Vern Daysel and The Burning Breeze
By: Debbie Brautman | Photos: Chris Schmitt
Vern Daysel and The Burning Breeze Open for Close Enemies Featuring Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton at The Culture Room
South Africa’s loss is Florida’s gain, as frontman and songwriter Vern Daysel immigrated to the United States in 2019 and put together a killer band based in Stuart, Florida. Vern has the voice, the look, the songs, and his mighty band has the sound. They sure rocked The Culture Room on January 24, 2026, and were the perfect opener for Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton with his band Close Enemies. Vern can also play a mean guitar, and his bandmates came out guns ablazin’. This band can hang with the best of them and are in the vein of Blackberry Smoke. Think blues-soaked Southern super-charged rock. The super cool Coby Widmer (aka Coby Dante) added more lead/rhythm guitar power, and his guitar interplay with Vern worked exceptionally well. Not only is Nico G. Swarley excellent on bass, but he is also visually interesting on stage. Coby and Nico added nice back-up vocals. You can call them the “men with hats,” as they all had western hats. Paige Cantrill on drums kept right up with the fast-paced boys in the band and she gave the guys something cute to look at. Speaking of something to look at, Vern, in tight red jeans, sexy black tank top and stunningly perfect arms was hot! He also has an infectious stage presence. Then, he opens his mouth and out comes pure vocal perfection. Their show was super professional and highly energetic. Last year, they opened for John 5 and Richie Kotzen on a nationwide tour, as well as playing major musical festivals.
They showcased their new single “New Game,”from their upcoming album. They also played another new song, “Pulling on the Chain.” They played “How Long” from their superb 2024 album Round Up The Wagons. It rocked with swirling guitars and hooks galore. It was as good as any hit on the radio. Other great songs played were “Good to Be Bad,” “Wild Girl,” “Keep it in the Red” and “Light it Up.” This was no ordinary filler opening band. It won’t be long until they are headliners. Catch Vern Daysel and The Burning Breeze and hopefully you won’t get burned by their breeze…. cause they are red hot!
