Red Wanting Blue returns with former Zou drummer

By JOHN BENSON

entertainment@vindy.com

Opportunity came calling last fall for Creston native Dean Anshutz, who had spent the previous year and a half playing drums with local act The Zou. Though he enjoyed his time with the Youngstown-based experimental act, an offer to become Americana band Red Wanting Blue’s new drummer was too good to pass up.

“At first it was all kind of crazy because I was very involved with The Zou,” said Anshutz, 24, a 2004 Norwayne High School graduate and 2009 Youngstown State University Music Performance graduate. “I was putting everything I had into the band, and it was a great experience. I was ready to move forward as playing on a regular basis, a more steady basis, with a band that could support a schedule of playing all of the time.

“So it was a huge decision. And [The Zou members] had mixed feelings. Obviously, they weren’t very excited about the fact I was leaving the group, but they knew what I wanted to do. When I graduated from music school, what I wanted to do was continue playing as much as possible. And the position of The Zou was they couldn’t do that like I want to. And this is my career. They all have goals and they love music, but I guess it’s more of a career for me to play drums all of the time. I don’t want to do anything else. So it’s a career opportunity.”

At first, this career opportunity was one major cram session as Anshutz, whose first gig with Red Wanting Blue was opening for Cracker in Chicago, had to learn dozens of songs from a rock act that has been known to perform three-hour plus shows. So far, so good for the percussionist who said his new bandmates have allowed him to reinterpret material to his own liking. It’s this freedom and confidence that has made the transition seamless.

Also, early on when he accepted the gig, he looked forward to extensive touring, as well as coming home. The latter takes place Saturday when Red Wanting Blue, which last played in Youngstown more than a year ago, plays Cedars.

“The band hasn’t played Cedars before in their career,” said Anshutz, who now calls Columbus home. “So I’m totally excited. That was one of the main things I pushed for because I feel like Youngstown is such a great place to play and has such a great music scene in general. I just wanted to get back there and make sure the band is heard.”

Still supporting its 2008 effort, “These Magnificent Miles,” Red Wanting Blue appears to be a band on the move with touring dates across the country as the band hopes to build up its fan base.

“I think it’s one of the hardest-working bands I’ve been in and associated with,” Anshutz said. “They never stop, and I just don’t think there’s an end as far as what this band can do. We won’t stop this band. Something will have to stop this band.”

Feeling up to the challenge, Anshutz has no regrets about moving into a bigger pond with Red Wanting Blue.

“It’s amazing, I’m having the time of my life,” Anshutz said. “Just traveling and being with the great guys and playing music we all love to people everywhere; it’s been awesome.”

If you go

Who: Red Wanting Blue

When: 10 p.m. Saturday

Where: Cedars, 23 N. Hazel St., Youngstown

Info: (330) 743-6560