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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
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 progressiv
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 Life, Optera 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 Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation Reveals 2016 Lineup June 27, 2016 08:42
Purchase Early Bird Tickets Today!
Click Here: Live & Listen's Official Ticket Page
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 Deputy, McLovins (two nights), CBDB, Little Raine Band, Paw Paw's Medicine Cabinet, Infant Richard & The Delta Stones, and 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?
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?
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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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:
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
Blueberry Jam Sessions: Sunday 10/18: Weeks Bay Plantation: Fairhope, AL August 12, 2015 09:24
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, October 18th, we are thrilled to welcome The Motet as our headlining act, as well as The Locust Fork Band, New Madrid, and The Gate Band. 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.
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.
Click Here: Purchase Tickets Now
Our 1st Annual Oyster Roast kicks off at high noon, as a special food offering held lakeside in the Oak Hammock between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. One of Alabama's finest chefs, Randall Baldwin, will fire up 300 dozen fresh oysters on a steamy, hot steel plate. Oysters will be served on raised wooden skiffs for shuckers to enjoy cooked oysters the old fashioned way - all you can eat! Music will be provided by the legendary singer/songwriter Gove Scrivener.
Attendance to the Oyster Roast requires the additional purchase of a $20 ticket in advance or $25 during the week prior and day of the show. VIP ticket holders can choose this as their food option at the event.
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-The Motet-
Hailing from Colorado, The Motet is a world-class improvisational funk band that has dedicated more than a decade to the healing powers of funky dance music. Although the early years of the band saw a constantly revolving cast of musicians, the most recent incarnation has been touring the country for the last several years developing a new and unique style with roots in funk, afrobeat, disco, electronic music, and soul. This new Motet has quickly gained a reputation for throwing infectious dance parties everywhere they go, creating a deep rapport between band and audience.
All bands have their influences, and the Motet is no different. The band has a long-standing tradition of putting on a musical costume each Halloween, playing consistently sold-out shows along the front range of Colorado while performing the music of groups like Earth Wind and Fire, Parliament Funkadelic, Tower of Power, and Jamiroquai. The careful study of these bands has had an undeniable effect on the creative direction of the Motet. As bandleader and drummer Dave Watts told the Boulder Weekly, "We realized how effective a great song is on a crowd. Instead of just the energetics we're used to bringing with improvising, soloing, and extended arrangements, we really decided to focus on tunes, because we understand how powerful a great song is."
A great song needs a great band to play it, and the Motet proves to be more than adequate in that regard. In addition to Watts, Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass) and Ryan Jalbert (guitar) form a core rhythm section that has been playing together for nearly a decade. This time together has led to their characteristic deep rhythmic pocket, and has created the musical bonds that allow them to take their collective improvisation to heights bordering on precognition. The Motet horns consist of Matt Pitts (sax) and Gabriel Mervine (trumpet). Although deeply rooted in jazz, their time with the Motet has made them into one of the funkiest horn sections on the scene. Front man Jans Ingber rounds out the lineup with his soulful singing, welcoming stage presence, and "Soul Train" dance moves which inspire concert goers to boogie like no one is watching.
These seven musicians form what is undoubtedly the strongest, most cohesive incarnation of the Motet to date. Whether you've loved the Motet for years or you're just tuning in, listen up. You haven't heard the Motet like this, and you won't be disappointed.
-Locust Fork Band-
The Locust Fork Band formed in 1974 based out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama playing Southern Rock, Rhythm and Blues, and Western Swing music. After 40 years, the band is still playing with original members Bill Marshall and Kent Peterson on guitars, Dwight Williams on bass, Rick Byrd on pedal steel and vocalist, Nida Threet. The popularity of the band is still strong perhaps due as much to the combined talents of this group of musicians as the desire of their fans to recapture their youth in the memories of the songs. The level of entertainment is always superb and greatly appreciated by the loyal fans of these veterans of honky-tonkin’ blues.
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-New Madrid-
From the southern wilds of Athens, GA comes young four-piece, New Madrid. Their music is a dynamic mixture of underwater-psych-rock that engages the listener in fully textured aural landscapes, both on record and live. Their acclaimed 2012 independent debut, Yardboat - engineered by David Barbe (Deerhunter, Drive-By Truckers) at Chase Park Transduction- displayed the band's inherent talents and introduces a distinctive sound budding with sonic energy. In their ever-thriving music- mecca hometown, Yardboat garnered "Album of the Year," and the band's formula of constant touring and creative restlessness earned them "Artist of the Year" at the Flagpole Music Awards. In the summer of 2013, New Madrid signed to local start-up Normaltown Records, and entered the studio to record what would become Sunswimmer. Their second full-length finds New Madrid further exploring depths of psychedelia and textured noise.
The new record presents a New Madrid audibly settled into itself. Focused into a collection of collaborative songs, the band delves into a more experimental soundscape. Recorded solely on analog tape during a cool, wet July – once again under the direction of David Barbe - Sunswimmertelegraphs a newly confident self-knowledge, from the assertive opening riff of the churning “Manners” to the infectious driving beat behind “Forest Gum.” The tracks here are more concentrated than Yardboat’s offerings, but fans of New Madrid’s expansive tendencies will be sated by the record’s final 25 minutes, which are characterized by two linear compositions (“Homesick” and “And She Smiles”).
The album's body of music was conceived as a singular piece and is best consumed that way. In a digital age, when song snippets skip cross-country on the backs of broadband, Sunswimmer is a testament that making music for shared space still remains. With their sophomore album, New Madrid continues to redefine.
-The Gate Band-
The Gate Band, formed in Montgomery in the mid 60's, has been a staple in the Alabama music scene ever since. They were influenced early on by singing cowboys, Hank Williams, Everly Brothers, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, and the British Invasion. A heavy influence of Texas music was acquired once introduced to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Doug Sahm, and Delbert McClinton. During the summer of 1974 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, The Gate Band began playing 4 to 5 nights a week for several years. The band quit touring in the early 1980s on a regular basis, but has continued to play several special events throughout the year ever since.
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