Duke Tumatoe (Photo Provided)

Come party on the plaza at Fridays by the Fountain in front of the Morris Performing Arts Center.

This week’s artist is Chicago-born Duke Tumatoe, fusing gritty R&B, rock, blues, and funk. He was a founding member of what became REO Speedwagon. In 1969 he formed Duke Tumatoe and the All-Star Frogs which played throughout the Midwest and released two albums, “Red Pepper Hot!”
in 1976 and “Back to Chicago” in 1982.

In 1983, Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio was formed and recorded “Duke’s Up” for Blind Pig Records. Over the next several years, Tumatoe released four discs on his label, “Dr. Duke” in 1992, “Wild Animals” in 1994, “Greatest Hits Plus” in 1996, and the all-instrumental “Picks & Sticks” in 1997.

Duke Tumatoe has opened for many legendary figures in blues and rock, including Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, George Thorogood, Fabulous Thunderbirds, and John Fogerty.