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Watch Umphrey's McGee Perform "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" At Hulaween October 27, 2017 11:20

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

Hulaween, the weekend so many have been waiting for all year, got its 'unofficial' start last night as its truly ridiculous 'pre-party' began. With the variety of Joe Russo's Almost Dead x2 , Greensky Bluegrass, Lettuce, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Spafford, and Zach Deputy on tap, the vibe at Suwannee felt like the weekend was in full force. Oh yeah, did we mention two sets Umphrey's McGee, as well? Well, that happened too. One of the evenings many highlights came in the form of a 20-minute cover of Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" late during UM's second set. Fortunately, HD video footage has surfaced via Live For Live Music and can be watched in full below!

Watch Umphrey's perform Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond via L4LM here:

Umphrey’s McGee: Suwannee Hulaween - Live Oak, FL - 10.26.17

Set 1: No Crying In Mexico > 40’s Theme > Wappy Sprayberry > All In Time > Push The Pig, Dump City > All In Time

Set 2:: Le Blitz > Remind Me > The Triple Wide > The Floor, Day Nurse > Shine On You Crazy Diamond > Day Nurse, Booth Love


American Beauty Has Your Phish 'Baker's Dozen' Parties Covered July 21, 2017 16:07

Photo by Capacity Images

As we all gear up for Phish's 'Baker's Dozen' run at Madison Square Garden, it's essential to know of your best options for both before and after the shows. While the options are nearly endless in New York City, very few will offer the convenience and caliber of talent that American Beauty has line up. First off, the multi-room venue is literally one block away from The Garden. More importantly, you will be setting yourself up to catch a variety of established national acts, as well as many of the hottest up-and-comers from across the country. Oh yeah, they serve a slice of free pizza with every drink purchased.

Their line-up of bands is impressive, and includes scene favorites like The WerksElectric BeethovenZach Deputylespecial, as well as rising bands like West End Blend, 13-year old Brandon “Taz” Niederauer’s bandMister FAtlas Road Crew, Maradeen. Plus there will be special one-night only collaborations of amazing musicians such as the J-Dilla tribute featuring Borham Lee (Break Science), Daru Jones (Jack White), Maurice ‘Mobetta’ Brown (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Nate Edgar (Nth Power) & other very special guests.
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In addition to the amazing line-up of shows, American Beauty has unique and fun activities planned for the entire 13 night run:   

  • The Jerry Lounge -- a hang out space on the second floor, designed to replicate the lot scene from outdoor Phish shows. Entry is free, and the lounge will feature vendors curated by PhanArt, a Grateful Dead DJ, grilled cheese, and other entertainment.
  • Free personal pizza served with each drink purchased, and an affordable and diverse craft beer & cocktail selection that’s otherwise impossible to find in Midtown Manhattan.
  • Phish and Grateful Dead Trivia Night --  held on the two off-night Mondays (7/24 & 7/31), the jam band trivia is especially perfect for out-of-town Phriends in NYC for the run and looking for affordable and fun things to do.
  • Grateful Dead Related Shows & Jerry’s Birthday Celebration Shows -- A number of post and pre shows will focus on the Grateful Dead’s music, and all shows on August 1st will celebrate the life of Jerry Garcia. (Full details below).  

Named after the Grateful Dead’s 1970 studio album, American Beauty has made a serious connection with the jam band community over the fourteen months it’s been open. The bands booked for the pre & post show run resonate with the scene, and with the venue’s proximity to Madison Square Garden, affordability, and general chill vibe -- oh and free pizza! -- it’s a refuge in Midtown for fans looking for something to do before and after Phish. 

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American Beauty Show Schedule:
7/21 After-Party: The Werks
7/22 After-Party: The Werks
7/23 Pre-Party: Polyvamp & Dorsia
7/23 After-Party: West End Blend & DJ Logic
7/25 Pre-Party: The Mallet Brothers Band
7/25 After-Party: John Kadlecik Band
7/26 Pre-Party: Escaper
7/26 After-Party: John Kadlecik Band
7/28 Pre-Party: Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Band
7/28 After-Party: Big Mean Sound Machine
7/29 Pre-Party: PhanArt art show with Space Carnival
7/29 After-Party: J-Dilla Tribute ft. Borahm Lee (Break Science, Pretty Lights Live Band), Daru Jones (Jack White), Maurice ‘Mobetta’ Brown (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Nate Edgar (Nth Power) & Very Special Guests
7/30 Pre-Party: Wig & Bee
7/30 After-Party: ShwiKus Play P-Funk  (downstairs)
7/30 After-Party: lespecial (upstairs)
8/1  Pre-Party: Jerry’s Birthday Jam: Half Step
8/1 After-Party: Reed Mathis & Electric Beethoven - Celebrate Jerry’s Birthday
8/2 Pre-Party: Mister F & Of Clocks and Clouds
8/2 After-Party: Zach Deputy
8/4 Pre-Party: Maradeen
8/4 After-Party: Atlas Road Crew
8/5 Pre-Party: Yellow Dubmarine
8/5 After-Party: Midnight Bluegrass (Members of Yonder Mountain + more)
8/6 Pre-Party: Grateful Dead Pizza Party with Steve Urban, Josh Kates, Ray Kairy & more
8/6 After-Party: Reed Mathis & Electric Beethoven

All Pre-Parties are 3pm Doors, 4pm Show
All Post-Parties are 11:30 Doors, 11:55 Show
For additional announcements, check www.americanbeautynyc.com

CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival Reveals 2017 SpringFest Lineup February 1, 2017 02:41

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Photo by Paul Hosier: Jack Straw Photography
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Festival organizers have revealed the initial lineup for CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival, which returns Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL for the fourth consecutive year on May 5th - 7th. The bi-annual, grassroots music and arts festival has seen tremendous growth with each year, and 2017 looks to be no exception.  SpringFest will feature CukoRakko veterans Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express, as well as Zach Deputy, The Funky Knuckles, Broccoli Samurai, Soul Mechanic, Little Raine BandPermagrooveImperial BlendVoodoo VisionaryDirk Quinn BandRoxy RocaSupatight, and Rescue Dogs.  
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The festivities will kick off on Thursday, May 4th with a pre-party featuring Rescue Dogs, Imperial Blend, and Voodoo Visionary (Presented by JSP Rocks).  The festival officially begins on Friday, March 5th with performances from Zach Deputy, Voodoo Visionary, Imperial Blend, and Supatight. Saturday's performers include Broccoli Samurai, Little Raine Band, Permagroove, Soul Mechanic, Funky Knuckles, and Roxy Roca.  The festival will conclude on Sunday, May 7th with a second set from Funky Knuckles, as well as Dirk Quinn Band and the legendary Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express.  A very limited amount of early bird tickets can be purchased today by clicking here.  VIP ticket packages and advance general admission tickets can also be found at CukoRakko.com.  Stay tuned for future updates, exclusive artist interviews, and everything you need to know about CukoRakko!
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Purchase tickets to CukoRakko SpringFest!

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Watch the official CukoRakko 2016 SpringFest recap video here:
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Get To Know This Year's Lineup

Col. Bruce Hampton & The Madrid Express

Col. Bruce Hampton has been making music since he formed his first band in 1963. Col. Bruce has been in constant motion ever since leaving a trail of memorable live performances with his many bands, including The Late Bronze Age and Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit.  Along the way he appeared in the movie "Sling Blade" as the poet and band manager Morris and starred in Mike Gordon's cult classic "Outside Out" as a mystical guitar 'out'structor. Since 2006, The Colonel has been playing a unique blend of blues and jazz with his band Col. Bruce & The Quark Alliance. Still rolling down the road, Col. Bruce continues his quest for the tonal center at each exit #6.

Hampton helped start the 1990s seminal H.O.R.D.E. tours. The best known of his bands to play H.O.R.D.E. is the jazz-rock outfit Aquarium Rescue Unit, which featured improvisational music all-stars Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, Rev. Jeff Mosier, Matt Mundy and Jeff Sipe.

Watch an entire set from Col Bruce & The Madrid Express here:

Zach Deputy

Zach Deputy is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Savannah, GA and best known for his live looping shows. Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound.

To bring this sound to the stage, the big, impossibly upbeat South Carolinian with the infectious smile puts on a solo show– enhanced by looping technology– that is essentially a one man dance party offering up what he calls “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” to the enthusiastic crowds of dancers who flock to clubs from coast-to-coast. It is these late night dance parties— more than 250 per year– that have made Zach Deputy one of the hottest up-and-coming performers on the camping festival circuit and “jam band” scene. For Zach, most days begin in a hotel room and end a couple of hours after walking off stage.
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Watch Zach Deputy perform "Put It In The Boogie" here:
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The Funky Knuckles

The inevitable result of a talent-soaked soul and jazz community, The Funky Knuckles are taking the sound of Dallas to an entirely different level. They have been together six years and have held a weekly residency since the beginning. The band is comprised of sidemen from some of the most respected acts in the music industry (Beyonce, Erykah Badu, Chrisette Michelle, Talib Kweli, P. Diddy, The Polyphonic Spree, etc.), yet possesses a sound distinctly separate from any of their individual projects.

The Funky Knuckles move together musically as a school of fish, never complacent and always stretching the boundaries of improvisation and composition. Whether performing original music or standards, they draw from each member’s musical experiences to create their unique genre-bending sound. After the release of their debut album on GroundUP Music, As of Lately, The Knuckles added a full-time horn section and began touring nationally.

Meta-Musica (also on GroundUP), climbed the iTunes Jazz Charts to become the #1 selling record in the United States the day it was released.

Watch The Funky Knuckles' official music video for "Arise" here:

Broccoli Samurai

Since forming in the Rustbelt of Cleveland, OH in 2010, Broccoli Samurai has been taking the club and festival scene by storm. The band's synth-laden, drum and bass influenced, progressive electronica has been thrilling audiences throughout the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast markets, winning them a massive and fiercely loyal fanbase. Eager fans pack dance floors and late-night festival sets with smiles across their faces, waiting to get lost in the band’s ambient soundscapes, anticipating every bass drop that will force them to move with reckless abandon. Broccoli Samurai’s line-up includes founding member Ryan “Bruce” Hodson on keys and synth, Cameron Bickley on drums and percussion, accomplished bassist Zach Wolfe anchors the rhythm section, while guitarist Michael Vincent weaves in and out, exploring new sonic territory.
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The band has played countless festivals such as Peach Music Festival, Electric Forest, Catskill Chill Music Festival, Aura Music and Art Festival, The Werk Out, BIG What?!, Domefest, Paradise Music and Art Festival, Rootwire, The Mad Tea Party Jam, The Ville, SummerDance, Disc Jam, Night Lights Fall Music Festival, The Gathering At Chaffee’s, Utica Music and Art Festival, and Hyperion Fest. Broccoli Samurai has directly supported and toured with many known bands including Dopapod, Papadosio, Lotus, Conspirator, The Werks, Ozric Tentacles, BoomBOX, Big Gigantic, Rusted Root, O.A.R., Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Aqueous, and BIG Something. Broccoli Samurai’s extensive tour schedule has them playing high profile venues and major cities regularly, and the band will be increasing the number of performances and expanding their reach into the West Coast and Southern markets. This band is making big moves and the time to take notice is now.

Watch an entire set from Broccoli Samurai at Asheville Music Hall here:

  Soul Mechanic

Soul Mechanic is a progressive funk group hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Soul Mechanic have been honing their unique sound through a relentless tour regime. Soul Mechanic is William English-Guitar, Jessica Nunn-Viola, Marcus White-Keyboard, Parrish Gabriel-Bass, and Devonte Hutchins-Drums.  Soul Mechanic brings a progressive rock sound with influences from all across the board. Keeping you groovin' for an entire set with an innovative soul sound, heavy on the bass and light on the heart. Soul Mechanic's main focus is having a good time with our crowd, and dancin' the night away with them.

Watch Soul Mechanic perform "Senseless" at Rhythm & Brews in Chattanooga here:

Little Raine Band

Little Raine Band is a band truly on the rise, and is quickly becoming known as the hottest act in the Southeast. With an ever-evolving sound and fan base reaching all over the Southeast these young musicians have pledged their lives to master the art of live performance and creating a one of a kind live show. Little Raine Band is a four-piece band from Birmingham, AL that craft their sound from their unique musical backgrounds and an intense passion to follow their dream. Elements of progressive rock, funk, jazz fusion, electronic music, R&B, and energetic improvisations can be heard in a Little Raine Band show along with covers to cater to any crowd.

Watch Little Raine Band perform "New Beginnings" at Exit/In in Nashville here:

Permagroove

Permagroove is a Rock-n-Roll band originally from Fort Payne, AL currently touring regionally in support of their new album, “Perfectly Broken Machine.” With a lot of momentum behind them, the band is seeing a surge of new fans coming to their shows to hear the eclectic sounds blended from many genres. Permagroove’s tight grooves, spacious jams are delivered by top notch musicianship and classic southern taste. This, combined with crafty songwriting and memorable lyrics makes Permagroove a relevant up-and-coming act on the music scene.

Watch Permagroove perform Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved" at Zydeco in Birmingham here:

 Imperial Blend

Imperial Blend is a four piece Electronic/Rock group based out of Greensboro, NC. Their live shows are filled with captivating ambiance and sonic textures. Having soft guitar mixing with tantalizing keys, and tempered percussion propelling heavy dropping bass lines, Imperial Blend will keep you moving during the entire show. Since they began playing shows in March 2011 they have gained a steady following and a lot of love. They have shared the stage with such bands as Zoogma, Dopapod, The Mantras, The Heavy Pets, Jimkata, BIG Something as well as having the privilege to play sets at Camp Barefoot, Gnarnia, Mantrabash, and many others

Watch Imperial Blend perform "Starship" at The Blind Tiger here:

 Voodoo Visionary

Voodoo Visionary hails from the dirty south musical mecca of Atlanta. Their improvisational funk dance music delicately balances a tight, grooving rhythm section with diverse and dexterous keys and masterful guitar licks to create a sound the group calls psychofunk. Influenced by a wide array of artists such as Parliament Funkadelic, the Meters, the Grateful Dead, and Talking Heads, Voodoo Visionary has a uniquely blended sound that’s guaranteed to put the 'oogie in yo boogie.

The band is made up of Dennis Dowd (keys), Jimmy Lynch (bass), Scott MacDonald (vocals), Mac Schmitz (drums), and Mike Wilson (guitar). Wilson, Schmitz and Lynch have been playing together for over 8 years, during which time they built a unique chemistry that allows for exceptional improvisation during live shows. MacDonald joined the group in July 2013 as the lead vocalist and Voodoo Visionary began writing new music and playing shows immediately. Dowd was added to the band in March 2014 providing a missing link that enhanced the band’s distinctive sound, and the group has since taken off in the Atlanta music scene. Jose Rivera (percussion), Martin Anderson (saxophone), and Ben Otieno (trumpet) are regular additions to the live show and are featured on Voodoo Visionary's sophomore album.

Voodoo Visionary released their debut album, Spirit of the Groove in March 2015. Over the past two years, while playing across the southeast, the band has shared the stage with acts such as Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Jimmy Herring, TAUK, Col. Bruce Hampton, Zach Deputy, Earphunk, Roosevelt Collier, Jerry Joseph, The Main Squeeze, and Futurebirds. The band has been performing at venues like Variety Payhouse, Terminal West, the Georgia Theatre, Barrelhouse South, Ringside Cafe, and Crowbar, as well as major festivals such as Counterpoint Music and Arts Festival and Sweetwater 420 Fest. The band has made live radio appearances on WUGA's It's Friday program, WMNF's In the Groove, and WPRK's Green Eggs and Jams. In 2016, they have excelled further into the regional and national music scene with festival performances at Sweetwater 420 Fest, Purple Hatters Ball, Great Outdoors Jam, Imagine Festival, Hookahville, and Backwoods Music Festival. They are scheduled to release their second studio album, “Off The Ground,” in February 2017.

Watch Voodoo Visionary perform "Hold TIght" at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta here:

Dirk Quinn Band

Dirk Quinn is the guitarist for a high energy funk/jazz band based out of Philadelphia that travels extensively throughout the US and Canada. Utilizing over a decade of steady performing, Quinn has developed a unique and progressive style - one that appeals to a wide variety of music listeners with fans ranging from the jam band hippies to the jazz snobs.

Surrounding himself with a group of extremely talented and like-minded musicians, Quinn has been playing shows across North America while receiving an ever increasing amount of media attention. His music has now been featured on over 100+ radio stations worldwide and gets regular airplay in his hometown of Philadelphia. Notable spins include the "Pick of the Day" on WXPN in Philadelphia as well as on the nationally syndicated "Keller's Cellar" broadcast hosted by Keller Williams.

The band’s infectious energy and musical interplay routinely attract listeners that are admittedly more accustomed to lyric-based music. With great melodic sensibilities, rhythmic experimentation and an accessible modern edge, the Dirk Quinn Band is jazz/funk improvisation at its most exciting!

Watch Dirk Quinn Band perform "Easy Comes Easy" at Pub Down Under here: 

Roxy Roca

No one leaves a Roxy Roca show dissatisfied. A sonic shot to the arm of Texas infused, powerhouse-southern soul and funk complete with a certain tightness only achievable after playing an average of more than 220 shows a year. Roxy Roca shows are like stepping into a tent-revival somewhere in the Deep South, and crooner Taye Cannon is here to speak the gospel. Each tune flows over with hooky guitar riffs, funky backbeats, slammin’ horn lines, and lyrics of love, heartache, and a message of choosing happiness above all else sung with a conviction and sincerity as only Roxy Roca’s green-eyed Soul-Cannon can deliver.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band has come a long way in the short time it has existed. 2015 brought with it the release of Roxy Roca’s latest album, Ain’t Nothin’ Fancy, on Stag Records. Recorded at EAR Studio in Austin with producer Lars Goransson at the helm, the record captures the classic sounds reminiscent of Stax, Motown, and Domino Records. One might say the band wears its influences on its sleeve, and any member of the six-piece soul outfit would happily list off the forefathers of soul and funk.

Now two albums deep, and hundreds of shows later, Roxy Roca has had the good fortune to share the stage with some incredible acts ranging from outright classics such as B.B. King, Tom Jones, and Lee Fields to more modern acts like Fitz and The Tantrums, Mayer Hawthorne, Trombone Shorty, and Vintage Trouble. The future looks bright for Roxy Roca, and there is no end in sight.

Watch Roxy Roca's official music video for "Love Maker DeVille" here:

Supatight

Currently out of Asheville, NC, Supatight delivers a high energy live performance that is funk driven and appeals to a wide variety of audiences. While specializing in hard-hitting funk, their music incorporates elements of reggae, soul, jazz, and comedic country. Supatight blends intricately timed grooves with improvisational components resulting in an authentic, full sound, drawing diverse styles from every member of the band.

Supatight formed in Durham, NC in 2008 with the original lineup consisting of Tyler Mack (Vocals/Bass/Trumpet), Mikey Domanico (Rhythm Guitar), Max Palmer (Drums), Nigel Kher (Saxophone), and Torrey Beek (Lead Guitar). The original members were spread out at different Universities across NC, allowing the band to build a following from the mountains to the coast. The band relocated to Boone, NC in 2011 where they added Matt Powers (Keys), Will Miller (Drums), and Charlie Evans (Lead Guitar). While sticking to the fundamental funk orientation the band was founded on, Supatight continues to evolve, producing fresh new grooves that have audiences dancing up and down the east coast.

Watch SupaTight's official music video for "Kick Rox" here:

Rescue Dogs

Rescue Dogs was formed in September of 2009 by Birmingham musicians Andy Gathings, Daniel Belk, Bobby Bruner, Derek Nolin, Clifford Smith and Daniel Long. Combining raw and earthen tones from Classic Rock and Roll, the smooth and funky sounds of Southern Soul, a generous dose of down-home Americana, and compelling traditional Rhythms from around the globe, Rescue Dogs forge an energetic and eclectic sonance accompanied by an express invitation to move!

Watch Rescue Dogs perform "Driving Song" at Stillwater Pub here:

 

Click Here: Purchase Your CukoRakko Tickets Today!


10 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Miss The Blueberry Jam October 12, 2016 14:58

Photo by Michelle Carroll Stancil: The Southern Rambler

With this weekend's festival at Weeks Bay Plantation fast approaching, we felt that it would be appropriate to lay out just ten of the many reasons why you don't want to miss The Blueberry Jam.  With everything from live music and camping to local vendors, live painting, this festival offers something for just about everyone.  The Blueberry Jam is proud to be a family-friendly occasion, with kids ages 12 and under being admitted for free.  Before we get into to much initial information, sit back and check out these ten reasons why you don't want to miss out on The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation this weekend!

Special thanks to our sponsors who have made this event possible: Gulf Coast Organics, LuLu's, 92Zew, Red Hare Brewing, Bryant Bank, Chris Myers Automotive, Colonial Life, Flowerwood Nursery, Print Sound, and Optera Creative.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to The Blueberry Jam

- A Benefit For American Cancer Society & Team River Runner - 

                                                    

The Blueberry Jam is extremely grateful and pleased to partner with two amazing, non-profit organizations for this event: American Cancer Society and Team River Runner. A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to these two life-changing organizations.  The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.  ACS saves lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

Team River Runner believes that every wounded and disabled veteran deserves the opportunity to embrace new challenges, invoke leadership, and promote camaraderie. Team River Runner provides an outlet to fulfill these beliefs – inviting wounded and disabled war veterans and their families to participate in adaptive paddling programs. Founded in 2004 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, TRR now offer weekly paddling sessions in 45 locations across the nation. Team River Runner is more than an adaptive sports program. It’s a program that provides hope and healing to those who have risked so much, yet asked for so little. It’s an opportunity to enjoy nature and realize its social, physical, and emotional benefits, whether it’s tackling whitewater rapids or paddling on peaceful flat-water. It’s an environment that facilitates connection, allowing veterans to reunite with their families and forge relationships with those who have endured similar pain. Our veterans are on the river to recovery.

-Two Days Of Music On A 90-Acre Organic Farm-

Weeks Bay Plantation is a 90-acre organic blueberry farm located on Mary Ann Beach Road in Fairhope, Alabama.  Family and locally owned, the plantation was established to display the bounty and wonderful attributes that Baldwin County has to offer.  With 15 varieties of 100 percent organic, antioxidant-rich berries to choose from, the acres of sweet blue fruit are reason enough to take a drive down.  While the berries aren't currently in season, this is an opportunity to take in the beautiful setting of an all organic farm while enjoying a variety of both nationally-touring and locally established bands.  

- The New Waterfront Stage At Weeks Bay Plantation - 

This brand new waterfront stage was recently built up out of the lake in the natural amphitheatre at Weeks Bay Plantation.  This location will allow for a dramatic increase in space and room to dance along the flatter area of the amphitheatre.  Sustainability has been upheld with the stage by using all refurbished materials for the clamshell-style canopy.  The new stage features a size of 32 feet wide, 24 feet deep, and 19 feet high.  The location will allow for a beautiful view of the lake, as well as the opposing tree line, which will be lined with tents.  Make sure to keep an eye out for the light projections across the trees as the sun goes down.

- Local / Regional Vendors On Site - 

The Blueberry Jam will have a wide variety of local food, beverage, and retail vendors on site, including: Weeks Bay Foundation, Southern Soul, Tin Top, Warehouse, Bean & Bistro, Kittrell's Daydream, The Brewer's Alley, The Polish Boutique, Moon Pie Mama, and Hoops For Fitness.  Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for patrons ages 21 and older courtesy of B&B Bartending.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to The Blueberry Jam

- Family Friendly: Kids 12 & Under Admitted For Free -

The Blueberry Jam is proud to be a family-friendly event.  Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted for free all weekend.  On Saturday, there will be a designated kids area with complimentary face painting and an inflatable bounce house.  Kids can also enjoy a variety of local snacks/refreshments from our various vendors.  Here's a perfect opportunity to bring out the entire family and allow the kids to get an early start on their love for music and arts! 

- The Heavy Pets Present Walrus: A Tribute To The Beatles - 

This year's headlining set will come in the form of special tribute on Saturday night, with The Heavy Pets Present Walrus: A Tribute To The Beatles.  Due to the overwhelming initial response The Heavy Pets have decided to take their extraordinary Beatles tribute on the road for select dates this Spring. Done in their distinct Heavy style, this tribute features blistering jams and unique takes on some of the greatest rock songs ever written.  The powerhouse jams and gorgeous harmonies that The Heavy Pets have become known for find a happy home in this incredible catalog.  

The Heavy Pets are an American rock band that blends rhythm & blues, jazz, funk, disco and reggae with rock & roll. Called “a living, breathing force of nature” by Relix Magazine, the Pets are known for their soulful songcraft and powerhouse live performances. Continuing the momentum of their current EP series, The Heavy Pets recorded and released Rags and Aces in the first half of 2014 amidst their rigorous tour schedule.

- Zach Deputy's One-Of-A-Kind Dance Party - 

Friday night's headlining set will come none other than Zach Deputy, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Savannah, GA who is best known for his live looping shows. He describes his style as "island-infused drum n' bass gospel ninja soul.  When he plays live, he will loop and layer chord progressions, bass, beat boxing, drum sounds, vocals, and guitar. He performs with four microphones: a vocal synthesizer for choir sounds; one for high-hat, snare, and back-beat; one for main vocals, and one for vocal bass or bass drum.  His looping shows are known for their variety. "There are so many different ways it can happen. I can loop my guitar first, go into drums or loop a vocal riff first or straight into beat boxing and loop it or just go acoustic. It's very free formed. Every show can be extremely different from another. I try to have little consistency when it comes to my show. I never want to get bored with myself."  His fans will seek out live recordings of particular shows because each is so unique.

Deputy spends most of the year touring and at one time averaged 300 shows a year.  His performances are mostly one-man-band looping shows, but also include Zach Deputy Band shows and acoustic storyteller shows. He has played many large festivals such as Jam Cruise, Mountain Jam, High Sierra Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, and All Good Music Festival.

- Bands On The Rise: McLovins, CBDB, and Little Raine Band - 

Many will remember the two-night stand from McLovins in November of 2015, which featured an acoustic set, a tribute to The Band, as well as a 90-minute set of danceable original tunes.  McLovins return for another two night stand this year (7:30 Friday / 7:00 PM Saturday), both sets being the second-to-last of the evening.  

Taking a page from their jam band forefathers, McLovins always try to keep their audiences guessing at what’s to come. Their eclectic setlists and individual musical personas define the band’s live shows. Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, McLovins have appeared at Gathering of The Vibes, Mountain Jam, The Peach Festival and the legendary Nateva Music Festival, as well as many acclaimed venues across the country. They have also performed with some of the most influential artists on the scene, including Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, George Porter, Jr. and Oteil Burbridge.  

CBDB is a progressive rock/jam band formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, whose stock is rising fast. Fresh off the release of their third album, entitled "The FAME EP", they are seeing a pattern of snowballing momentum with large, energetic crowds hungry for their unique brand of progressive jam-rock, dubbed Joyfunk. CBDB blends soulful vocals and virtuosic instrumentation with smart, tasteful songwriting resulting in a sound that can be enjoyed by the casual listener and audiophile alike. On stage, they parade tight, ambitious compositions that seamlessly gives way to loose, adventurous improvisation and have quickly become a must-see act.

Little Raine Band, based in Birmingham, AL, has an ever-evolving sound and fan base reaching all over the Southeast. These four musicians strive to master the art of improv and creating a singular live show. LRB crafts their sound from their unique musical backgrounds and influences. Elements of prog rock, fusion, electronica, soul, and energetic improv can be heard at a Little Raine Band show.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to The Blueberry Jam

- Beloved Local Bands - 

In addition to several nationally touring acts, The Blueberry Jam is anchored by three of the Mobile/Fairhope areas most exciting and stablished local acts: Infant Richard & The Delta Stones, Paw Paw's Medicine Cabinet, and Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah.  IRDS will kick off the festival on Friday night at 6:00 PM CST, while Lee Yankie (12:00 PM) and PPMC (1:30 PM) will be the first two performers on Saturday afternoon.  

- Local Live Painters - 

Several of the area's most talented artists will be on site this weekend, so keep an eye out for the live painters across the concert grounds.  Watching a painting develop stroke by stroke through the power of live music is nothing short of magical, and we strive to continue building the art scene at The Blueberry Jam each year.  We can't say thank you enough to our art director, Angela Krause Harley, for helping us bring this element to the 2016 Blueberry Jam!


The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation Releases Weekend Schedule October 4, 2016 15:47

Photo by Michelle Carroll Stancil

The second annual Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation is scheduled for next weekend (Friday 10/14 - Saturday 10/15) in Fairhope, Alabama.  This one-of-a-kind, family-frienly music and arts festival is held on a beautiful 90-acre organic blueberry farm, with live music coming from the brand new waterfront amphitheatre stage.  For those looking to camp for the weekend, gates will open at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 14th.  Camping spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.  Tickets may be purchased online by clicking here, as well as at the box office at Weeks Bay Plantation.  A percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to American Cancer Society and Team River Runner.

For those wishing to keep an eye on the world of college football, there will be a tent and TV set up on site at Weeks Bay Plantation.  Activities such as face painting and inflatables will be available to children, who will be admitted free of charge (ages 12 and under).  A wide variety of local food vendors will be on site, as well as a centrally located bar for patrons ages 21 and up.  Music is scheduled to end by approximately 11:00 PM CST on both Friday and Saturday night.  We would like to thank our gracious sponsors who make this event possible: Gulf Coast Organic, LuLu's, Bryant Bank, 92 Zew, Colonial LifeOptera Creative, Flowerwood Nursery, American Cancer Society, Team River Runner, Red Hare Brewing Company, Print Sound, and Chris Myers Automotive.  See below for the official music schedule for both Friday and Saturday.

Click Here: Purchase tickets today!

Official Schedule for The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation:

Friday:
Infant Richard & The Delta Stones - 6:00 PM
McLovins - 7:30 PM
Zach Deputy - 9:30 PM

Saturday:
Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah - 12:00 PM
Paw Paw's Medicine Cabinet - 1:30 PM
Little Raine Band - 3:00 PM
CBDB - 5:00 PM
McLovins - 7:00 PM
The Heavy Pets Present Walrus: A Tribute to The Beatles - 9:00 PM


Win Tickets To See Zach Deputy & Ballyhoo! - Zydeco - Birmingham, AL - Sat. 9/10 September 7, 2016 23:33

We've been looking forward to this Saturday night in Birmingham for some time, and we're here to share that excitement today.  Zach Deputy and Ballyhoo! are bringing the "Dance 'Til You Fall Tour" to Zydeco, and there will be plenty of reggae rock dance vibes to go around.  As part of our preparation for the show, we're giving away a pair of tickets, and here's your chance to win.  Simply 'share' this post from the Live & Listen Facebook page and tag a friend who you would like to take to the show. Make sure your settings are on "public," so we're able to see your post.  

You will want to plan accordingly in order to catch opening sets from Bumpin' Uglies and Sun-Dried Vibes.  Doors open at 7:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.  Make sure to keep an eye on the official Facebook event page, in order to make sure you have all of the latest information on the show.

Zach Deputy

Zach Deputy has a diverse ethnic background, having Puerto Rican, Irish, African, British, French, and Cherokee heritage,  which opens him to influence from Latin, Caribbean, and African music.  Deputy's music is often about "the highs of life," and he has said that songwriting is a way to "take pictures of the things that I want to remind myself of 10 years from now."

Deputy began looping when his bass player couldn't make it to a show and Zach decided to use a delay pedal as a looping pedal rather than cancel the gig.  When he plays live, he will loop and layer chord progressions, bass, beat boxing, drum sounds, vocals, and guitar.  He performs with four microphones: a vocal synthesizer for choir sounds; one for high-hat, snare, and back-beat; one for main vocals, and one for vocal bass or bass drum.  His looping shows are known for their variety. "There are so many different ways it can happen. I can loop my guitar first, go into drums or loop a vocal riff first or straight into beat boxing and loop it or just go acoustic. It's very free formed. Every show can be extremely different from another. I try to have little consistency when it comes to my show. I never want to get bored with myself."  His fans will seek out live recordings of particular shows because each is so unique.

Deputy spends most of the year touring and at one time averaged 300 shows a year.  His performances are mostly one-man-band looping shows, but also include Zach Deputy Band shows and acoustic storyteller shows. He has played many large festivals such as Jam Cruise, Mountain Jam, High Sierra Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, and All Good Music Festival.

Watch Zach Deputy perform "Put It In The Boogie" in Vail, CO in July 2016 here:

Ballyhoo!

Ballyhoo! is a rock, pop, punk, and reggae band from Aberdeen, Maryland.  The group has sold over 30,000 copies of its 5 albums and more than 200,000 digital tracks.  Ballyhoo! played the House of Marley Stage on the Warped Tour 2012.  The band has opened up for bands 311, Dirty Heads, Tribal Seeds, and Slightly Stoopid on previous tours.  The group played over 166 shows in 2012.  Ballyhoo! started out in July of 1995.  The band's self-released album Do It For The Money! contained the songs “Cali Girl” and “Cerveza.” The follow-up, Cheers!, was produced by Scotch Ralston (311). The album also features mix work by 311 drummer, Chad Sexton. Ballyhoo! released a single, "Front Porch," in October of 2010.  

The band's album Daydreams was the group's first release under Pepper's LAW Records.  The 12-track album was recorded and produced at Sound Lounge studios in Orlando, Florida by Greg Shields and Mike Stebe and released in September of 2011.  The band’s "Daydreams" single “Last Night” saw rotation at various alternative radio stations including WHFS Baltimore, WRFF Philadelphia, KUKQ Phoenix, Star 101.9 Honolulu, & SiriusXM/Faction, as well as various specialty shows around the country.  The band's single "Walk Away" is next and poised to open even more doors at radio with its melodic chorus and sing along vibe.  Yesod Williams, owner of the band’s label LAW Records says of his newest addition, “Having BALLYHOO! join the LAW family is a perfect fit. They are an incredibly talented band with a really catchy style”.

Watch Ballyhoo!'s official music video for "girls." here:


Keller Williams Reveals 2016 Fall Tour Dates July 19, 2016 11:28

Photo by Craig Baird: Live & Listen

Today, Keller Williams announces his 2016 Fall Tour dates. This Fall finds Keller focusing on both his Solo project and his latest band, KWahtro, featuring Gibb Droll, Danton Boller and Rodney Holmes. Zach Deputy will also be on the road with Keller as support for most of the Fall KWahtro dates. The 18-show Fall Tour starts in mid-October in the Southeast and includes stops in Montana, Colorado, California and wraps up with a weekend in Texas. KWahtro will get back together in early January 2017 for a three night run in the Pacific Northwest.

Between festival dates this summer, Williams has been busy in the studio. His newest EP, entitled Bluhm, was released on June 28th. Bluhm is a 5 track recording of songs written by musician Tim Bluhm (of The Mother Hips) that features Jackie Greene, Reed Mathis, Jason Crosby and the Keels. 100% of the net proceeds from Bluhm sales will go to assist with medical bills for the fellow-musician after his speed flying accident last year. Williams is also busy working on a KWahtro album, which will be his 21st official release, scheduled to drop in the late fall.

Summer is still in full force with many festival appearances and club shows to come. Be sure to check out what project Keller has coming your way and as always, stay tuned for more exciting Fall Tour dates to be announced!

Just Announced Fall 2016 Tour Dates:

10/13 Terra Fermata | Stuart, FL | Keller Williams Solo

10/14 Jessie’s Lounge | Winter Haven, FL | Keller Williams Solo

10/15 Magnolia Fest | St. Augustine, FL | Keller Williams Solo

10/20 Charleston Pour House | Charleston, SC | Keller Williams Solo

10/21 Charleston Pour House | Charleston, SC | KWahtro

10/22 The Georgia Theatre | Athens, GA | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

10/27 The Eagles Ballroom | Bozeman, MT | Keller Williams Solo

10/28 The Top Hat| Missoula, MT | Keller Williams Solo

10/29 The Fillmore Auditorium | Denver, CO | Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass ft. The Infamous Stringdusters

11/03 Saint Rocke | Hermosa Beach, CA | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/04 Belly Up | San Diego, CA | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/05 Marquee | Tempe, AZ | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/10 Music Farm | Columbia, SC | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/11 The Neighborhood Theatre | Charlotte, NC | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/12 The Orange Peel | Asheville, NC | KWahtro with special guest TBA

11/17 White Oak | Houston, TX | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/18 Granada Theater | Dallas, TX | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/19 Scoot Inn | Austin, TX | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

01/19/17 WoW Hall | Eugene, OR | Keller Williams KWahtro

01/20/17 Wonder Ballroom | Portland, OR | Keller Williams KWahtro

01/21/17 Nectar Lounge| Seattle, WA | Keller Williams KWahtro

Complete Tour Dates

7/21 Jerry Jam Music Festival | Bath, NY | Keller Williams Solo

7/22 Be Kind Gathering | Harrodsburg, KY | Keller Williams Solo

7/23 Live from the Underground | McMinnville, TN | Keller Williams Solo w/ special guest Zach Deputy

7/30-31 Floyd Fest | Floyd, VA | Keller Williams Solo, Keller & The Keels, More Than A Little

8/04 The Peace Center for the Performing Arts | Greenville, SC | Keller Williams Solo

8/05 Brooklyn Performing Arts Center | Wilmington, NC | Keller Williams Solo

8/06 Levon Helm Studios | Woodstock, NY | Keller Williams Solo

8/07 Jonathan Edwards Winery | North Stonington, CT | Keller Williams Solo 8/20 Camp Barefoot | Elkins, WV | Keller Williams Solo & Keller Loves Canon

8/27-28 LOCKN’ Festival | Arrington, VA | Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass & Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel

9/02 Bell’s Brewery | Kalamazoo, WI | More Than A Little

9/02-04 Shoe Fest | Manteno, IL | More Than A Little

9/04 The Bootleg | St. Louis, MO | More Than A Little

9/08 Jackson Hole Center for the Arts | Jackson Hole, WY | Shut the Folk Up & Listen ft. Leo Kottke

9/09 The Mishawaka Amphitheatre | Bellvue, CO | Keller Williams Solo, Keller & his Compadres ft. Jeff Austin, Jay Starling, Bridget Law and Keith Moseley w/ special guest Trout Steak Revival

9/10 The Mishawaka Amphitheatre | Bellvue, CO | More Than A Little with special guest Andy Frasco

9/16 Cosmic Charlie’s | Lexington, KY | Keller Williams Solo

9/16-18 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion | Bristol, TN | Keller Williams Solo

9/22-24 Resonance Music & Arts Festival | Thornville, OH | Keller Williams and special guests

9/23-25 Catskill Chill | Lakewood, PA | Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass

10/13 Terra Fermata | Stuart, FL | Keller Williams Solo

10/14 Jessie’s Lounge | Winter Haven, FL | Keller Williams Solo

10/15 Magnolia Fest | St. Augustine, FL | Keller Williams Solo

10/20 Charleston Pour House | Charleston, SC | Keller Williams Solo

10/21 Charleston Pour House | Charleston, SC | KWahtro

10/22 The Georgia Theatre | Athens, GA | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

10/27 The Eagles Ballroom | Bozeman, MT | Keller Williams Solo

10/28 The Top Hat| Missoula, MT | Keller Williams Solo

10/29 The Fillmore Auditorium | Denver, CO | Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass ft. The Infamous Stringdusters

11/03 Saint Rocke | Hermosa Beach, CA | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/04 Belly Up | San Diego, CA | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/05 Marquee | Tempe, AZ | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/10 Music Farm | Columbia, SC | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/11 The Neighborhood Theatre | Charlotte, NC | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/12 The Orange Peel | Asheville, NC | KWahtro with special guest TBA

11/17 White Oak | Houston, TX | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy

11/18 Granada Theater | Dallas, TX | KWahtro with special guest Zach Deputy


The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation Reveals 2016 Lineup June 27, 2016 08:42

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Purchase Early Bird Tickets Today!

Click Here: Live & Listen's Official Ticket Page

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Weeks Bay Plantation and Live & Listen are pleased to announce the official lineup for The Blueberry Jam, a music and arts festival held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Friday, October 14th - Saturday, October 15th.  This year's headlining set will come in the form of special tribute, with The Heavy Pets Present Walrus: A Tribute To The Beatles.  Many will recognize The Heavy Pets from their countless appearances at many of the nation's biggest music festivals, as well as frequent play on SiriusXM JamOn radio.  Also performing this year will be Zach DeputyMcLovins (two nights), CBDB, Little Raine BandPaw Paw's Medicine Cabinet, Infant Richard & The Delta Stonesand Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah.  

This event offers a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a true two-day music festival.  With the brand new, waterfront stage at Weeks Bay Plantation, the natural amphitheater can be used on an entirely new level.  This year's jam will benefit the the American Cancer Society and Team River Runner.

Check out the new waterfront amphitheater stage at Weeks Bay Plantation!

How can I purchase tickets?

Weekend passes and single-day tickets for Saturday, October 15th will be available through Live & Listen's official ticket page on Friday, July 1st.  Hop on our early bird ticket pricing and save money at the door.  Further details on all ticket options will be available when tickets go on sale on Friday, July 1st.
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Can I Bring My Kids?

Absolutely.  Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted for free.  We are excited to bring this unique family-friendly environment back to the Fairhope area for the second straight year. We will offer several activities to keep the kids entertained on the farm, including face painting, arts and crafts, inflatables, and much more. 

Will Food and Beverage Be Available?

Yes.  We will have a diverse variety of food vendors along the back end of the amphitheater, with seating available under the oak trees with just the right amount of shade for a nice meal.  Weeks Bay Plantation will have multiple remote bars surrounding the amphitheater for attendees ages 21 years and older. 

Will On-Site Camping Be Allowed?

Yes.  Weeks Bay Plantation will be open for camping at 4:00 PM CST on Friday, October 14th for those wanting to spend Friday and/or Saturday night camping on the farm.  Friday night's music will take place in the beautiful 6 Oak Hammock, while all of Saturday will take place at the brand new waterfront amphitheater stage.  Stay tuned for further details on camping.

How can artists get involved?

With many hands and lots of strokes. If you've ever had to opportunity to watch artists work you can understand how exciting it will be to see them paint the corners with the farm as our back drop and the incredible line up of musicians setting the tone. The strokes will be blows. Live artists will be abundant and their booths abounding.  And the interactive art theme won't go unnoticed, crafts for kids, plenty of paint to sling, and many places to make your mark.  If you are interested in being a live painter or vendor, please email Art Director: Jordan Atchison.
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Interested in becoming a volunteer?

The Blueberry Jam is looking for a limited number of volunteers for the weekend.  All volunteers will be issued a free weekend pass w/ free camping included.  Volunteers will be expected to attend a meeting at Weeks Bay Plantation prior to the gates opening on Friday, October 14th to review a detailed schedule for the weekend.  Please send an email to Jordan Kirkland of Live & Listen if interested in applying to volunteer at The Blueberry Jam.

Who Do I Contact For Press Related Inquiries?

Please direct all press related inquiries to Live & Listen.  All press/media credentials will be considered upon submission.  Submit your requests via email: Jordan Kirkland.  All requests will be reviewed and responded to in a timely fashion.

How can I learn more about the lineup?

 Present Walrus: A Tribute To The Beatles

Photo by Jordan August Photography

The Heavy Pets are an American rock band that blends rhythm & blues, jazz, funk, disco and reggae with rock & roll. C alled “a living, breathing force of nature” by Relix Magazine, the Pets are known for their soulful song craft and powerhouse live performances. Continuing the momentum of their current EP series, The Heavy Pets recorded and released Stolen Smile in the second half of 2014 amidst their rigorous tour schedule which recently surpassed 1,000 performances.  Dubbed The Heavy Pets Present Walrus: A Beatles Tribute, the band will perform a set full of Beatles covers while putting their own unique, jammed out spin on the familiar tunes.

The group became an instant SiriusXM radio sensation in 2007 with the release of their double-disc debut album, Whale. First embraced by the jam scene for their raw talent, their crossover sound that is showcased on their self-titled album, also dubbed a “Top 10 Album of 2010” by The Huffington Post, propelled them into the periphery of mainstream music. Returning to their acoustic roots on Swim Out Past the Sun (2011), THP's guitar duo set aside their electric axes for a more organic approach. The Pets followed up those polished efforts by releasing Everywhere Sessions: Volume 1 (2012), recorded live in the studio with accompanying videos. In 2013, The Heavy Pets launched an ongoing series of self-produced EPs with Two Horses and followed up with Rags and Aces in May of 2014, with both receiving heavy airplay on satellite radio.

The Heavy Pets have taken the stage at Bonnaroo, Jam Cruise, High Sierra, Gathering of the Vibes, All Good, Wakarusa, Mountain Jam, Hulaween, Langerado, Bear Creek, Summer Camp, Catskill Chill, AURA and their namesake PetZoo.

Watch The Heavy Pets perform Walrus: A Tribute To The Beatles in Orlando on 12.17.2015 here:

 

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Photo by ShowLove Media

Zach Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound.

To bring this sound to the stage, the big, impossibly upbeat South Carolinian with the infectious smile puts on a solo show– enhanced by looping technology– that is essentially a one man dance party offering up what he calls “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” to the enthusiastic crowds of dancers who flock to clubs from coast-to-coast. It is these late night dance parties— more than 250 per year– that have made Zach Deputy one of the hottest up-and-coming performers on the camping festival circuit and “jam band” scene. For Zach, most days begin in a hotel room and end a couple of hours after walking off stage.

Watch Zach Deputy's full set from Remerton, GA on 02.26.16 here:

 

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McLovins is a soulful rock band that complements a youthful and infectious energy with seasoned and diverse musical talent. Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences like The Band, Steely Dan and The Flaming Lips bassist Jason Ott, drummer Jake Huffman, guitarist Justin Berger and keyboardist Atticus Kelly combine their progressive songwriting skills with 70’s inspired extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity.
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Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, McLovins have appeared at Gathering of the VibesMountain Jam, The Peach Festival, and the legendary Nateva Music Festival. They have also performed with some of the most influential artists on the scene, including Buddy Guy, George Porter Jr., Oteil Burbridge and Robert Randolph.
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Currently the band is on the road promoting its self-titled new album cut in New York
City’s East Village and produced by 2-time Grammy award winner Bill Sherman.
As the band continues to evolve, consistency lies in the distinctive Jam-rock production that brings a vibrant sound and a unique energy to many acclaimed venues and festivals across the country.
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Watch McLovins perform "Building It Up" in New Haven, CT on 03.26.16 here:
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CBDB is a progressive rock/jam band formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, whose stock is rising fast. Fresh off the release of their third album, entitled "The FAME EP", they are seeing a pattern of snowballing momentum with large, energetic crowds hungry for their unique brand of progressive jam-rock, dubbed Joyfunk. CBDB blends soulful vocals and virtuosic instrumentation with smart, tasteful songwriting resulting in a sound that can be enjoyed by the casual listener and audiophile alike. On stage, they parade tight, ambitious compositions that seamlessly gives way to loose, adventurous improvisation and have quickly become a must-see act.

Watch CBDB's music video for "Ground Score" here:

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Little Raine Band is a band truly on the rise, and is quickly becoming known as the hottest act in the Southeast. With an ever-evolving sound and fan base reaching all over the Southeast these young musicians have pledged their lives to master the art of live performance and creating a one of a kind live show. Little Raine Band is a four-piece band from Birmingham, AL that craft their sound from their unique musical backgrounds and an intense passion to follow their dream. Elements of progressive rock, funk, jazz fusion, electronic music, R&B, and energetic improvisations can be heard in a Little Raine Band show along with covers to cater to any crowd.

Watch Little Raine Band perform "New Beginnings" at Exit/In in Nashville here:

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Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet is Gabriel Willis on bass and vocals, Mike Jernigan on guitar and vocals, Ethan Snediger on drums and percussion, and Jeremy Ault on lead guitar. Formed in February 2015, Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet made waves after just a handful of shows along the Gulf Coast. In March, the band was featured on Studio10 which airs on WALA Fox10. Video of the performance was shared across multiple platforms and featured on more than a dozen local television stations across the country.

PPMC has hours of material covering everything from The Fugees to John Mayer to Eminem to the Bee Gees. Be sure to check out the sample set list for details. Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet doesn’t stop at covers. They also have more than an hour of soulful, funky and dancy uptempo originals.  For more laid back evenings, PPMC can tone it down for an easy listening acoustic set. No matter what you’re looking for, 
Paw Paw’s Medicine Cabinet is ready to deliver.

Watch Paw Paw's Medicine Cabinet perform "Subtle Tease" live on Studio 10 here:

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Formed in Mobile during the fall of 2014, Infant Richard and the Delta Stones is a diverse six-piece that explores all textures of music in their live shows. Described as Phish meets 2 Live Crew, every show is memorable and unpredictable. Led by the sensational Symone French on vocals, IRDS recorded their first album, The VD EP, in November of 2014. Winning Best New Local Band and Best Bass Player in the 2015 Nappies solidified their presence in the Mobile music scene.  IRDS has opened for national acts such as; Dumpstaphunk, Moon Taxi, The Revivalists and CBDB.

Watch Infant Richard & The Delta Stones perform "Chattanooga Chocolate Factory" here:

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Photo by Matt Gates Photo

Lee Yankie has been playing as a solo act and with his live band Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah in the Gulf Coast area since 2004. At the moment Lee is working on a new solo record "The Leavin' Sound". The solo album is influenced by Lee's acoustic solo work and creates a down home feel with plenty of Lee's signature slide guitar work. This album has tinges of everything from blues rock to downhome gospel, r&b and what some might call soulful country. "The Leavin' Sound" is set to be released in late summer 2012.

Watch Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah performing in Tuscaloosa here:


Throwback: The Werks, Papadosio, & Dopapod Perform 'Dark Side Of The Moon' May 26, 2016 14:29

Those who follow the jam/festival scene can vouch for the fact that there is currently an endless amount of talent to choose fromWith new, exciting acts knocking on the door each year, The Werks, Papadosio, and Dopapod have established themselves as mainstays in the circuit. Back in 2009, The Werks founded The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival and have since solidified the annual event as one of the premier jam rock festivals in the country. Both Papadosio and Dopapod have been a part of the festival on multiple occasions.

Today, we are looking back on a major highlight from The Werk Out 2014, which featured members of The Werks, Papadosio, and Dopapod  performing the iconic Pink Floyd album, Dark Side of the Moon, in it's entirety. Members of each band rotated on and off stage throughout the set, which even included a cameo from Zach Deputy during "Great Gig in the Sky." If you haven't had the privilege of watching this epic performance, we recommend setting aside 45 minutes, getting extra relaxed, and enjoying the video linked below.

Watch The Werks, Papadosio, and Dopapod perform 'Dark Side of the Moon' at The Werk Out 2014 here:

Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2005, The Werks is best known for its quick rise into the jam band music scene and appearances at major festivals and events across the US and abroad.  In early June 2011, the band rose to prominence when it hit the number 2 top searched artists on the leading online jam magazine, jambase.com, behind the band Phish and again in early 2012 when they hit number 1.

Originally from the creative collegiate hotbed of Athens, Ohio, Papadosio is now centered in Asheville, North Carolina.  Hitting virtually all major and secondary U.S. music locales and select festivals across North America, Papadosio tours on a massive scale but maintains a close intimacy with their fans.  

The Boston born, now generally Northeast based, but ever on-the-go Dopapod has come a long way from their college basement, DIY party roots.  The past 4 years have individually held the weight of about 150 shows, and included numerous festival appearances like AURA Music & Arts Festival, Wakarusa, Summer Camp, Electric Forest, Camp Bisco, Peach Fest, & Gathering Of the Vibes, and Bonnaroo 2015.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to The Werk Out 2016


The Road to CukoRakko: An Interview with Zach Deputy May 13, 2016 10:13

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Photo by ShowLove Media
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Our latest segment, "The Road to CukoRakko," consists of a series of interviews leading up to CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival this weekend at Horse Pens 40 in Steele, AL.  We recently caught up with Zach Deputy, one of the most entertaining nationally touring solo act's in the country.
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 Zach Deputy has made his mark thus far as a touring powerhouse. As a boy, the music of his Puerto Rican, Cruzan and Irish heritage was cooked up in the South Carolina heat. The Calypso rhythms and folk songs of St. Croix competed with the R&B / soul of pioneers like James Brown and Ray Charles for space on the family stereo. As Deputy honed his craft, a unique hybrid of these influences emerged, ultimately creating the signature Zach Deputy sound.
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To bring this sound to the stage, the big, impossibly upbeat South Carolinian with the infectious smile puts on a solo show– enhanced by looping technology– that is essentially a one man dance party offering up what he calls “Island-infused, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Gospel-Ninja-Soul” to the enthusiastic crowds of dancers who flock to clubs from coast-to-coast. It is these late night dance parties— more than 250 per year– that have made Zach Deputy one of the hottest up-and-coming performers on the camping festival circuit and “jam band” scene. For Zach, most days begin in a hotel room and end a couple of hours after walking off stage.
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Zach Deputy is set to play CukoRakko at 10:30PM on Friday night.
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Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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The Zach Deputy live experience is like no other, with a truly unique energy and a whole lot of music coming from one guy.  What is your general approach toward the multi-instrument looping process?  Do you follow any general pattern when building each song?
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Zach:  I don't follow a pattern.  I think more times than not, I start the loop with my guitar, but that's not every time.  That's the closest thing to a pattern.  The cool thing about it is...usually I don't even write a setlist.  When I finish a song, I just go with whatever is in my head.  I don't ever say, "Oh, I'm gonna do the bass line second" or "I'm gonna do the drums next" or anything like that.  It's more about, "What am I hearing next?"  As I'm hearing things, I just put them in.  
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So I don't have a process.  I've never thought about a song and said, "The quickest way to do this would be to do this, this, that, and the other." I just kind of go for it, but I'm always listening to my internal song. For me, my whole goal as a musician is always to get the song that's in my heart out to the world.  So when I do looping, I do the same.  I just try to listen to what's on the inside, and externalize whatever that is on the outside.  That's pretty much my process.
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So you essentially let the song build itself...
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Zach:  Yeah, because it's always a little bit different.  I don't try to reach back to the past and develop some machine-like way of doing something again.  I always want to keep it fresh and ask myself how I am feeling about it today, and what am I hearing that would be best with this today.  You know?  That way it's always alive, and it's always changing.  It always makes me feel like it's real and living, instead of dead and machine-like.
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Watch Zach Deputy perform "Put it in the Boogie" in 2010 here:
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2016 has already shaped up to be a busy year. You have been known to play over 200 shows in year's past. How do you go about balancing out the touring w/ personal time?  Is that something that just develops throughout the year?
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Zach:  Oh yeah...we've already been back and forth between the West and East Coast twice this year.  We do have a forecast, and at the beginning of each year, I send in my black out dates.  I try and pick the most important days of the year which I don't plan to play, and I go ahead and black those out.  Then I try to make some rules where we will have a certain amount of days off when we are off.  I don't care about the work.  I always tell my agent that if I am on tour, I want to play six days a week, but I want my time off to be at home.  I don't want to be out touring and have three to four days off.  If I'm out there, I want to play music.  That's what I do.  That's what I love.  
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I try to work really hard so I can have a couple weeks at home here and there.  So I work really hard, and when I'm at home, I really just try to soak it all up.  You have to have a lot of "me time," you know?  I think the thing about being a musician is that we are all influenced, whether we like it or not, by the world and our surroundings.  You have to stay grounded and make sure that you separate yourself from the world constantly, in your own head.  
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For me, it's spending time with God.  I try to do that every day on tour.  I try to make time that's away from everybody.  When I'm at home, I try to just shut out.  If you ask any of my friends, when I am home and they try to hit me up, it might be two weeks later before they hear back from me.  I just shut everybody off, you know?  You have to create balance in your life.  
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No doubt about it.  The balance is what keeps you sane. 
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Z:  Exactly.  It keeps you sane.  It's kind of funny to me because I play music, and I play these festivals where I am around thousands of people.  But really, the reality of who I am...I just like to chill out.  When I'm on my own, I'm just relaxing, and I like peaceful things.  I can't remember the last time that I was "out" in my hometown, but that's just because I'm overstimulated all of the time, you know what I mean (laughs)?  So when I get home, I pretty much play disc golf, maybe go fishing, and things like that.  
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Just last month, you released an album with your three-piece band: Zach Deputy and The Hashtags. How long has this project been in the works? Was this your first full album working with a full band?
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Z: Well, most of my albums have been a mix of me and a full band.  This is the first album that has been entirely a full band, and I think we recording this album nine months to a year ago.  We recorded it in two days.  It's funny that it took this long to get the finished product.  The actual recording process...we were just becoming a band.  I was up in the Northeast, and like I said I don't really like to have a night off.  So I might have a Sunday night off, and we would end up playing a show as The Hashtags.  They would usually be secret shows.  
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So we decided to go to the studio to have a recorded practice.  We weren't even intending to make an album.  We started recording the songs mostly for practice purposes, then we were like, "Man, I really like this stuff.  Why don't we just push it out, you know?" So it was really the birth of us as a band.  Everything is coming together, and we're really vibing and enjoying each other so much.  Most bands never get to capture their "birth moment", but we did.  
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It was really an album that was never intended to happen, but it did.  It's all so raw.  I didn't overdub any of the lead vocals.  They were all done live.  Everything with the band was done live.  It's just this really raw album, and I really enjoyed it.  I love when things happen naturally instead of trying to force them, and that's what that album is all about.  
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Watch Zach Deputy's Live Funky Improv here:
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With the evolution of digital music, many artists seem to be headed towards recording 3-4 song EP's, rather than the typical full length album.  Do you see yourself doing anything differently in the studio moving forward?
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Zach:  Well, I'm releasing another album in about two and a half months.  It's going to be twelve tracks.  I recorded this one all on my own.  I did all of the instruments.  The way I think of it is that I record albums for me, and I hope everybody likes them, but I don't really recording albums thinking of how people are going to take them.  For me, it's a waste of time as an artist.  If you're really an artist, you're creating things that you love in hopes that other people will feel and understand what you love.  But if they don't get it, you don't change for other people.  You've gotta remain true to yourself.  
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I think a four song EP is great, if that's what you wanted. If you're a baby band, and you're just trying to get started, that's great.  If you're an artist and you're making music, then make music.  Release a single, 3 tracks, 4 tracks... just do it for the art and not the marketing. In the scheme of things, I believe in the 70's there were around 2,000 albums put out each year.  Now, there is something crazy like 200,000 albums put out each year.  We have this whole overstimulated thing, and everyone is trying to find their way and their niche into it. 
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For me, I'm not trying to find a niche into where I fit in with what's popular or what's going on, I just want to create art and let the art speak for itself. I want to make art that I love, and even if nothing ever happens, I still love what I do.  That's what art is. Art is a reflection of the soul.  So why would you be worried about other people?
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Over the years, disc golf has become a major part of your life.  You've even started your own festival, Zach Deputy's Disc Jam, down at Suwannee.  How often do you get a chance to play, and what makes this such a proactive hobby for you?
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Zach:  I love disc golf because it's an analogy to life, you know?  Stay on the path. Keep it simple. Keep it within your means. Stay relaxed. Believe in yourself. Everything that happens in golf happens in life, and it breeds a gentleman-like character, you know?  It's a really cool sport, and it's different than most sports.  You rarely play a sport amongst other people, and they're all supportive.  The cool thing about disc golf is that you're playing with a group of five and you're competing. But when you shoot a cool shot, everyone goes crazy.  
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Everyone is in it with each other. You meet the coolest people, and it's just a great analogy to life.  It gives me an excuse to go out hiking.  I'm like a typical guy.  We all like to go out and explore the countryside, but if I don't have a purpose, I'm not gonna go out there.  Disc golf gives me a reason to go explore the country.  I've seen pretty much every one of the main 48 states through the eyes of a disc golf course.  It's a beautiful thing, and every once in a while you throw an ace, and it's amazing (laughs).  
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The love for the sport just grows.  I've been playing for six years, and I probably play more now than I ever have.  I probably get out there four days a week, but when things are working good, I'm out there six days a week.  I love it.  It's a good hoppy.  It's a cheap hobby.  It's a great community.  It's a funny thing; playing from California to Maine and down to Florida.  You meet people out on the disc golf course, and they're always just genuine and nice.  It's a great community to be a part of.  You've gotta get out of the house.  Get away from the machines and get out there with nature. 
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We're coming up on CukoRakko, one of Alabama's young, growing music festivals.  Horse Pens 40 is often referred to as "the best secret in Alabama," with a vast amount of history and natural beauty.  Does this type of natural, outdoor setting have much influence on your set, as opposed to an indoor club gig?
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Zach:  Oh yeah.  There is an energy to everything, you know?  When you're in a club, there is an energy to it, but when you're outside, you feel alive.  There is no better stage than a stage outside with a backdrop of nature's beauty.  So for me, I always play my best sets outside.  I'm stoked about this one.
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CukoRakko will give you guys an opportunity to play in front of many music fans who might be seeing you for the first time.  How would you best describe what the crowd at Horse Pens can expect from you guys on Saturday night?
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Zach:  So, they'll start feeling this weird shaking, and they'll look down and see their legs shaking before they even realize it.  Then they'll start saying, "What is happening?!"  I will make people boogie who have never boogied before. That's pretty much what I can promise.  That's what I like to do.  My accomplishment every night is to get that one person who has been holding it in his entire life to let loose and dance.  That's my goal.  You gotta release and let it go.  Life is such a blessing. You gotta soak it in and live in the moment.  Music is a great way to remind people of all of the great things that we have.
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Watch Zach Deputy perform "Walkin' On The Moon" here:
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An Evening With Zach Deputy - The Sanctuary - Montgomery, AL - 09.09.15 June 17, 2015 23:02

We are pleased to announce that we have added a special Fall concert to our 2015 lineup, featuring Zach Deputy at The Sanctuary in Montgomery, AL on Wednesday, September 9th, 2015.  Zach Deputy is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Savannah, GA and best known for his live looping shows. He describes his style as "island-infused drum n' bass gospel ninja soul."  Tickets will go on sale on our website on Friday, July 3rd.

Deputy has a diverse ethnic background, having Puerto Rican, Irish, African, British, French, and Cherokee heritage, which opens him to influence from Latin, Caribbean, and African music.  Deputy's music is often about "the highs of life," and he has said that songwriting is a way to "take pictures of the things that I want to remind myself of 10 years from now."

Purchase Tickets: An Evening w/ Zach Deputy - Montgomery, AL - Wednesday, Sept. 9th

Deputy began looping when his bass player couldn't make it to a show and Zach decided to use a delay pedal as a looping pedal rather than cancel the gig.  When he plays live, he will loop and layer chord progressions, bass, beat boxing, drum sounds, vocals, and guitar.  He performs with four microphones: a vocal synthesizer for choir sounds; one for high-hat, snare, and back-beat; one for main vocals, and one for vocal bass or bass drum.  His looping shows are known for their variety. "There are so many different ways it can happen. I can loop my guitar first, go into drums or loop a vocal riff first or straight into beat boxing and loop it or just go acoustic. It's very free formed. Every show can be extremely different from another. I try to have little consistency when it comes to my show. I never want to get bored with myself."  His fans will seek out live recordings of particular shows because each is so unique.

Full Interview w/ Zach Deputy - Smith's Olde Bar - 04.25.15 

 

Deputy spends most of the year touring and at one time averaged 300 shows a year.  His performances are mostly one-man-band looping shows, but also include Zach Deputy Band shows and acoustic storyteller shows. He has played many large festivals such as Jam Cruise, Mountain Jam, High Sierra Music FestivalGathering of the Vibes, and All Good Music Festival

We caught up with Zach just a month ago prior to his show at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta.  Make sure to check out our recent interview and learn even more about one of our very favorite artists.

What?  An Evening w/ Zach Deputy
When?  Wednesday, September 9th, 2015 - 8:30 PM CST
Where?  The Sanctuary - Montgomery, AL
Montgomery, Alabama
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New Interview: Zach Deputy April 30, 2015 12:57

Just last week, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most entertaining and unique musicians on the road, Zach Deputy, before his show at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta, GA.  Zach's concept of the "one man band" always brings new twists and turns for his loyal fan base, which showed up in the masses on Friday night.  Check out the full interview below for some of Zach's latest news, the story behind Zach Deputy's Disc Jam, and even a few thoughts on "boiled peanuts."

FULL STORY: Interview w/ Zach Deputy