Living Legend Diamond Dave Hosley
By Jim Harrington

Black Diamond Living Magazine

February, 2005
  
In the sleepy suburbs, few after- dark acts sparkle like that of local music legend Diamond Dave Hosley. With a set list that includes rap artist 50 Cent and Neil Diamond (including a rendition of "Sweet Caroline" that would give Neil a run for his money), he's turned his weekly gigs at Petar's in Lafayette into highly anticipated neighborhood gatherings that draw loyal fans from Berkeley to Brentwood. Thanks to the Walnut Creek resident and perpetual life of the party, it's the one dance floor in the 925 where hipster college kids get down with gyrating grannies until the wee hours. "I can play everything from Frank Sinatra to funky music like James Brown and Nelly," says the 48-year-old whose voice has been known to jump-start even the idle feet of chronic wall- flowers. "If (the audience) keeps asking for the tunes and keeps dancing to them, I know I'm doing a good job."
  
There's a huge market these days for campy troubadours who sing irony-rich material delivered with a nudge-nudge and a wink-wink. Tribute bands like Super Diamond, AC/DShe and Mandonna all pack major clubs across the Bay Bridge. But Hosley manages to mix Elvis, Usher and other strange bedfellows without coming across as a novelty act. Blessed with a strong voice and boundless energy, Hosley is a versatile showman who can tackle the Top 40 charts, the classic-rock library and K-Tel's back catalog all in one night. And he's been in high demand at Petar's since 1986, when he first moved to the East Bay. "I think the reason I've had success there is that I have no delusions about what my job is. It's not Carnegie Hall, you know?" he says. "I work really hard at trying to keep people entertained. You want to connect with people whether it's with a show tune or a dance tune."
  
Diamond Dave Hosley performs at Petar's Wednesday through Saturday. Regulars rule the scene starting at 9 p.m. and newbies are always welcomed with open arms and strong drinks.