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Behind the scenes with DePue Brothers Band Member Don Liuzzi

On July 31 the DePue Brothers Band will bring the Gardens to life with a hybrid mix of bluegrass, classical, Celtic, and rock music during their summer Members-only concert.
DePue Brothers Band drummer and vocalist Don Liuzzi—who is also Principal Timpanist for the Philadelphia Orchestra—is especially excited for his first Longwood Gardens performance because he spent many years as a child exploring Longwood with his grandmother.

“Even though I was raised in Boston, my grandmother lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I can recall coming to see the thousands of lights and grand Christmas trees in the Conservatory every year at the holidays. Longwood holds a very special place in my memory—and I’m thrilled to play for other guests to give them a special experience to remember here,” says Liuzzi.

Liuzzi began playing the drums at an early age and hoped to one day grow up to become famous like Ringo Starr. But as a kid in Boston his parents took him to see the Boston Orchestra, and during performances Liuzzi couldn’t keep his eyes off the timpanist. “It was then I realized that how similar a timpanist was to a drummer—and I wanted to be part of something big like the Boston Orchestra,” says Liuzzi.

From there, Liuzzi would go on to earn his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan and his Master of Music degree from Temple University. In addition to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Liuzzi has also been a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

Becoming a DePue Brother
Liuzzi first met the DePue brothers, Jason DePue and Zachary DePue in Chestnut Hill at The Mermaid Inn when they were recording the film documentary Music From the Inside Out.

“I clicked with Jason and Zach when I met them. We did a recording together shortly after for the film, and during the recording we had so much fun that we didn’t want to stop playing together. The rest is really history,” says Liuzzi.

The DePue Brothers Band is unlike a traditional bluegrass band because of the strong percussion element. “Bluegrass doesn’t traditionally have drums, and we do. Also most bluegrass bands have one violinist—and we amp up the power, and choose to have three,” says Liuzzi.

If you’ve never been to a DePue Brothers Band performance before, Liuzzi says you’re in for a blend of bluegrass with a strong—and what is sometimes perceived as a surprising rock element.

“Alex DePue, one of our band members, is a true rocker—everyone in our band is a virtuoso in their own discipline. So when you meld these extreme talents across multiple musical disciplines you’re going to get a tremendous—yet very unique sound,” says Liuzzi.

Liuzzi says the DePue Brothers brings a magnetic energy to the stage that is contagious to their audience. “We’re on wireless microphones the entire performance so we can toe-tap, jam, and put all of our energy out on the stage. Our goal is to bring the entire audience to their feet and clapping,” says Liuzzi.

Some of the hit songs you can expect to hear during this exciting Members-only performance include: Mexico, Ice Cream Man, and Orange Blossom Special. 

Click here to purchase tickets to the DePue Brothers performance at Longwood Gardens on Sunday, July 31 at 6:30 pm.

Click here to visit the DePue Brothers Band website to learn even more about the group and to get a preview of their sound!