Bandstand.
August 6
American Bandstand airs
October 30
United Presbyterian Church
Milroy, IL
Steve Bailey
UNICEF fund raiser
November 7-13
The Pussy Cat
Chicago, IL
November 27
Melody Music Mart
Chicago, IL
A promotional appearance at a local Chicago music store.
December 2
Hammond Technical High School
Hammond, IN
The Kritters
December 3
Balkan Music Shop,
Berwyn, IL
A promotional appearance to demonstrate Baldwin instruments
December 25
Club Laurel
Chicago, IL
1967
A solid year where the Rovin’ Kind solidify themselves as a solid club band in Chicago. Their attempts at a hit record, however, don’t bear fruit.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
February 6
The Pussycat in the Happy Medium
Chicago, IL
February 10-23
The Pussycat in the Happy Medium
Chicago, IL
February 13
The Barn
Michigan City, IN
February 24-25
The Barn
Michigan City, IN
February 26
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
March 15-19
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
Chamber Brothers
March 27
American Legion Hall
Riverdale, IL
April 19-May 13
Cheetah Club, Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL
Dave Mitchell and the Thunderballs, The Pacesetters, Kenny Ballard, & the Fabulous Soul Brother
During this two-week run, the Rovin’ Kind also appear on Channel 26, WCIU’s Marty Faye Show on April 22.
May
Garrett Theological Seminary
Chicago, IL
June 21-25
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
The Players
June 30-July 2
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
Scott Brothers
July 5-6
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
Scott Brothers
July 7
McCormick Place
Chicago, IL
WCFL World Teenage Show
July 26-August 10
The Pussycat in the Happy Medium
Chicago, IL
September 1-3
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
The Exceptions, Baby Huey
September 8
Purple Heart South
Chicago Heights, IL
Revised Edition
September 23
Cheetah Club
Chicago, IL
The Young Breed
WCFL fashion show
October 5
Cheetah Club
New York City, NY
October 30
City Hall
Washington, IA
November 4
YMCA
Washington, IA
1968
Jim Guercio spots the band at the Cheetah and convinces them to move to California in February where he signs them to Columbia Records. They change their name to Illinois Speed Press and start working the LA club circuit. Guercio produces their first album in the early part of the year and Cotton’s ‘Get in the Wind’ is released as their first single in June. Sadly, Guercio began destroying the band before the release of the first album when he insisted that Keith Anderson be let go and Rob Lewine joins on bass.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
April 2-6
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
James Cotton
April 19
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, CA
The Standells
April 28
Valley Music Theater
Woodland Hills, CA
Buffalo Springfield, Hammilton Street Car
May 3-5
The Cheetah
Venice, CA
Hamilton Camp, The Hook,
May 29-June 5
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Spirit
June 18
Kaleidoscope
Hollywood, CA
June 27-30
Wrigley Field
Los Angeles, CA
Johnny Rivers, Grassroots, Alice Cooper, Pacific Gas & Electric, Howlin’ Wolf, John Hartford, Shirelles, Oscar Brown Jr., Bo Diddley, Them, Simms Twins,
Benefit for Free Clinic, Phantasmagoria
June 28-29
Kaleidoscope
Hollywood, CA
Electric Flag, Smokestack Lightening
July 3-7
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Tim Buckley
July 16-18
Fillmore West
San Francisco, CA
Big Brother & Holding Company, Richie Havens, Sly & Family Stone
July 22-26
End of Cole Avenue
Dallas, TX
July 27
Exhibit Hall, State Fairgrounds
Phoenix, AZ
Country Joe & Fish
August 3
Civic Auditorium
Pasadena, CA
The Electric Chair, Chicago Transit Authority
August 3-4
Newport Pop Festival, Orange County Fairground,
Costa Mesa, CA
The Byrds, The Turtles, The Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Lovin’ Spoonful, Sonny & Cher, Tiny Tim, The Electric Flag, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Blue Cheer
August 9-11
The Bank,
Torrence, CA
Pacific, Gas & Electric, Sons of Champlin, Freedom Highway
August 18
The Cheetah,
Venice, CA
Mitch Roman, Chicago Transit Authority, Pacific, Gas & Electric, Sherwood, Fields, Sweetwater
September 13-14
Kinetic Playground
Chicago, IL
Pride (formerly Lemon Pipers)
September 22
Chain Reaction
Chicago, IL
October 13-16
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Initial Shock
October 17-20
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Lee Michaels
October 25
Commons, California State University
Fullerton, CA
The Stack, Great Train Robbery
November 6
Teen-Age Pavilion, State Fairgrounds,
Phoenix, AZ
Sunshine Company, 20th Century Zoo
Afternoon show
November 7
Teen-Age Pavilion, State Fairgrounds
Phoenix, AZ
October Country, 20th Century Zoo
Afternoon show
November 7
Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum
Phoenix, AZ
Sweetwater, Albert King, The Doors
November 9
Gym, Tustin High School
Tustin, CA
The Stack
November 16
McKenna Auditorium, Claremont College
Claremont, CA
Dust
December 13
Women’s Gym, LA Valley College
Van Nuys, CA
Electric Chair
December 17-22
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Terry Reid
December 31
Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum
Phoenix, AZ
Steppenwolf, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Three Dog Night
1969
The Speed Press continues to fall apart as Guercio continues to monkey with the band. He convinces Cotton and David to get rid of Freddy Page and Michael Anthony as well. By the summer tour, the Illinois Speed Press that left Chicago was down to just Cotton and David along with Rob Lewine and Vern Johnson. The spring finally sees the release of their debut album, long-overdue. In October, Mike Curb absorbs James Guercio Enterprises.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
January 9-19
Whisky a Go Go,
West Hollywood, CA
Tim Hardin
January 10-11
Shrine Auditorium
Los Angeles, CA
Richie Havens, A.B. Skhy
ISP and A.B. Skhy replace Spirit
January 22-26
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Lothar & Hand People
January 25
KERO TV-Studio,
Merle Haggard, Bonnie Owens
March of Diimes telethon appearancc during the day before a return to LA and the Whisky tonight.
January 28-February 2
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Delaney & Bonnie
ISP replaced Taj Mahal
February 6
The White Room,
Buena Park, CA
The Stack
February 23
California State University
Fullerton, CA
Spirit
February 26-March 2
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
It’s a Beautiful Day
February 28-29
The White Room,
Buena Park, CA
Black Pearl
March 5-9
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Slim Harpo
March 14
The Fig
Los Angeles, CA
The Electric Prunes, Fury, Southwind
March 15
Valley Music Theater
Woodland Hills, CA
Taj Mahal, Dillard & Clark
March 22
Convention Center
Anaheim, CA
Smokestack Lightnin’
The concert includes a showing of the final Cream show at Royal Albert Hall on film.
March 23
Civic Center
Santa Monica, CA
Smokestack Lightnin’
The concert includes a showing of the final Cream show at Royal Albert Hall on film.
March 31
Aquarius Theater
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago Transit Authority, Red Beans & Rice, Mothers of Invention, Captain Beefheart, Linda Ronstadt, Jethro Tull, Buddy Miles, Southwind, Dillard & Clark
Benefit for LA Free Clinic
April 11-12
The White Room,
Buena Park, CA
Poco
Paul Cotton meets his future bandmates today.
April 20
The Cheetah
Venice, CA
Black Pearl, Melanie, Blues Image, Fields, Fraternity of Man, Buffington Rhodes, Rockin’ Foo, Littlejohn Farm
April 25
Claremont College
Claremont, CA
Albert Collins, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Roxy
April 29
Labor Temple
Minneapolis, MN
Tony Williams Lifetime with Jack Bruce
May 2-3
The White Room
Buena Park, CA
May 8-11
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Chicago Transit Authority, Hugh Masakela & Big Black
May 15
Thee Experience
West Hollywood, CA
Linn County, C.K. Strong
May 16
Olympia Stadium,
Detroit, MI
Led Zeppelin, Spirit
Show was moved to Grande Ballroom and ISP canceled to open for Chicago in Omaha.
May 18
Labor Temple
Minneapolis, MN
Deep Purple
ISP replaced by the Serfs, ISP booked a headline gig in June to replace this appearance
May 23-24
Kinetic Ballroom
Chicago, IL
Led Zeppelin, Pacific Gas & Electric
May 25
Kinetic Ballroom
Chicago, IL
May 29-31
The Ark
Boston, MA
Freddie King
June 6
Eastown Theater,
Detroit, MI
MC5, The Stooges
June 7
Eastown Theater
Detroit, MI
MC5, The Up
June 8
Labor Temple
Minneapolis, MN
June 27-29
The Golden Bear
Huntington Beach, CA
July 4-5
Rose Palace
Pasadena, CA
Ike & Tina Turner, Dragonwick
July 10
Thee Experience
West Hollwood, CA
Charity
July 11-12
Thee Experience
West Hollwood, CA
Charity, Murray Roman
July 17
Third Eye
Palos Verdes, CA
Asch, Mojave Honey, Charity
Benefit for LA Free Clinic
July 19
Santa Ana Stadium
Santa Ana, CA
Lee Michaels, Rainbow, Big Foot
Also in today’s edition of the LA Times, is a want-ad stating “Gibson ’61 Les Paul SG. On tour. Must sell by Tuesday. Illinois Speed Press.”
July 22-27
End of Cole Avenue
Dallas, TX
August 7
Sports Arena
Northbrook, IL
Conqueror Worm, Friends of Distinction
August 13
Mesker Amptheatre
Evansville, IN
Canned Heat, Butterfield Blues Band, Elvin Bishop, Cat Mother
Road manager John Kelly claims the band was not paid for this appearance.
August 18
Cheetah Pier
Venice, CA
Chicago Transit Authority, Pacific Gas & Electric, Black Pearl, Sherwood, Fields, The Outlaw Blues Band
Brucemass, The 2nd Free Press Summer Celebration
August 19
Rainy Daze
St. Louis, MO
Newspaper notes this is a return engagement, but we haven’t found the first engagement yet.
ISP is dropped from the bill a few weeks in advance of the show.
1970
The band falls apart late in 1969 when Vern Johnson and Rob Lewine are told by management that they will not be needed for the upcoming second album sessions. Both choose to leave the group and Johnson returns to his previous band, Country Funk. David and Cotton continue on with session players to record a second album for Columbia Records. Duet is released in March. They put together a touring band and hit the road.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
February 20-22
The Golden Bear
Huntington Beach, CA
Bernie Pearl Band
February 24-March 1
The Brass Ring
Sherman Oaks, CA
Blues Image
March 12
PNE Gardens
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Chicago
Paul and the ISP get a live-saving gig opening for Chicago twice during the year.
March 13
Eagles Auditorium
Seattle, WA
Chicago
March 15
International Sports Arena
San Diego, CA
Paul Butterfield, Savoy Brown, Fever Tree
March 20
Travelodge Theater
Phoenix, AZ
Chicago
March 28-29
A Warehouse
New Orleans, LA
Grand Funk Railroad
April 3-4
Five Stages
Chicago, IL
The Litter, Wilderness Road
April 10-11
The Scene
Milwaukee, WI
Rastus
April 19-21
Beaver’s
Evanston, IL
April 24
University of Missouri
Kansas City, MO
Steve Miller Band
A free show during the day, ISP then head for Poynette for an evening set.
April 24
Sound Storm, York Farm
Poynette, WI
Baby Huey, Grateful Dead
May 3
Labor Temple
Minneapolis, MN
Tony Williams “Lifetime” with Jack Bruce
May 9
Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse, Bradley University
Peoria, IL
Chicago
May 10
Auditorium
Minneapolis, MN
Chicago
May 11
KNRT Theater
Des Moines, IA
Chicago
May 13
Slagel Auditorium, University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
Chicago
May 14
Hallenbeck Hall, St. Cloud State College
St. Cloud, MN
Chicago
May 16
Coliseum, Nebraska University
Lincoln, NE
Chicago
May 17
Dane County Coliseum
Madison, WI
Chicago
May 19
Fairgrounds Coliseum
Springfield, IL
Chicago, Pax
May 20
State Fairgrounds
Indianapolis, IN
Chicago
May 22
Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium
Columbus, OH
Chicago
May 23
Masonic Temple Auditorium
Detroit, MI
Chicago
June 9-14
The Brass Ring
Sherman Oaks, CA
Blue Rose
June 13-14
Portland Music & Art Fair, Civic Stadium
Portland, OR
Ravi Shankar, Country Joe & Fish, Delaney & Bonnie, BB King, Little Richard, Flying Burrito Brothers, Roxy, Love, Buddy Miles Express
June 24-25
Fillmore East
New York City, NY
Ten Years After, Catfish
July 1-4
Ungano’s
New York City, NY
Punch, Third Eye
July 16
Cashman Field
Las Vegas, NV
Janis Joplin, BB King. Youngbloods, Joe & The Fish
City cancels show
July 17
Commons, University of Texas
El Paso, TX
July 18
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL
Chicago, The Band, Leon Russell, Stooges, Pig Iron, Illusion, Mason Proffit, MC5, Funkadelics, Bush, Happy Day, Dreams
July 19
Parade Stadium
Minnapolis, MN
Sly & Family Stone, Johnny Winters, Richie Havens
July 31
Galena, IL
Poco, Flying Burrito Brothers, Youngbloods, Hot Tuna, Everly Brothers, Grateful Dead
August 1
The Rectry
Abuquerque, NM
Crow, Rotton Apples, Lemon
**August 5-9
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Little Richard
August 12
Loretto-Hilton Theatre, Webster College
St. Louis, MO
August 13
State Farm Arena
Harrisburg, PA
Chicago
August 14
Panther Hall
Ft. Worth, TX
Heaven & Earth
August 15
Dallas, TX
Heaven & Earth
August 17-23
Whisky a Go Go
West Hollywood, CA
Little Richard
September 11-12
The Brass Ring,
Sherman Oaks, CA
Pollution
September 19
Memorial Auditorium
Sacramento, CA
Chicago
October 1
C.U. Fieldhouse, Colorado University
Denver, CO
The long-awaited call finally comes from Poco and Paul joins them in early October 1970, replacing Jimmy Messina. (See Poco Pages)
1990
The reunion of the original Poco allows Cotton to finally focus on a solo career. He records a solo album for Sisapa Records, however the label goes under shortly after the release of Changing Horses. Without label support, Cotton is only able to mount a few gigs to promote the album. His band includes his son Chris on drums, Charles Dufrene on guitar, Kim Cuda on sax, Joe Sublette on keyboards along with female vocalist Portia Griffin.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
May
Whetstone Park
Columbus, OH
July 13
Ventura Theatre
Ventura, CA
Poco
Cotton appears as a guest
**August 3
Blak:Bloo Club
Hollywood, CA
August 5
The Roxy
North Hollywood, CA
August 19
Ventura Theatre
Ventura, CA
Michael McDonald
Benefit show for Primary Purpose
September
China Club
Hollywood, CA
Kal David
An ad hoc Illinois Speed Press reunion as Kal David’s band perform two songs with Cotton
October 18
The Coach House
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Show postponed ten days.
October 19
Ventura Theatre
Ventura, CA
Leo Downey Band
October 28
The Coach House
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Delayed from October 18
1991
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
July 20
Miramar Cafe
Miramar, CA
A very small crowd (60 people) shows up for this renovated venue.
August 1
De La Guerra Plaza
Santa Barbara, CA
Toad the Wet Sprocket
October 31
Ventura Theatre
Ventura, CA
Paul attends Kenny Loggins show.
1992
Poco reforms in 1992 around Paul and Rusty Young (See Poco Concert Pages)
Date
Venue/City
Location
Also performing
Notes
January 30
Brewhouse Grill, Santa Barbara, CA
Solo show before Poco reforms.
March 1
Savoy Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA
2010
Tired of the grind, Paul leaves Poco in the spring to focus on laying low in Florida with an occassional solo gig.
Date
Venue/City
Location
Also performing
Notes
February (UD)
Boondocks Bar & Grill
Key West, FL
March 3
Schooner Wharf Bar, Key West, FL
Key West, FL
Michael McCloud, The Doerfels
March 20
Lazy Lakes RV Resort
Sugarloaf Key, FL
2011
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
July 30
Schooner Wharf Bar,
Key West, FL
Bill McGee Blues Band
Paul sits in with Bill McGee
August 30
Oregon State Fair Fairgrounds,
Salem, OR
September 9
Gravity Ballroom,
Renton, WA
Justyn Case
2012
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
March 3
Schooner Wharf Bar,
Key West, FL
April 1,2,8,9
Red Barn Theater, Key West, FL
Key West, FL
Made in Key West Band gig – Cotton, George Halloran, Gary McDonald, Tom Murtha, John Wells.
May 16
SoHo Restaurant & Music Club,
Santa Barbara, CA
Thom Landt on guitar and pedal steel, Tommy Neel on drums, Tom on bass and son Chris Cotton on drums back Paul for this appearance.
August 31
Schooner Wharf Bar, Key West, FL
Key West, FL
2013
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
February 2
Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea School
Key West, FL
Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24, Bubba System
Fund raising event
February 16
Keystock Music Festival
Key West, FL
Three Dog Night, Howard Livingston & Mile Marker 24, Monk Burris
March 22
Tennessee Williams Theatre, Women’s Club
Key West, FL
Kathleen Peace, Kim Gordon, Melody Cooper, Deb Hudson
Women’s Hope Concert
June 16
South Orange Performing Arts Center
South Orange, NJ
Richie Furay Band
July 4
Casa Marina
Key West, FL
Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice benefit
October 4-5
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
December 6-7
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
2014
Cotton releases his fifth solo album in December. Entitled “100% Cotton” Paul revisits 11 of his classic tunes and provide a new interpretation for them.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
January 3-4
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
January 31
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
February 1
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
March 29
Islamorada, FL
April 6-7
Red Barn Theatre
Key West, FL
Made in Key West Band gig
April 16-20
Red Barn Theatre
Key West, FL
Made in Key West Band gig
May 1
Thornton High School
Thornton, IL
Hall of Fame ceremony
May 3
City Auditorium
Waupun, WI
August 2
Southernmost Beach Bar & Restaurant
Key West, FL
C.W. Colt
August 8
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
November 14-15
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
CD release party
December (UD)
Boca Raton Resort and Club
Boca Raton, FL
Private party
2015
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
January 9
Paramount Theatre,
Denver, CO
Colorado Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony reunites Poco
January 15-19
Havana, Cuba
January 23-24
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
January 31
St. Mary’s Basilica
Key West, FL
Rock and Roast concert
February 5-12
Havana, Cuba
February 20-21
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
February 27-March 2
Paul Cotton Cruise
March 28
Two Friends Bar
Key West, FL
Cotton does solo acoustic lunchtime set.
April 21
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
May 14-18
Havana, Cuba
One date Paul plays at the historic Tropicana Hotel
May 22-23
Schooner Wharf Bar, Key West, FL
Key West, FL
July 3-4
Schooner Wharf Bar, Key West, FL
Key West, FL
September 12
House Concert
Seattle, WA
October 3
Wayland Academy
Beaver Dam, WI
October 8-10
Wildwood Springs Lodge
Steelville, MO
Poco Reunion with Richie Furay
October 16-17
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
October 24
Fantasy Fest
October 30
Masquerade
October 31
Fantasy Fest
November 20-21
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
December 18-19
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
Christmas by the Sea
2016
This year is highlighted by Paul Cotton Day held in Key West in November.
Date
Venue
Location
Also performing
Notes
January 15-17
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
January 31
Key West Theatre
Key West, FL
February 19-20
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
February 21-22
Red Barn Theatre
Key West, FL
March 6-7
Red Barn Theatre
Key West, FL
Conchs, Cowboys & Tales of Key West
April 1
Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center
Key West, FL
April 2
Outdoor Venue, Keystock
Key West, FL
Huey Lewis & News
April 8-9
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
May 13-14
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
May 21
Boca Raton Resort & Club
Boca Raton, FL
Private event
June 9
Hard Rock Cafe
Key West, FL
Les Paul Day
June 10-11
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
July 1-2
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
September 23-24
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
October 25-30
Fantasy Fest
November 15
Paul Cotton Day
Key West, FL
November 18-19
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
December 16-17
Schooner Wharf Bar
Key West, FL
2017
Paul says goodbye to Florida in the spring and moves to Oregon to be closer to family. He shares the stage with the Richie Furay Band for a brief Colorado tour in the late summer.
