News

Win Tickets To See McLovins At Zydeco In Birmingham (2/23) February 21, 2017 15:52

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Music fans in Birmingham are in for an extra special treat this Thursday night, as Connecticut-based jam band McLovins makes its highly anticipated return to Zydeco.  Many will remember the dynamic four-piece group from recent appearances at CukoRakko Music & Arts FestivalThe Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay PlantationFunksgiving, as well as their debut in Birmingham last July.  Joining the band on Thursday night will be Nashville's Mr. B & The Tribal Hoose.  
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We're giving away a pair of tickets to the show to one lucky winner, and it couldn't be easier to enter the contest.  Simply share this post from our Facebook page, and tag a friend in the comments section of the post.  We will announce the winner at 12:00 PM CST on Thursday (2/23).
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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, Summer Camp Music 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 BurbridgeRobert RandolphPerpetual GrooveThe Werks, and many more.
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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 official music video for "No Limit" here:
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Win Tickets To See McLovins In Auburn: Saturday 2/18 February 15, 2017 15:18

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Music fans in Auburn, Alabama are in for an extra special treat this Saturday night, as Connecticut-based jam band McLovins makes its highly anticipated return to Bourbon Street Bar.  Many will remember the dynamic four-piece group from recent appearances at CukoRakko Music & Arts FestivalThe Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay PlantationFunksgiving, as well as their debut in Auburn last October.  We're giving away a pair of tickets to the show to one lucky winner, and it couldn't be easier to enter the contest.  Simply share this post from our Facebook page, and tag a friend in the comments section of the post.  We will announce the winner at 12:00 PM CST on Saturday (2/18).

 

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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, Summer Camp Music 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 BurbridgeRobert RandolphPerpetual GrooveThe Werks, and many more.
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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 official music video for "No Limit" here:
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McLovins Head Back To The Basement For New Video Series February 1, 2017 12:05

Photo by Nick Sonsini: Sonsini Media

Those familiar with Connecticut-based jam quartet McLovins know that this band has a long history with its 'basement takes'.  The band stormed onto the scene as teenagers just over eight years ago with a mind-blowing cover of Phish's "You Enjoy Myself," which proceeded to go viral and ultimately land the band its name (courtesy of Phantasy Tour).  Fast forward to 2017, and McLovins are back in the basement recording a series of equally impressive originals with mixed/mastered audio and HD multicam by Nick Sonsini of Sonsini Media.  

In less than two months, the band has released three new basement takes, two of which are brand new, unreleased tunes in "Ringo" and "No Limit.'  The third video for "Catch The Ball," a tune from the Funk No. Uno EP (2014), was recorded as a special tribute to Live Music Daily's Andrew McConnell, who tragically passed away on December 28th.  If this is any sign of what's to come, we can expect a exciting year full of new, creative material from the jam scene's youngest seasoned veterans.  See below to stream all three videos today. 

McLovins just wrapped up the first leg of its 'No Limit Tour' in Colorado.  The tour continues on Friday, February 2nd at Headquarters Live in Salisbury, MD.  The band will then make its way down the East Coast and through the Southeast, including shows with The Werks (Richmond, VA - 2/12), Hayley Jane & The Primates (Asheville, NC - 2/15 and Atlanta, GA 2/16).  The Alabama faithful can catch the band in Auburn (2/18), Huntsville (2/20), and Birmingham (2/23).

Watch McLovins performing "Ringo" as a part of the 'Basement Takes' here:

Watch McLovins performing "No Limit" as a part of the 'Basement Takes' here: 

 Watch McLovins perform "Catch The Ball" as part of the 'Basement Takes' here:

McLovins & The Werks collaborating at Funksgiving in Montgomery, AL (11.25.17)

Photo by Michelle Stancil

McLovins playing to a packed house at American Beauty in New York City (12.17.16)

Photo by Capacity Images


Funksgiving: Presented By Central Alabama Psychology - Friday 11/25 November 16, 2016 13:50

Photo by Taylor Wallace: iWally Photography

We couldn't be more pleased to announce our title sponsor for Funksgiving 2016: Central Alabama Psychology.  As we have said many times before, we would not be able to continue hosting these annual events without the support of our local business sponsors.  Dr. Kale Kirkland at Central Alabama Psychology provides various psychological services to our state, including forensic evaluations, diagnostic and psychoeducational assessments, disability evaluations for social security and veterans, and psychotherapy services.

We would also like to recognize our additional sponsors: The Starke Agency, Vintage Year, Zaxby's, Porch Band of Creek Indians, Neptune Technology, Guntharp Financial, Hans Heating & Air, Cathead Vodka, Sabel Steel, 95.1 The Fox, Embassy Suites, MST, SaZa, Chris' Hotdogs, Fly Aerial Studio, Capital City Club, Alabama Dumpster Services, Print Sound, and Alabama Steel.  Each of these businesses has gone above and beyond to support our mission of bringing live music for a cause to the Montgomery area, and we wouldn't be here without them.

Funksgiving 2016 will feature The Werks (two sets), McLovins, & Dank.   This year's event will take place at the Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery, AL on Friday, November 25th.  We have been working on this event since early 2016, and we could not be more excited to see everything come to life next week.  This will be a benefit for Family Promise of Montgomery and E.A.T. South.  Both VIP and General Admission tickets are available by clicking here.  Don't worry about dinner plans, as Chris' HotdogsSaZa Serious ItalianNYC Gyro, and Alabama Sweet Tea Comapany will be on-site all night.  Make sure to come early, as we will offer a special kid's area (5:00 - 7:00 PM) this year which will include a bounce house, face painting, and a balloon artist.  Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted for free.  Additional vendors include Organic HippieYour Health Sprouted FlourHoops For Fitness, and Soul Light Stars.

Click Here: Purchase Funksgiving Tickets Today!

Family Promise of Montgomery is one of over 150 affiliates across 39 states. Family Promise of Montgomery unites the interfaith community and local resources to help homeless children and their families return to stability. Their interfaith network consists of 13 "host" congregations and 7 "support" congregations. These congregations serve homeless families within the places of worship and provide meals and a safe place to stay.

E.A.T. South is a non-profit organization based in Montgomery, Alabama that encourages healthy lifestyles through education & sustainable food production in urban areas throughout the Southeast.  E.A.T. South envisions communities across the Southeast have access to fresh, healthy, affordable food and the knowledge about food preparation that supports a healthy lifestyle.  E.A.T. South currently manages two urban farms - Montgomery's Downtown Farm and our Farm at Hampstead. Both teaching farms offer educational programs and provide fresh, naturally-grown fruits and vegetables to the greater community.

Watch the official promo video for Funksgiving 2016 here:

Funksgiving 2016 Announcement from Sune Media on Vimeo.

Watch the official after movie for Funksgiving 2015 here:

Funksgiving 2015 Recap from Sune Media on Vimeo.


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


The Werks, McLovins, and Dank Round Out Funksgiving Lineup August 17, 2016 22:50

Live & Listen is pleased to announce that Funksgiving 2016 will feature The Werks (two sets), McLovins, & Dank.  We have been working on this show for quite some time and could not be more excited to share this news.  This year's event will take place at the Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery, AL on Friday, November 25th.  This will be a benefit for Family Promise of Montgomery and E.A.T. South.  Both VIP and General Admission tickets will go on sale on Friday, September 2nd.

Family Promise of Montgomery is one of over 150 affiliates across 39 states. Family Promise of Montgomery unites the interfaith community and local resources to help homeless children and their families return to stability. Their interfaith network consists of 13 "host" congregations and 7 "support" congregations. These congregations serve homeless families within the places of worship and provide meals and a safe place to stay.

E.A.T. South is a non-profit organization based in Montgomery, Alabama that encourages healthy lifestyles through education & sustainable food production in urban areas throughout the Southeast.  E.A.T. South envisions communities across the Southeast have access to fresh, healthy, affordable food and the knowledge about food preparation that supports a healthy lifestyle.  E.A.T. South currently manages two urban farms - Montgomery's Downtown Farm and our Farm at Hampstead. Both teaching farms offer educational programs and provide fresh, naturally-grown fruits and vegetables to the greater community.

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The Werks have emerged & established themselves as a national powerhouse; delivering an electrifying dance party to beloved fans across the musical spectrum. Fusing psychedelic shredding, wailing organ, and slap bass with synthesizers and modern dance beats, their live shows encompass a sensational blend of jam-rock and deep electronic funk.

These genre-benders will be touring throughout 2016 in support of their 4th studio album, 'Inside a Dream' released in November 2015, which takes listeners on a track-by-track musical voyage through the heart of a dream; into their own hopes, fears, and aspirations. The seasoned jam-centric quartet brings a sonically superior mix of otherworldly explorations and revelatory lyrics to this artistic and mature musical statement.

Through sanguine compositions that effortlessly transition from spacious soundscapes to driving rhythms, the album merges multiple genres in a style that only this Ohio quartet can deliver. Throughout the 11-track release, Inside a Dream remains raw yet polished, and emotional yet whimsical… it is within these contradictions where the depth of the band truly shines.

Catch them soon in a city near you, or at the 7th incarnation of their “Werk Out Music & Arts Festival” in August, which draws 5000+ people annually to Ohio.

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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 GuyGeorge 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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Through years of touring and experimentation, Dank has searched for the strongest ingredients, boldest grooves, and most intoxicating melodies with which to light up their audiences. Take a dash of pop vocals, a sprinkle of synths, a hair of funk guitar, layer it with electric piano, driving bass, chunky riffs, and shake it up with a groove you can dance to. Check out Dank's latest EP Get Up or check their tour dates to see them live!

Funksgiving is Live & Listen's inaugural live music event in Montgomery, Alabama, held annually on the night after Thanksgiving, which is conveniently the night before the Auburn vs. Alabama football game, also known as The Iron Bowl.  The idea was to start a tradition in Montgomery on a night where many natives are back in their hometown.  Our hope is to continue this tradition for many years, ultimately making Funksgiving one of the most highly anticipated annual music events in the Southeast.  

Funksgiving 2015 featured Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, & BYOG at the Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery, AL on Friday, November 27th 2015..  The event raised a total of $3000 for Parkinson Association of Central Alabama.  The event drew over 700 attendants in Downtown Montgomery and served as Live & Listen's largest show in Montgomery to date.

Funksgiving 2014 was the inaugural Live & Listen event.  The show featured Earphunk and McLovins at The Warehouse at Alley Station and raised a total of $2500 for Run Bell Run, a local fundraising campaign for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The event drew over 400 people to Downtown Montgomery, setting the tone for many great shows ahead for Live & Listen.  

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Win Two Free Tickets To Friday's Medicine For The Soul Music Fest in Atlanta July 27, 2016 17:11

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Live & Listen is pleased to partner with Free Spirit Productions and Airbound Entertainment as we offer a pair of free tickets to this Friday's 3rd Annual Medicine for the Soul Music Festival.  The one day festival is once again hosted by Smith's Olde Bar and sponsored by Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits.  Advance tickets can be purchased for $10 by clicking here.  Simply share this article directly from our Facebook page (and make sure you're privacy settings are "public") to enter the contest. We will announce a winner via Facebook at 2:00 PM EST on Friday afternoon.
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12:15AM -- McLovins
11:00PM -- Sumilan
10:00PM -- Voodoo Visionary
9:00PM -- Those Cats 
8:00PM -- Saturn Valley
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McLovins

Photo by Leonardo Mascaro

McLovins is a soulful, funk-rock band that complements a youthful energy with seasoned musical talent. Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences like The Meters, The Band and The Flaming Lips, members Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly combine their songwriting skills with extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity.

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, George Porter, Jr. and Oteil Burbridge.

Recently the band cut an album with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winning producer Bill Sherman in New York City’s East Village. The album was released this October and the band is currently on tour. The band continues to evolve, bringing their distinctive, jam-rock productions across the country. Every tour brings a unique energy.

Sumilan

Formed in the classic city of Athens, GA, and together for almost half a decade, Sumilan has evolved into a sound uniquely their own. Showcased in their studio work and illuminated in their live performance, Sumilan blends prog rock, psychedelic trance, ambiance, and improv, all coalesced with infectious pop minded vocals. Apparent in their newest studio album, En Transit, Sumilan delivers a polished and powerful sound rooted in technique and grown with experience.

With a live performance structured on embellished composition, yet played with rawness and attitude, their sound resonates beyond the venue. The symbiotic energy of the live show leaves the audience satisfied, yet thirsting for the next. With eyes into the future, the band is soul driven into an ever evolving sound that meets the challenge of today, while fostering continuity into the sound of tomorrow.

Voodoo Visionary

Voodoo Visionary hails from the dirty south musical mecca of Atlanta. Their improvisational funk dance music delicately balances a tight rhythm section featuring deep grooving bass and funky drum beats 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 Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, and Medeski Martin and Wood, 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 around the Atlanta music scene.

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 Col. Bruce Hampton, Zach Deputy, Earphunk, Roosevelt Collier, Jerry Joseph, and Futurebirds. The band performed at the RAW Artists Atlanta showcase in September 2014 at Terminal West, made a live radio and TV appearance on WUGA’s It’s Friday program, and in May 2015 made their major festival debut at Counterpoint Music Festival near Rome, GA.

Spirit of the Groove draws from the various musical influences found among the band members. Elements of funk, jazz, disco and rock n’ roll combine to create an inimitable sound. Tracks such as “All Week,” “Salt” and “Parasite” have compositional elements reminiscent of Frank Zappa and Return to Forever, while “Take the Wheel” evokes a style similar to Phish. The driving grooves of “The Heathen,” “Testify” and “Dancin’ Feet” make it nearly impossible to sit still while listening, and the “Kang Gang Anthem” hints at elements of Pink Floyd while paying homage to the festival scene the band holds so close to their hearts. Spirit of the Groove was recorded live in the studio to capture the raw energy and showcase the improvisational expertise that the band brings to their live show.

Those Cats

Those Cats are a high energy Soul & Funk powerhouse from Statesboro, GA and have been described as "A band whose fresh, funky and soulful sound provides its listeners with a never-ending well of tastefully grooving tracks, perfect for any occasion worthy of music." [Connect Statesboro]. Formed in 2010 by original members Zac Tilson, Scott Underwood, and Miles Wiggins; Those Cats has come a long way since their first EP ‘Less Stress, More Groove.’ Adding vocalist Cyril Durant in 2012, the group has evolved from a 4 piece band into a full fledge, seven person ensemble complete with a horn section and multiple vocalists. Each member draws from their own styles and musical knowledge to create a diverse live music experience filled with original tunes and a few timeless covers. The group has released several live recordings over the past three years and their first full length studio album is scheduled to drop in early 2014. Those Cats enjoy collaborating with friends and bands around the Southeast area while aiming to generate a live show that will lift the audience and keep them there!

Saturn Valley

Saturn Valley is an experimental rock project formed in 2013 that features members Nick Jones, Chris Freiberg, Christian McDaniel, Alex Eversbusch and Josiah Garrett. Hailing from the fertile, music hub of Athens, Ga., the group quickly developed a distinct, improvisatory style with jazz, funk, synth-pop and heavy prog influences. After recording their debut album, "On The Rings," (released November 2014) the song "Odysseus" was selected for the 2015 AthFest Compilation Album among music from other Athens favorites. The band has enjoyed radio airplay on WUOG 90.5 FM and 93.3 Athens Community Rock Station as well as performances in the famed Georgia Theatre. In August of 2015, the group released its first live album, “Alive in the Georgia Theatre,” and is currently working toward releasing its second studio effort, "Cartographer," in 2016. With heavy, space-grooves and synth-laden jams, a Valley show is always an unforgettable, cosmic experience.

 


Live & Listen Presents: McLovins with Little Raine Band at Zydeco - Thursday 7/28 July 18, 2016 14:10

Photo by Craig Baird: Live & Listen

Live & Listen is pleased to announce that we are teaming up with our friends at Zydeco in Birmingham for another amazing night of music next week.  Join us on Thursday, July 28th for an evening with Connecticut-based four-piece McLovins along with local favorites Little Raine Band.  This will be the Birmingham debut of McLovins, so mark your calendars and purchase your tickets today, as this is a show you will not want to miss.  Doors are scheduled to open at 8:30 PM on Thursday, July 28th.  Little Raine Band will perform an opening set, with McLovins taking the stage shortly after.  Tickets are available now for $8 and can be purchased by clicking here

Both of these bands are scheduled to play The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation on Friday, October 14th - Saturday, October 15th.  Weeks Bay Plantation is a 90-acre organic blueberry farm located in Fairhope, Alabama.  This will be the second year for the event, which will also feature The Heavy Pets (performing a Beatles tribute), Zach DeputyCBDBPaw Paw's Medicine CabinetInfant Richard & The Delta Stones, and Lee Yankie & The Hellz Yeah.  Tickets to The Blueberry Jam can be purchased by clicking here.

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 GuyGeorge 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 "Buildin' It Up" at Telefunken Studios 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:


10 Things You Didn't Know About McLovins July 6, 2016 16:45

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The driving force and inspiration behind Live & Listen lies within providing various artists, bands, and music festivals with a unique, creative avenue to build their audience and reach new demographics.  Whether it's an established, nationally touring sensation, or a young, aspiring up-and-comer, we are all about promoting the bands that we truly believe in.  
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We first learned of a young band from Connecticut called McLovins back in 2009, shortly after the band stormed onto the jam/festival scene as teenagers.  Since that time, we have kept a close eye on this four-piece, and their progression and growth over the past seven years has been nothing short of astounding.  This band has developed into an eclectic, nationally touring act with a unique energy and powerful stage presence.  And with that being said, we thought we would share 10 unique facts that you might not know about McLovins.  
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  • McLovins were named by online fans who first discovered the band. 
  • The band was recently included on Broadway star Lin Manuel Miranda’s US Weekly playlist
  • McLovins' eclectic sound stems from a wide range of influences like The Flaming Lips, The Band and Wilco.
  • The bands most current album McLovins was produced by Grammy award winning 'Hamilton' producer Bill Sherman. 
  • The band is currently on a national tour with a full Fall schedule to be announced shortly.
  • Drummer and lead vocalist Jake Huffman is also a composer for Sesame Street.
  • The band promotes shows with an inventive series of episodes called "Atticus Facts".
  • Although the band writes tight and formulaic songs, when performed live, many songs contain improvised and extended elements making every show unique. 
  • All four band members share song writing responsibility with a new album coming early next year.
  • McLovins also strongly recommend that fans wear their seat belts. 

Official Website: McLovins

Follow McLovins on Facebook

Follow McLovins on Instagram

Watch McLovins perform "Buildin' It Up" at Telefunken Studios here:

Watch McLovins' acoustic performance of their original "Hold Up" here:


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:


The Road to CukoRakko: Atticus Kelly of McLovins May 12, 2016 10:59

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 Atticus Kelly (keyboards/vocals) of McLovins, one the most promising young bands touring the country.

Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences like The Meters, The Band and The Flaming Lips, members Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly combine their songwriting skills with extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity. 

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, George Porter, Jr., Robert Randolph, and Oteil Burbridge.  

Recently the band cut an album with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winning producer Bill Sherman in New York City’s East Village.  The album was released this October and the band is currently on tour. The band continues to evolve, bringing their distinctive, jam-rock productions across the country. Every tour brings a unique energy.

McLovins are set to play CukoRakko at 8:30 PM CST on Saturday night.

Interview by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

While McLovins has been a nationally touring band for many years, the band's touring schedule has gone to another level since you guys finished college last year.  How has the vigorous touring helped shape this band over the past year?   

Atticus: The only way to create chemistry between musicians (musically and interpersonally) is to spend time together playing and hanging out. In 2015, we toured for six months out of the year. We have never sounded better than we do right now. I hope I can say that every year going forward as our tour schedule becomes more rigorous.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival 

The band released a 12-track self-titled album last October, making for the fifth full length McLovins album.  You obviously make a point to build on this material through improvisation with each show.  Are certain songs more structured for free range jamming than others? What is your general approach towards improvisation?

Atticus: Yes. The “free range” jamming is hard to pull off unless everything is just right, and we don’t have many songs where we do that. A good example would be “Shivers” from Beautiful Lights. There are two jam sections in that song: one short, and one slightly longer. In the second jam, shit gets real and you have to be creative and also improvise something that fits the tone of the song. It can be a challenge. The next closest example would be Birthday, where we are trying to create something evocative and nostalgic for Justin to play over. That one is always a little different. I think I speak for the band when I say I particularly enjoy the funk jams (D.M.T, Gold, Run Like Hell). Those always get the party started and the rhythm sections always locks right in. 

Watch McLovins perform "Buildin' It Up" at Toads Place in New Haven, CT here:

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.  What does it mean to you guys to get back to Alabama and join the CukoRakko family?

Atticus: We’re always excited to break into a new market and meet new people, especially in a place like Alabama, where live music is such a focus for people. The scene there is alive with enthusiastic concertgoers who are willing to listen deeper. They’re the kind of fans that are in it for the long game, just like us, and are equally excited to see where this all goes. The south is one of our favorite places to play for this reason, and we are super pumped to be joining the family.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival 

CukoRakko will give you guys an opportunity to play in front of many music fans who might be seeing McLovins for the first time.  How would you best describe what the crowd at Horse Pens can expect from you guys on Saturday night?

Atticus: They can expect four dudes who spend WAY too much time together to play some funky, soulful music with great lyrics and tasteful jamming, as well as some playful rapport concerning out bassist, the fantastic Mr. Jason Ott.

 Watch an "Atticus Fact" with special guest Robert Randolph here:

 

Watch the "Jersey Shore Atticus Fact" here:

You have become a bit of a celebrity with the recent video features known as "Atticus Facts".  Definitely a creative way to let your fans know not only where McLovins are playing, but also learn something new about each city.  Where does this vast amount of knowledge come from? 

Atticus: Unfortunately, I am not as knowledgeable as I seem. Many of the facts are misinformation with a surrealist bent. If you watch from the beginning of the facts to the latest season, you will see that we have gone from stating a piece of misinformation (“Tonight we’re in Albany, the final resting place of John Wilkes Booth”) to all out insanity (the Jersey Shore fact). We’ve also made a point to include musicians that we’re performing with to add some flavor. Like the Robert Randolph fact that he absolutely crushed. Going forward things are going to get a lot weirder.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets to CukoRakko Music & Arts Festival 

The countless amount of miles on the road allows you guys to get to know each other like no one else can.  Is there anything you can share about each of your fellow band mates that people might not be aware of?

Atticus: Yes. They are all insane. But seriously, you learn a lot about each other (and yourself) when you spend this much time together. You learn about accountability in a group like this, and I’m just happy to have the chance to grow and do what I love with some of my best friends.

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Official Website: McLovins

Follow McLovins on Facebook

Follow McLovins on Instagram

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Blueberry Jam Sessions: Pre-Party Featuring McLovins - Saturday, November 21st October 26, 2015 07:55

Live & Listen and Weeks Bay Plantation are excited to announce that the second installment of the Blueberry Jam Sessions will feature two nights of live music.  We will be hosting a pre-party on Saturday, November 21st, with live music from McLovins.  McLovins will also play their previously scheduled set on Sunday afternoon.  The evening will begin with a cookout under the 6 Oak Hammock, which begins at 6:00 PM. Following the cookout, McLovins will perform two sets of music under the oaks. Tickets for Saturday night are $15 and include dinner (burgers/hotdogs), lakefront camping, and live music.  Lakefront camping spots will be reserved on a first come, first served basis, so don't miss out if you plan to camp.  Tickets can be purchased at www.liveandlisten.com or on-site at Weeks Bay Plantation on Saturday, 11/21.

Click Here: Tickets - Blueberry Jam Sessions & Pre-Party

Photo by Nick Sonsini: Sonsini Media

Inspired by an eclectic mix of influences like The Meters, The Band and The Flaming Lips, members Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly combine their songwriting skills with extended improvisations and instrumental ingenuity. 

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, George Porter, Jr. and Oteil Burbridge.  

Recently the band cut an album with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winning producer Bill Sherman in New York City’s East Village.  The album was released this October and the band is currently on tour. The band continues to evolve, bringing their distinctive, jam-rock productions across the country. Every tour brings a unique energy.

Click Here: Tickets - Blueberry Jam Sessions & Pre-Party

The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on November 22nd at 2:00PM.  W are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as EarphunkMcLovins, and Maradeen.  The afternoon/evening will offer a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival.  The event will benefit the WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.  

Weeks Bay Plantation will be open for camping at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 21st for those wanting to spend Saturday and/or Sunday night camping on the farm.  Campers will be directed to a reserved, lakefront camping spot upon arrival.  All campers must depart from the property no later than 10:00 AM CST on Monday, November 23rd.

 


McLovins Discuss New Album, Life After School, Playing with Perpetual Groove October 2, 2015 10:49

It's no secret that we are big fans of McLovins.  We were lucky enough to learn about these guys when they blew up the internet at age 15.  Since that time in 2009, the band has released two EP's and four full length albums, while touring the country and balancing their education simultaneously.  On Monday, October 5th, the band will release their 5th studio album, McLovins. We caught up with the guys last night while they traveled to Columbus, Ohio for tonight's show at Scarlet & Grey Cafe to all of the latest scoop. 

McLovins: Jake Huffman, Jason Ott, Justin Berger, Atticus Kelly

Interview by Jordan Kirkland - Live & Listen

After six years of playing and touring while balancing academics, school is finally out of the way. How excited are you guys to focus strictly on the music?

Justin: It's basically like a whole new life.  We're ready to make this work.  It's everything that we want to do, so all of our focus is being put into touring, the album, the music... everything that involves the live show.

Atticus: Plus we get to hit the markets that we weren't able to hit when people were in school.  For example, a market like Syracuse, that has a big college population that wouldn't be there while we were playing.  So it really opens things up a bit.

Jake:  Definitely.  We're all about this being a marathon and not a sprint.  We're all in this for the long haul.  We have a legit five year plan for this thing, and we're all super excited just to get out and do this.


The new self-titled album drops on Monday, October 5th.  Every new release is big for any band, but this one seems like it could be a real turning point for the band. Tell me about the preparation and recording process this go-round.

Jake:  This time was much different than anything we've every tackled musically.  The way we wrote these songs; the structure and the form of these songs was very calculated.  There are a lot of drafts, versions, and demos that we did.  A lot of the time we would write out the song, then jam it out, listen to it, and critique it.  We'd then go back to the drawing board, and sometimes change the entire song and rebuild from the ground up.  You can definitely tell when you listen to the record that it's a departure from what we've done before.  It's a more mature step into the future for us musically.

Atticus:  It's certainly calculated, but I think we went to great lengths to make sure that it still sounded organic, and didn't sound calculated.  We had a lot of help from our producer, Bill Sherman, who is just about as qualified as they come to do anything musically, so that really helped.  It was also the first time that we really had a true producer on an album.  It used to be, especially in the early days, that we would go in and play live.  We might do a few overdubs and whatnot, but this time we went in and so much of the feedback came from Bill.  Just in that process, we really learned how to take notes from a producer and how to change the music.  Ultimately, I think it made the songs a lot tighter and more easily accessible to people.

Jake:  It's funny, you know?  It's a much different album than the "jam band" that we have created, in the sense that the length of the songs are a lot shorter.  I like to think that we took the part of the jam band that is very versatile and genre standing, and we made a very eclectic album.  All the tracks are very different.  It ranges from like country, to hard rock, to some funk.  I think we did a pretty great job of making it a very well rounded album, but we kept the integrity of the songwriting, which I think is a little bit different than what some jam bands are going for right now.  We're very excited for everyone to hear it.

 


Next Friday, the band returns to Brooklyn Bowl, one of the country's premier intimate venues. This time things are a little different.  You're supporting Perpetual Groove on their highly anticipated reunion tour. How did this combo come together?

Justin: Well we're lucky that Jake has a nice personal connection with Brock (Butler), and they've shared a good bit of music and lyrics recently.  And then their keyboardist, Matt McDonald, is actually a fan of one of my high school bands, somehow.  I have no idea how that happened.  There's quite a few small connections that helped these shows come together and help this relationship build.

Jake: I used to listen to Perpetual Groove when I first got my driver's license.  I'd blast their music with the windows down.  It's pretty incredible that now we're about to share the stage with them. I feel like it's such a good fit for us to open up for them.  We're all super excited about it.  It's gonna be a crazy night.  We're actually doing two shows with them.  We'll be with them in Denver in December.  These are definitely two of the most anticipated shows in the history of our band.


I'm sure each tour has its theme with certain music that gets played in the van.  Who seems to be in the lead so far on this tour?

Atticus: Normally, I'd say it would be me, but with this most recent run we had a bigger trailer, which opened up some extra room in the van.  So I of course claimed the most comfortable seat, far away from the radio.  So that didn't end up working out.  But speaking of musical themes, we have closed every show on this run so far with
"Ophelia" by The Band, which has been interesting.  We keep getting it more and more correct.  Maybe someday we'll get it perfect.

Jake: As far as music played in the band, I think it's been different everytime we've jumped in there.  Sometimes, it's been a little country.  Sometime's its hip hop.  Sometimes its...Twiddle (laughs).  It has no rhyme or reason. That's for sure.

 

      Listen to "Talk About It" and "Gold In The World" by McLovins

 

2016 will clearly be a big year for you guys. First full year out of school, as well as supporting an album which will still be very fresh.  What kind of goals does the band have for the new year?

Jake:  We're definitely going to try and get our show count upwards up 150, maybe 200 shows.  I don't know if we'll actually make that mark, but that's the mindset we have going in.  We're gonna play, play,play.

Atticus: Road warriors status!

Jake:  We're gonna really tour this album out and really get our sound out there.  We're gonna try to go into this with no strings attached and make as big of a splash as possible.  Hopefully, people can feel the ripples in the water.

Jason: Definitely want to get more people out to our shows.  I think we're gonna be focusing on that more.  I don't mean that in a bad way, but we're trying to hit some new markets, take chances.  Ultimately, keep coming to those markets and try to see real growth in 2016.

Atticus: I think that will really start to happen when we push the album and start embracing the sound of the new album, which we're actively doing.  I think that the buzz will buzz itself.

We're exicted to bring McLovins back to Alabama in this Fall.  They'll play the Blueberry Jam Sessions on November 22nd, along with The Revivalists, Earphunk, and Maradeen,  They will also play Funksgiving on November 22nd, along with Robert Randolph & The Family Band and BYOG.

Official Website: McLovins

Facebook: McLovins

Instagram: McLovins

Twitter: McLovins


Tickets: Funksgiving w/ Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, & BYOG August 31, 2015 08:15

We are excited to announce that tickets to Funksgiving w/ Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, and BYOG are officially on sale.  Many of you may remember that Funksgiving 2014 (Earphunk + McLovins) was the inaugural Live & Listen event, raising $2500 for the Run Bell Run fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  This year's event will be held at Montgomery's Union Station Train Shed on Friday, November 27th at 7:00 PM CST.  This year's event will benefit Parkinsons Association of Central Alabama.  See below for all official ticket info, and make sure to join the official Funksgiving event on Facebook for all future updates on this years show!

Click Here: Tickets: Funksgiving w/ Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, and BYOG

VIP Package:

-Preferred viewing area near stage

-Private VIP bar

-5 drink tickets

-Private VIP bathroom access

-Food from Chris' Hotdogs

 

 

Click Here: Tickets: Funksgiving w/ Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, and BYOG


McLovins Release Extensive Fall Tour Dates August 17, 2015 14:01

Fresh off of a big weekend at Scranton's Peach Festival, one of our favorite young bands, McLovins, just dropped their 2015 Fall Tour dates, consisting of 27 total shows.  The extensive Fall Tour is arguably the band's most impressive effort to date, including shows with Perpetual Groove (Brooklyn Bowl - Oct.9th), Robert Randolph & The Family Band & BYOG (Nov. 27th - Funksgiving), Mister F (Stratton Mountain Resort - Aug. 22nd), and nine total shows with Aqueous.  

McLovins will also perform at The Creatures of the Night Festival (Oct. 10th), alongside Lotus, Papadosio, Dopapod, Keller Williams, and Zoogma.  Rounding out the tour is an appearance at the Blueberry Jam Sessions on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, AL on Sunday, November 22nd, supporting The Revivalists with Earphunk and Maradeen.  The tour stretches down the East Coast, including stops in Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, State College, Knoxville, Athens, Atlanta, Greenville, Charlotte, Boone, Raleigh, and Burlington.

McLovins specialize in the creation of dynamic and improvised sound, influenced by the members' disparate and eclectic music influences. The band consists of Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger, and Atticus Kelly.

Check out the latest video footage from McLovins, featuring two brand new tunes, which we expect to see on the upcoming self-titled album due out later this fall!

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Blueberry Jam Sessions: Sunday 11/22: Weeks Bay Plantation: Fairhope, AL August 12, 2015 11:58

Live & Listen is pleased to announce the details and lineup for our latest series of events, The Blueberry Jam Sessions.  The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Sunday, October 18th and Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM.  On Sunday, November 22nd, we are thrilled to welcome The Revivalists as our headlining act, as well as Earphunk, McLovins, and Maradeen.  Each session will feature four bands, offering a wide variety of musical talent while crossing into multiple genres, creating the feel of a one-day music festival.  Both events will benefit The WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.

The Blueberry Jam Sessions will serve as our two initial events at Weeks Bay Plantation, with firm plans for a full weekend festival in 2016.  General admission and VIP tickets for both events will go on sale on Friday, August 21st and can be purchased right here at liveandlisten.com.  Kids 12 and under will be admitted for free.

Click Here: Purchase Tickets Now

Weeks Bay Plantation is currently home to LA Berry Farms, a pick-your-own blueberry farm where you can come enjoy a rejuvenating outdoor experience while nabbing some amazing little-blue-fruit packed with anti-oxidants and touted as one of the top ten healthiest foods we can eat. Not only are the berries 100% organic, they are grown with proprietary high nutritional methods. The results?  Some of the sweetest, most delicious blueberries in the south.

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-The Revivalists-

It’s actually surprising that when The Revivalists take the stage, the entire planet doesn't hear them playing--yes, their sound is that big. It’s not just because this band - who have performed everywhere across the country - has seven members and perform with a wide breadth on instruments. It is because there is so much passion spewing out of these guys that it’s completely impossible to ignore them.

After seven years of making music together, New Orleans rock hybrid The Revivalists (David Shaw - vocals, Zack Feinberg - guitar, Andrew Campanelli - drums, Ed Williams - pedal steel guitar, George Gekas - bass, Rob Ingraham - saxophone, and Michael Girardot - keyboards & trumpet) are set to deliver their latest studio album, Men Amongst Mountains. The forthcoming release, out on July 17, is an album about growth. It is appropriate, then, that the band set out to challenge itself while writing and recording their latest batch of music.

The Revivalists cloistered themselves within the intimate confines of Bogalusa, LA’s Studio in the Country for nearly two weeks while recording Men Amongst Mountains, taking advantage of the studio’s generous acoustics by setting up in a single room and recording to tape in an effort to induce a more performance-based sensibility. New Orleans’ Esplanade and Living Room Studios hosted the finishing touches to an album which leans first and foremost on capturing authentic moments in warm, rich tones and with a distinctly raw, old-world feel.

Mirroring the broader themes which connect the individual songs on the album, the recording and instrumentation on Men Amongst Mountains represents the next step in The Revivalists’ ever-evolving depth and maturity. Like the band’s vaunted live shows, Men Amongst Mountains can and will turn on a dime. The gentle gives way to the heavy, the acoustic to the orchestral. Despair becomes hope. Fire becomes light. At times, the obstacles and troubles in our lives can make the world seem impossibly, hopelessly big. Men Amongst Mountains, ultimately, is about the journey that makes us greater than the mountains standing in our way.

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-Earphunk-

200 shows, three trips across the United States and appearances at Electric Forest Festival, Bear Creek Music and Art Festival, and Wakarusa Music Festival. It’s been a busy 24 months for Earphunk who have seen their efforts propel them from small club stages to packed clubs and theaters across the country. The New Orleans born-and-bred quintet shows no sign of letting off the gas, and now, with the band’s third studio album release of Sweet Nasty, the band has captured the energy that has won over a rapidly growing fanbase of loyal listeners.

Recorded at the storied Studio in the Country in rural Louisiana while on break between tour stints, Sweet Nasty is Earphunk’s boldest release to date. “When you hear the album it sounds like a live show, and that’s how it should feel,” explains lead guitarist Paul Provosty, who also handled mixing duties for the record. “We wanted it to sound big – a true representation of our live show.” The Studio’s hallowed halls provided the proper backdrop for the band’s uniquely organic balance of heavy-pocket funk and reckless prog-driven guitar explosions, or “prog-funk”, as the band refers to it.

The band’s early rehearsals saw Provosty, Mark Hempe (vocals/guitar), Michael Matthews (drums), Michael Comeaux (Bass), and Christian Galle (keyboards/organ) as college students around New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA in 2009 — there were no expectations of national tours and sold out dates. But as things quickly progressed, the option to pursue a full-time career as musicians drove the band to hit the road. “After the first few tours, we were fully vested in this together,” Hempe muses, “and when people are coming to the shows, and appreciating what we’re doing, it gives us the drive to want to step up our game, to be as tight as we can be.”

Years later, the unit’s tireless touring ethic continues to fortify their commitment. “It’s tough leaving New Orleans; this is our home. We don’t get much time back here now, but luckily as we’ve toured, fans have spread,” explains Provosty. “To do this right, you have to keep visiting every market every three or four months, and we’re committed to that. When the shows are selling out, we know our music is resonating. It’s just a matter of continuing to give this thing the room it needs to grow.”


Part of finding the room to grow is recognizing when to reach out to a few helping hands. Saxophonist and close friend Khris Royal (Rebelution, Dark Matter) had contributed his services to past Earphunk records, but for Sweet Nasty, the band was looking to create a larger section. “Everyone in New Orleans, they play with each other. Everyone sits in with one another. It’s a natural thing and that’s the vibe we wanted on the record,” says Provosty.

There are worse places to be than New Orleans when in need of a horn player, and the band had to look no further than Eric “Benny” Bloom (Lettuce, Pretty Lights). “We had been out on the road with Lettuce for a few dates in the Southeast and got to know the guys pretty well,” recalls Galle. “When Eric moved to New Orleans, it was a no brainer. We needed him on the record with Khris.” Bloom and Royal unite with the five-piece in stellar fashion, bringing a proper funk authenticity to high-energy tracks like the Zapp and Roger inspired “Phine” and foot stomping title track “Sweet Nasty.” As George Clinton once mused about the band – “Y’all ain’t your average white band!”

Although the album was recorded, the work was not yet complete. In an age where digital releases and distribution models leave artists with more questions than answers, the band sought for an alternative. The solution was found in a partnership with the emerging publisher platform BitTorrent Bundle. BitTorrent Inc, the company behind the revolutionary peer-to-peer protocol with over 170 million monthly users, describes Bundle as “a revolutionary file format that’s designed to restore digital media to its experiential core.” That’s precisely the type of treatment Earphunk was looking for with the release of Sweet Nasty, which will debut exclusively on BitTorrent Bundle on August 18th. The Sweet Nasty Bundle will be loaded up with exclusive videos, live sets, and artwork to accompany the new album to enrich the fans’ experience.

Sweet Nasty showcases an emerging band with something to prove; yet who are prepared, willing, and ready to define themselves as a premiere national act. And with it’s release locked and loaded, the next step is a familiar one for Earphunk. As the band loads the trailer for their next national trek to support the album’s release, dates and festivals are already being booked for 2015. There are no plans to deviate from this strategy; after all, it’s worked out thus far. “Our fans have done so much for us already on this journey,” explains Hempe. “We just feel beyond fortunate to have this audience and we’re just going to continue working how we’ve been working, so they can feel proud to support us.”

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-McLovins-

 

McLovins specialize in the creation of dynamic and improvised sound, influenced by the members' disparate and eclectic musical influences. The band currently includes Jason Ott, Jake Huffman, Justin Berger and Atticus Kelly.

These young artists from Connecticut, embrace simultaneous and intricate improvisation with a more versatile front line in which all members are singing in four-part harmony, writing lyrics & music, as well as expounding on one another's musical ideas. Set list segues and fiery improvisations are a staple of the band's performances, keeping their audience always guessing what's coming next and wanting more!

In the short time the McLovins have been performing together, they have been invited to appear at an impressive number of well-established, as well as many new music festivals, and some of the most well respected venues in the North East.  These guys are constantly writing & playing music, to continue to build on their own foundation, towards a long career of Original Rock Music to their growing fan base, of all ages.

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-Maradeen-

Maradeen is an American rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by guitarist, Whit Murray, in the summer of 2014 with keyboardist, Kaitlyn Connor, and bassist, Sterling Miller, the band formed their initial roots as a high energy rock n roll quartet.  With classical and jazz improvisation backgrounds they forged and evolved a unique and well-versed sound. In 2015 Tom Galloway moved to Nashville for songwriting and began collaborations with Murray.  The band entered the analog studio "Welcome to 1979" in the spring of 2015 and recorded their first full-length LP entitled, "Mirage". The album features the initial hard-hitting rockers from the band's formative stage while revealing the new songwriting dynamic between Murray and Galloway. 

Although the band was new to the scene at this time, the origins of Maradeen run deep. Murray played lead guitar for Galloway's band, Mama's Love, between the years of 2009-12. During this time they toured nationwide, developed a devoted fanbase, and recorded with renowned producers Tom Tapley and John Keane.  Galloway continued fronting Mama's Love while Murray extended his education at The Berklee College of Music. Mama's Love had shared the stage with the progressive rock band, Afro, several times in the past which featured Connor on keys. Connor met Miller through the MTSU music program where Miller majored in audio engineering and played with bands Harrison Anvil and The Bourbon Barrel Band.  Whit met Russ Garner, who was also a Berklee College graduate, at an open jam in Nashville one evening. Garner played with the Larry Mitchell Band which had also crossed paths with Mama's Love in the past.  A long line of history, coincidence, and mutual passion brought together the group, and they continue to make strides as they climb the mountain of music. 

Stay tuned to liveandlisten.com, as well as our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for all future updates on The Blueberry Jam Sessions!

For all press related inquires, contact Jordan Kirkland

 


Funksgiving 2015: Featuring Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, & BYOG July 21, 2015 11:17

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We are pleased to announce that Funksgiving 2015 will feature Robert Randolph & The Family Band, McLovins, & BYOG.  We have been working on this show for quite some time and could not be more excited to share this news.  This year's event will take place at the Union Station Train Shed in Montgomery, AL on Friday, November 27th.  This will be a benefit for Parkinson's Association of Central Alabama.  Both VIP and General Admission tickets will go on sale on Friday, August 7th.
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