By Peter Lyons Hall
One of the reasons Greenwood Lake’s The Cove Restaurant has become a favorite destination for both residents and visitors is proprietor Bobby Perreira’s commitment to showcasing unique and memorable entertainment. Perreira has built a reputation for bringing distinctive performers to his lakeside venue—artists who offer something beyond the ordinary cover-band experience. Among the most memorable acts to grace The Cove’s stage are The Slippery Chickens, a group whose sound is as difficult to categorize as it is impossible to forget.
In an era when many musical acts fit neatly into a single genre, The Slippery Chickens proudly refuse categorization. The Hudson Valley-based band draws from rockabilly, early rock ’n’ roll, blues, Cajun influences, and a wide range of American roots traditions, creating a sound that feels both familiar and entirely their own.
At the center of the group is founder, bassist, vocalist, and harmonica virtuoso Jerry Scaringe, whose energetic stage presence and musical versatility have become hallmarks of the band’s live performances. During a recent interview, Scaringe described The Slippery Chickens not as a revival act, but as a band dedicated to carrying the spirit of classic rockabilly into the present day.
“We keep the original instrumentation,” Scaringe explained, “but we update the lyrics, the themes, and the vocal delivery.” The result is music that honors the genre’s roots while speaking to contemporary audiences.
Rockabilly emerged in the 1950s as a fusion of country music and rhythm and blues, producing some of the earliest forms of rock ’n’ roll. While many modern bands replicate the sound and style of that era, The Slippery Chickens use the traditional framework as a starting point rather than a destination. Their songs combine vintage rhythms and instrumentation with modern storytelling, humor, and an unmistakably original voice.
That voice belongs to Scaringe, whose singing style effortlessly shifts between a smooth croon and an enthusiastic yelp. Equally impressive is his musicianship. Onstage, he simultaneously handles an old-fashioned upright bass and a collection of five electrified harmonicas connected to a homemade neck brace and amplification system. The setup allows him to move seamlessly between bass lines, vocals, and harmonica solos without missing a beat.
Scaringe is joined by guitarist Michael Olivieri, whose giant semi-hollow electric guitar provides the perfect complement to the band’s sound. Olivieri’s playing alternates between filling every available space with rich, resonant tones and stepping back to allow the rhythm section room to breathe. His tasteful approach gives the band’s music both power and subtlety. On the drum kit is the rhythm section of blues-rock guitarist and singer, Popa Chubby’s touring and recording band – Andrei Koribanics. A highly respected musician in the blues community, Koribanics has contributed his heavy-grooving, driving drum style to numerous Popa Chubby tours, live concerts, and studio albums.
Together, the trio creates a surprisingly full sound that blends the raw energy of early rock ’n’ roll with the improvisational spirit of blues and roots music. Their performances are as much about entertainment as musicianship, with quick-witted banter, spontaneous humor, and audience interaction becoming part of the experience. For local music fans, The Slippery Chickens offer something increasingly rare: handmade music that feels authentic, unpredictable, and deeply connected to American musical traditions while remaining firmly rooted in the present.
Whether performing in intimate clubs, outdoor festivals, or waterfront venues like The Cove, the band delivers a high-energy show designed to get audiences moving. Their appearance exemplifies the kind of creative and distinctive entertainment that Perreira regularly brings to Greenwood Lake. As Scaringe sees it, great music should be fun, and The Slippery Chickens band [https://www.theslipperychickens.com/] embodies that philosophy every time they take the stage.
For anyone seeking a raw, rowdy evening of dance-inducing fun, The Slippery Chickens continue to prove that rockabilly is not a museum piece—it is a living, evolving art form.
