Fools and Critters

Fools and Critters’ “high octane mock n’ roll” first appeared in 1993 on the stages of rock clubs all over South Florida. The mixture of four distinct personalities and musical tastes morphed into some of the most creative music on the local scene. Drawing from influences that range from Frank Zappa, Ramones and Cheap Trick to 311 to Bryan Adams and Van Halen, together Ray Donato, Matt Charles, Brent Downs, and Mark Herndon have created a unique stage act of highly spontaneous and energetic music with onstage antics and presentations that keep audiences riveted. The band has released multiple recordings of original music in studio and live formats showcasing the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities, both in the controlled studio and the marvelously chaotic realm of live performances. More recently, the band has created a niche for itself playing in theaters double billed with the Rocky Horror Picture Show; “The audience for Rocky is a free spirited crowd that F & C has really enjoyed being a part of” says lead singer Mark Herndon. Stand out shows include the 25th anniversary show for Rocky Horror at the Carefree Theater in West Palm Beach and 2008’s 4th of July show at Cinema Paridiso in Fort Lauderdale.