On April 6, 2012, The Don’t Call Me Francis Band celebrated its 21st anniversary as one of South Jersey’s number one party bands. With years of experience in the music industry, DMCF remains one of the most requested bands in the Philadelphia Tri-state area and beyond. For 12 Consecutive years, Don’t Call Me Francis was voted the Best Band in South Jersey and the Delaware Valley by the Courier Post’s Reader’s Choice Awards.
But where and how did the band come up with their sassy and ironic title…? Founding member Frank Orsini was officially given the birthname “Francis”. His immediate family called him “Frankie” during his childhood and then “Frank” as he matured. In school, his teachers and buddies referred to him as “Fran” or “Franny”. The more formal “Francis” never made the cut as one of his many surnames. One day after rehearsal, when brainstorming band names, the usually quiet guitar player dropped the phrase “Don’t Call Me Francis”, originally stated in the Bill Murray film “Stripes”. Never expecting such a hilarious and clever comment from the timid guitarist, “We all hit the floor laughing,” says Frank Orsini. From then on, the band name was decided and has stuck ever since.
DCMF boasts a lineup of musicians whose credits include performances with Tower of Power, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Pretty Poison, Michael Bolton, Paula Abdul, Robert Hazard, Chicago, K.C. and the Sunshine band, Gloria Estefan, the Stylistics and the list continues.
All band members began playing music at a young age and have since honed their stellar talents. Original member of the band Frank Orsini contributes vocals and trumpet to DCMF’s original set lists. Since its inaugural days, Don’t Call Me Francis has been a major local presence and has always attracted great musicians according to Frank.
Candice Marie contributes vocals along with Mary Harris who also serves as the band’s percussionist. Bill Garrett provides bass while Dave Maerz plays guitar. Both add background vocals to the group’s already strong sound. Tim Jernigan on trombone and background vocals, Tim Hutson on drums, Randy Chick on keyboard, and Korey Riker on saxophone round out this talented crew. Dan Wright completes the hornery with his trumpet skills and even raps on a few of the band’s songs.
Well known musicians including Mark Anthony, Morris Day of the Time, Max Weinberg, drummer of The Bruce Springsteen band, Neil Shawn of Motley Crue, and the members of the Beach Boys have played with the DCMF band. Don’t Call Me Francis has even opened for entertainers such as Steve Winwood, Tom Jones, Brian Setzer, and more.
Don’t Call Me Francis covers many genres and time periods of music. Their main goal? To bring the party. “We play tons of new material, but also take you back to the old party dance stuff,” states Frank Orsini.
With four horns, The Don’t Call Me Francis Band is capable of adding their very own, unique twist on a lot of popular current and oldies songs. Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You”, Carlie Rae Chapman’s “Call Me Maybe”, and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” are just a few examples that DCMF surely puts their own original spin on. Their powerful hornery arrangements “take these songs to another level,” expresses Frank Orsini.
“Don’t Call Me Francis” is truly a high energy, smash-mouth, get up and jam type of band. Listeners will no doubt be tempted to get out of their seats and dance to any and every DCMF beat. “SOMEBODY SCREAM!” Don’t Call Me Francis is on the scene…
Check out the amazing 10 person Don’t Call Me Francis Band at favorite local nightspot, Flip Flopz Beach Bar and Grill of Wildwood. For more info on DCMF and their schedule, visit www.francisband.com.
By Megan Kummer