Band celebrates late Long Island singer Travis McKeveny in new album, concert

Singer-songwriter Travis McKeveny, of Blue Point, had a bright future ahead of him. With two albums under his belt, he began to develop a following and often performed at the Grey Horse Tavern in Bayport. But just before recording his third album, McKeveny died of an accidental fentanyl overdose on Sept. 16, 2021. He was 35 years old. 

In his memory, his father, Gerry McKeveny, 66, along with a group of local musician friends, have spent the past five years bringing Travis’ vision to life on a new release, "From Dublin to Duluth," dropping Friday on Huntington-based Paradiddle Records.

"Travis was all in on his art and fully committed to his music," singer-guitarist Pete Mancini, who played in his band, told Newsday. "The third record was the best batch of songs he ever wrote. They weave in between genres from folk to country to jazz to rock."

Travis McKeveny had laid out which instruments he wanted on each song and the basic arrangements were worked up. The band even crowdfunded the album, raising $10,000 from local supporters.

"We were left putting the album together from memory. However, we had played some of the songs live so we had an idea," Mancini said. "There was no doubt in our minds that we had to finish this record. It’s taken us five years, but I know the result is exactly what Trav would have wanted."

The group, dubbed The Famous Doctor Scanlon Band, consists of Mancini (vocals, guitar); Gerry McKeveny (vocals, guitar); Joe Caggiano (keyboards, guitar); Quarter Horse’s John Rienzi (drums); Dave March, of Miles to Dayton (bass); and Cassandra House (harmony vocals). The band's name stems from a joke in one of Travis' favorite films, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest."

"Everyone in the band knew Travis well and loved him, so they were all onboard," Gerry McKeveny said. "It was cathartic and challenging emotionally. The process was healing, but it would rip open the wound at times."

The elder McKeveny sang lead on seven songs while Mancini fronted the band on three tracks ("Get Into Trouble," "Sligo Girl," "Sloane").

"Travis had a bigger voice than me, but you can hear a family resemblance because there’s that genetic through line," his father said. "We all heard his voice in our heads when we recorded."

The album’s final song, "Open All Night," is the only track that features the late musician on vocals.

"We were able to capture his voice from a cellphone video and the band played along with that vocal," Gerry said. "It was a pretty tricky, technical process but we are happy the way it came out and it’s a fitting way to finish the record."

In celebration of the release, the band will perform the album live along with some other Travis McKeveny songs at the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts in Bay Shore on Saturday. For tickets ($40), go to boultoncenter.org.

"The show will be an uplifting celebration," Mancini said. "Trav was a guy who liked to let loose and get down. He was always trying to make people laugh. That’s the tone we want to project."

McKeveny's father added, "I view this event as a chance for everyone to come together as a community to grieve, not just for Travis but for all of those we lost and celebrate each other through song."

Although he’s been gone five years, McKeveny has left a mark on the Long Island music scene, where his stellar reputation remains.

"I want people to know what an amazing songwriter he was," Mancini said. "I hope this record introduces more people to his music because he was world class. Trav is kind of peerless in our community."

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.