Bohemian Rhapsody: The Music of Ron “Dadu” Romanovsky

True talent cannot be specifically labeled because the journey life takes you on can impact the creative process in ways never expected or planned. Such is the musical life and journey of musician/singer/songwriter Ron Romanovsky, known to many as his alter-incarnation “Dadu."

The journey began for Ron in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he dabbled in guitar and songwriting through his teen years. In the early '80s, love found him in the guise of Paul Phillips, another talented musician and vocalist, and together they formed the gay musical duo of Romanovsky & Phillips. When they were invited to perform at the Kimo Theatre in Albuquerque they made their way up to Santa Fe for a private party on Canyon Road. Once here, they both knew it was to be their new home.

So, 25 years ago, Ron Romanovsky arrived in Santa Fe where he has transformed himself as a composer and musician along his creative highway. As part of "Romanovsky & Phillips," he recorded five CDs of original songs, which contained a biting sense of humor and told numerous stories of the gay experience, both personal and political. “I'm an artist who likes to use his life in his work,” Ron said. “So it never occurred to me to not sing about being gay.” After selling more than 100,000 units, touring 44 states and Australia, collaborating on an Off-Broadway musical “Jayson,” based on a gay comic strip, which ran in NYC for 2 months in the summer of 1998, Romanovsky & Phillips found themselves at the end of their journey together, both personally and professionally.

Over the past few years, Ron has been performing primarily with his new band, “Welcome to Bohemia,” an amazingly talented trio of musicians including violinist/vocalist Hillary Schact who Ron also performs with as a duo known as “Bohemia Lite.” In trying to describe their music, all one can think of is old European Gypsy music, melodic and up-tempo, with Hillary’s violin and Ron’s accordion blending perfectly, as to sound like one instrument. At the last performance I attended, it was amazing to me how the audience responded. Just as they were up dancing like they were at the wildest bar mitzvah ever thrown, suddenly, Ron would put down the accordion, pick up his acoustic guitar and the band would change course with one of Ron’s folksy queer songs with lyrics to make you laugh. And the audience, both queer and straight, follows Ron everywhere he leads them on his musical journey.

Treat yourself and catch Ron and “Welcome to Bohemia” (or “Bohemia Lite”) around Santa Fe, including their regular gigs at Louie’s Corner Café, Cowgirl BBQ, and Second Street Brewery. Have a great time, and like a gypsy, prepare to wander down a musical path that will make you clap, dance, and smile in a rhapsody of life's delight.