Shell rockers fill coffers for good causes
08-Sep-2005
A rock band with Chemicals staff in its line-up has been entertaining
Shell employees and raising cash for good causes.
The DarDans have been performing together since 1993, when Dan
Carlson and Darden Bourne, both working at Shell, decided to set up the band
and enlisted the help of guitarist, Gregg Watts.
The band has rehearsed and performed regularly over the years – even while Dan
and Darden were in London on assignment. New members have been recruited along
the way giving the band new energy and drive to perform.
Phil Hronas, Demand Chain Team Representative for the Americas within Shell
Chemical LP and the band’s drummer, met Dan while working in the Shell Chemical
Customer Service Centre. Blair Barbero of Retail Finance, Oil Products, met
Darden via a mutual friend and was the last member to join the band. Blair
plays base guitar.
New members inject energy
Phil said: “The DarDans have been together for several years but with our new
members and focus, we are keen to perform more. To quote the Blues Brothers:
‘we’re putting the band back together.’
“Our next benefit performance will be at the Serve Up A Cure Pink Party,
sponsored by the Houston chapter of the Pink Ribbon Society, for breast cancer,
on 21 October. The money raised will pay costs for women in the Houston area
with no health insurance.”
The band members have given their time and support to many charity events in
the Houston area, including the American Heart Association and the Carl McCain
Memorial Foundation. The Foundation supports individuals and families that have
worked in the energy industry and who are financial overburdened for medical
reasons. The “DarDans” have performed at the Foundation’s Chilli/Fajita
Cook-off on several occasions.
Rocking the HODer crowd
Last year, they performed at the EO/Glycols holiday party in conjunction with
the United Way Campaign and in December, they will perform at the HODer holiday
party, playing favourites from The Doors, The Rolling Stones and Buddy Holly in
addition to their own songs.
Dan Carlson, Global Business Manager, Higher Olefins, and co-founder of the
band said: “We have a lot of fun performing at private parties and charity
events and it is great to be creative with colleagues outside work.”
Visit the DarDans website to learn more about the band members and their music.
Back Row (L-R): Blair Barbero, Gregg Watts, Dan Carlson
Front Row (L-R): Phil Hronas, Darden Bourne