While stopping at the Captain's Inn in Forked River, New Jersey, for a quick bite, I was surprised to see Jeff Lakata armed with his Carvin guitar ready to perform solo for the bar crowd. For the many years that I've known him, Lakata had a reputation for being an exceptional guitarist, which he put on display during the appropriate moments within his energetic classic rock sets. He was able to put his rhythm guitar chords at times on a loop so that he could showcase his lead work.
He also performs around the Jersey shore area and then some with his band Those Guys. They have played at The Lighthouse in Waretown and B2 Bistro in Bayville along with many other bars and festivals in New Jersey. They identify as a party band with each member having as much fun as the audience.
On this particular early evening gig as a solo act, he performed songs by such artists as The Moody Blues, Oasis, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, Stealers Wheel and The Eagles. This performance was definitely a step up from the normal cover act but definitely done in the Jeff Lakata style.
