David Rotundo is a special human. He is a bluesman, philosopher, harmonica, magician, kind soul, former tennis pro and great friend of ours!

I’ll never forget the first time he walked up the stairs into the Cove. He had a big smile on his face and said, “Hi, I’m David!” He asked me if I played music and I said yes until that night I got up and played with him. Ever since then I’ve been doing that with many of the artists who come through. We’ve also been great friends since!

Despite the long periods of absence in our relationship, he left a very special mark on The Cove with his generosity and positivity. Couldn’t ask for a better musician to be returning to the Blues at The Cove Series! He will be here Thursday, June 5 for a solo night of Bob Dylan on the patio from 5-8 pm, followed by a classic night of blood, sweat and blues on Friday, June 6, with the one and only David Rotundo Band. A night of music you can only experience in person. Contact us 613.273.3636 or [email protected] for reservations!

Seamus Cowan: There are some bands that just stand the test of time. Some are chameleons and some stick to their guns, completely. I know you have a strong affinity for Bob Dylan and The Band, respectively, in this manner. What have you and what can we learn from them?

David Rotundo: Well, there are so many things to learn from those two titans, Bob Dylan and The Band, especially Bob. As you know, I hold him in a universe of his own creation. One thing that stands out that Dylan said was his advice to aspiring artists and musicians: "In this business or pursuit, if you always realize you are constantly in the state of becoming, you will be alright." And this is why I have so much respect for Bob and Robbie Robertson because they consistently keep growing, creating and evolving. And let's face it, if anyone has earned the right to be cocky and say they did it all, it's Bob. Yet he consistently says he has done nothing and he's just evolving. Very inspiring! Thank you, Bob!

Q: Recently, you moved to Mexico and have since become a resident. What is the music scene like down there and how has it responded to your Blues sound? Are you becoming influenced by traditional Mexican music at all?

David: The music scene in Mexico is very eclectic and diverse. It's quickly becoming a melting pot of many different styles. It's very refreshing in this regard. As for Mexican roots music, I've just recently been exposed to old Mexican folk music, and I am constantly knocked out by how very deep and emotive it is. I had no idea. I will let you know more in a few years after I explore it a little more.

Q: Ever since I have known you, one of your greatest traits is generosity. You show it from the stage in how you communicate to your audience and how you connect to your fans. Music in the Schools is something that you will graciously be doing at St. Ed's on Fri.Jun.6 in the afternoon. Tell us how connecting to youth is so important to you as a role model.

David: Well, first off, thank you for your kind words, Seamus. I guess it started with my father. My father was the most generous, giving, and life-inspiring person I will ever know. He had a heart the size of two lions. I think I always aspired to be like him in that way. He always lit a fire for everyone around him. I still stand on his shoulders. As for the school visits, honestly, I don't know who benefits more, the kids or myself. I've been doing this for over a decade now, and I finally wanted to take it to another level. It's become so important to me on many levels. First, the kids are our future. Two, I love dreams and dreaming. Three, I love anyone with a dream, especially when they chase them. It's like something magical happens when a person is pursuing a dream – they have a big light in their eyes; they shine. And they are positive. What's better than that? Maybe it's also a way for me to remind myself and keep myself in check. So yes, the school visits are very important to me – VERY important!

Q: Back in the day, 25 years ago, you released a record called "Blowing for Broke". You are celebrating this milestone by playing it in it's entirety on Fri.Jun.6 for your Blues at The Cove show. What are some of the great lessons that you have learned since making that record? It's been an amazing career of music for you!

David: Wow, Seamus, that's a great yet difficult question to answer. I would like to think I learned something from my first album and the 25 years that followed. Ha! Not exactly sure what... B. Dylan enters again: "state of becoming." I recognize a real beauty and purity in being naive – putting the feelings and emotions first. It's a tightrope to walk. To try to keep things naive and pure yet confident, meaning, "I have a right to say something; my feelings matter, but I'm not really sure yet; I will anyway." I would like to marry these two traits. What I really learned is...there is so much to learn!!! I say with a smile.

Q: It's an interesting world out there on the international music scene. Things have changed drastically since the beginning of The Blues, yet you stay true to the rooted element of it's soul, simplicity and sound. I think there are many people who continue to find that attractive and admirable amidst the smoke and mirrors. Do you see your sound evolving in any particular direction over the next while? Looking so forward to having you back!

David: Yes, the world is changing drastically and very quickly. Well, after all, it is a universal law – the universal law of change. It's not an easy one. It's not easy to accept and move with change. It's very challenging, to say the least. I would suppose this is so because just as you are getting the hang of something, in a flow and rhythm, familiar, you are forced to move on – it seems almost unfair and cruel.

As for the tradition and power of roots blues, absent of smoke and mirrors, that is why "The Blues" is so powerful and indelible. It's absent of pre-tense; it demands honesty and integrity. Who is not better off with more of that in their life? It's something to aspire to. Sign me up! Last, thank you for your kind words above, Seamus. Thank you for remembering our first encounters. They were and still are very special to me as well. I felt at home the minute I walked into the Cove the first time. You and everyone who works there were the icing on the Cove cake. I'm very much looking forward to returning. See you all soon, and thank you very much for all your support. Posted: May 20, 2025