Pan Am brings young Attanasio to Summerfest

If you see a guy playing a Hofner bass on Summerfest's Harley Roadhouse at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, it won't be a young Paul McCartney transported to the future. But it will be someone with some clout here in Brew City.

That's Dan Attanasio, bassist for Cali band Pan Am and son of Brewers owner Mark Attanasio. This year marks the band's third straight year at Summerfest.

Groan, if you will, about nepotism, but Pan Am has every right to play Summerfest. After all, if the band is good enough to rock L.A.'s famous Roxy, Troubadour and Whiskey a Go Go and New York's Knitting Factory, then it's certainly ready for the Big Gig.

A Pan Am press release promises: "The band's performances feature a great amount of energy, rhythm and excitement, and include an upbeat blend of original songs with sing-along choruses and plenty of feedback. Lead singer Steven Lundy channels the cool and grit of The Kinks' Ray Davies, while his brother Gary complements with sweet harmonies like those in other brother-bands such as The Beach Boys' Wilsons and Oasis' Gallaghers. Sammy Perlmutter rounds out the bunch with chaotic (but never frivolous) beats in the vein of Keith Moon or, say, Animal from the Muppets!"

And we've all heard Dan's granddad sing the national anthem at Miller Park, so we know he comes from a musical family.

Go show your support and cheer on the band as Pan Am lands at Summerfest on Sunday.