When the four local dads who make up The Rick Cantor Band get together, it's anything but your typical guys night out.

The band, specializing in classic rock covers with some original tunes mixed in, will jam at Molly Maguire's on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 

Travis Hudelson of Westfield, who plays drums and lends his vocals to the group, said the performance will also feature "a mystery guest."

Brought together by their love for rock-n-roll, The Rick Cantor Band formed four years ago and has been making music ever since. The members range in age from 42 to 53.

In addition to Hudelson, the band is comprised of Rick Cantor, also of Westfield, on bass and vocals, Mike "Bubba" Bange of Cranford and Jim Sampson of Short Hills, who play guitar and sing as well.

The band recorded an album of originals "Upstairs at Graceland" in Memphis, an experience Hudelson called "amazing on many levels."

"We'd like to record again," he said. "Probably in another city, maybe Austin."

The group plays approximately 10 shows per year and tries to rehearse once each week. Despite their busy schedules—the bandmates have children ages two through 20 years old—they're able to stay connected with the help of modern technology. 

"We're also doing more with recording at home and sharing tracks over the web with each other," Hudelson said. "Time to rehearse and to do gigs is difficult to schedule. In fact, we'd play more gigs if we could coordinate our schedules more easily. Being able to learn material and even collaborate online is invaluable, and is probably the key link allowing us to continue to evolve."

Among his many influences, which include The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Tom Petty, Hudelson said he finds inspiration in the music of John Coltrane.

Supplying "classic rock for any occasion," the group can be booked for special events. To hear sample tracks, visit Amazon.com.

Looking ahead, the musicians hope to organize a benefit that would feature other bands and some non-musical performers as well.  

For more information, visit The Rick Cantor Band's website or call 908-654-0537 or email rick@rickcantorband.com