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Backup Planet live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Rock ‘n’ roll epitomizes escapism in its purest form. It’s not just artistic anesthetization either, but rather a galvanizing force that inspires us to keep pushing through life’s trials and tribulations. That’s why we still listen to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Rush, and countless others all these years later. It’s the same reason audiences will be talking about Backup Planet’s second full-length album, Reactions, for a long time to come. The Nashville, TN quartet—Ben Cooper [keys, vocals], Chris Potocik [drums, vocals], Gavin Donati [guitar, vocals], and Blake Gallant [bass, vocals]—write arena-size anthems echoing with progressive intricacy, funk swagger, and even a little metallic edge. Giving listeners an inspiring and invigorating aural haven, their moniker couldn’t be more apropos… “I worked at a liquor store all through college,” remembers Ben. “I was sitting there one night in a funk because of school work and a fight with my girl at the time. Every channel on TV decried, ‘The end of the world is nigh!’ I thought, ‘Man, I wish I had a Backup Planet where I could go and escape.’ It dawned on me. That’s what naturally happens when you play music; you’re transported somewhere else. It’s a shared experience where everybody goes together.” The name perfectly fit the tunes Ben and his college buddy Gavin wrote starting in 2013. Rounded out by Chris and Blake, Backup Planet became a local favorite around the University of Tennessee Knoxville. They independently released their full-length debut, Element, during 2015 and began sharing the stage with the likes of The Revivalists, Papadosio, and more in addition to headlining countless packed shows. Relix proclaimed them “On The Verge,” and one fateful gig led to signing with powerhouse management firm Red Light Management [Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket, Dopapod, Phish,]. However, tragedy struck Backup Planet only weeks after this big milestone. “I had a weird sense of premonition,” admits Ben. “We had just left a show, and within 30 seconds, our van was flipped over on the interstate sliding. There were sparks, glass, and metal flying everywhere and people screaming. Fortunately, we were all alive, but we lost our van, gear, and trailer. It flipped our entire lives figuratively and literally on their sides.” Rather than engage audiences via crowd-funding, the band quietly saved throughout the rest of the year by performing local headline gigs to re-build their infrastructure. Bruised but not broken, they entered Syncromesh Studios in Birmingham, AL with producer Jason Elgin [Collective Soul, Maylene & The Sons of Disaster,] to record Reactions during 2016. In four weeks, they tracked everything analog the old-fashioned way. “We love production in all of its forms, and working with Jason was an awesome learning experience,” the singer goes on. “He knew every in-and-out and possible thing you could do in the studio, and it became like a creative sanctuary.” The title REACTIONS evokes the devotion of these four musicians, facing a near death experience and bouncing back with a deeper appreciation for their craft and a definitive body of work. “It plays into the laws of physics and thermodynamics,” he says. “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. You never know what’s going to happen. Everything can change in an instant. It’s about how you react. There are those thematic elements in the music and songwriting. That’s been the story of the last year and ties into what we created.” As these four talents continue “reacting” at the highest level, listeners everywhere fall into an escape fueled by mind-blowing musicianship, poetic songwriting, and hooks that resound past the heavens. “This is what we live by musically,” Ben leaves off. “We say this all the time, ‘You can play to three people or three-thousand people, but if you’re not enjoying it and connecting with your band mates, what’s the point?’ Our approach is to take something negative and turn it into a positive by using the language of music. It comes down to overcoming adversity. This makes us complete, and we hope you feel that.”
The Matt Brantley Band w/ Free Lance Ruckus live at The Hummingbird
Two of Middle Georgia's favorite bands in one night at The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom. The Matt Brantley Band with their Honky Tonk Rock n' Roll combined with Free Lance Ruckus and their Southern Alternative Americana Rock is guarantee to make for an amazing night of music in Downtown Macon.
Roxy Roca live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
No one leaves a Roxy Roca show dissatisfied. A sonic shot to the arm of Texas infused, powerhouse-southern soul and funk complete with a certain tightness only achievable after playing an average of more than 220 shows a year. Roxy Roca shows are like stepping into a tent-revival somewhere in the Deep South, and crooner Taye Cannon is here to speak the gospel. Each tune flows over with hooky guitar riffs, funky backbeats, slammin’ horn lines, and lyrics of love, heartache, and a message of choosing happiness above all else sung with a conviction and sincerity as only Roxy Roca’s green-eyed Soul-Cannon can deliver. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the band has come a long way in the short time it has existed. 2015 brought with it the release of Roxy Roca’s latest album, Ain’t Nothin’ Fancy, on Stag Records. Recorded at EAR Studio in Austin with producer Lars Goransson at the helm, the record captures the classic sounds reminiscent of Stax, Motown, and Domino Records. One might say the band wears its influences on its sleeve, and any member of the six-piece soul outfit would happily list off the forefathers of soul and funk. Now two albums deep, and hundreds of shows later, Roxy Roca has had the good fortune to share the stage with some incredible acts ranging from outright classics such as B.B. King, Tom Jones, and Lee Fields to more modern acts like Fitz and The Tantrums, Mayer Hawthorne, Trombone Shorty, and Vintage Trouble. The future looks bright for Roxy Roca, and there is no end in sight.
Locals Only featuring HOWL, Walk Thru Walls, and Magnolia Moon
The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom would like to invite you all to our Locals Only night featuring strictly Middle Georgia bands. We're excited to have HOWL, Walk Thru Walls, and Magnolia Moon apart of this great event! Come out and support local bands and venues!
Flux Capacitor live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Emerging from the Pennsylvania music scene, from the outskirts of the City of Brotherly Love, is the phenom band known as Flux Capacitor. Their fiery, distinct sound has catapulted the group with lightning speed into the National Music Scene. This band of brothers consistently inspire and evoke a new and wildly addicting sound resonating with elements of rock, improvisation and electronica. They redefine musicality with positive prophetic vocals, complex guitar work, innovative keys/synths/bass stylings, with feverish syncopated drum rhythms. Flux Capacitor concerts are filled with improvisation, musical segues, spontaneous covers, and teases creating a unique, one of a kind experience at every performance. The essence of the brothers music is fueled by their dedicated practice of meditation and lucid dreaming which keeps them fueled by a higher power. Their electric vibe transcends the stage and extends into the crowd creating a magical musical ambience. . Flux Capacitor have grown tremendoulsy since the bands inception in 2007. From a hand full of shows to playing hundreds of shows, and fine tuning their craft culminating in their first full length release 2009`s "They Know We Know" and subsequent tour from Pa to Chicago Il playing 15 shows made possible through their fast growing buzz and fan-base through the internet and roots promotion. This first tour resulted in strong internet sales on iTunes and CdBaby helping to broaden their fanbase. In 2011 the brothers were invited to Seattle to work with Jack Endino for their second Release "Monolith". Following that release the band spent all of 2011 and 2012 Touring with 11 Dates throughout the UK and Canada and over 45 Shows outside their home region. Flux Capacitor won Jam Band of the Year at the highly esteemed 2013 TriState Indie awards in Philadlephia PA and has been nominated once again for this distinction in 2014. Flux has recently released their third album "Cycle 9" showcasing the band's most ambitious and epic material to date. "Cycle 9" was recorded with John Becker of Anomoulous Audio. All three Flux Capacitor Cd's are available on iTunes, CDbaby and Bandcamp.com as well as many record stores around the east coast. Flux is a dedicated family group that believes in music, joy and consciousness. Under these guiding principles Flux Capacitor has seen nothing but growth giving killer performances and creating ecstatic dance floors at every show. Flux Has Shared The Stage With Umphrey`s McGee, Railroad Earth, Keller Williams, Rusted Root, The New Mastersounds, Tea Leaf Green, Karl Denson`s Tiny Universe, Ozomatli, Conspirator, Stanton Moore, JGB with Melvin Seals, Particle, David Grisman Quartet, Ivan Neville`s Dumpstaphunk, Kung Fu, Papadosio, the Movement, Splintered Sunlight, Dangermuffin, Lukas Nelson and many, many more!. Interview excerpts from POP VULTURE magazine with Pete Specht: "I was always singing since I was kid, walking around endlessly singing and making up songs. As I got older I got more serious and could never shake the call and the vision to be playing in a band. I had really crazy "night terrors" as a kid and I saw lots of really strange or far out stuff that really freaked me out at first. I began writing all my dreams down when I was around 13 years old and now I see them more akin to astral travel and I bring everything I see in those experiences contributes to the songs' mood and lyrics. These experiences have married me to music and my brothers, Jason (Drummer) and Mike (Keys). They have been witnesses to this creative process and have been the rhythmic core and co-creators of the music since day one." "The most important lifelong influences on me have been Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley. I love hundreds of artists greatly but these two had a huge trans-formative effect on my growth as a performer. My eyes get wet every time I see a video of them performing and it never gets old or ceases to inspire me. As a group as a whole we were definitely inspired and influenced by Tool, Phish, Radiohead, Floyd as well as many others." "Some of my proudest accomplishments are Winning the Tri-State Indie Music awards for Jam Band of the Year 2013 in Philadelphia, there were many amazing and talented musicians nominated and it felt good to receive the recognition. Working with Grammy award winning producers Jack Endino (Nirvana) in Seattle and David Ivory (The roots) (Phila.) were exceptionally great experiences. Touring England was a huge event for us, we played 11 shows in the U.K. and we made a ton of new fans overseas. We felt so much energy from the experience playing our music on an international level. Playing the House of Blues in Atlantic City for the first time was a high point for us. As well getting to play and headline many festivals on the east coast while watching our fan base grow." Flux Capacitor 2014
Hill Country Revival w/ The UnExplainable Billy Eli live at The Hummingbird
Hill Country Revival is a Southern Rock/Red Dirt Country act featuring musicians from Montana, Georgia and Texas. Touring the central Texas circuit, you can get a chance to see HCR if in the North Austin to downtown San Antonio areas.
Holey Miss Moley live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Holey Miss Moley is a ten piece Funk-Flavored Rock-Soul Infused Groove Factory based out of Everywhere, Florida (St.Petersburg to Orlando to Jacksonville). Their high-energy sound is reminiscent of old school 70's funk, melded with elements of Disco, Jazz, Soul and Hip-hop creating a superb fusion that delights and energizes the crowd getting people up and dancing all night! The musicians in Holey Miss Moley have collaborated together for years and it shows through their tight-knit sound and well orchestrated music. Even better, they enjoy playing together and it creates an atmosphere of funky fun for everyone. The band has spreading their wings throughout Florida playing festivals like Hulaween, Orange Blossom Jamboree, Connection Festival, Roosevelt Collier's Getdown and Zach Deputy's Disc Jam at Suwannee, Tropical Heatwave, Earthdance, MindSpring, The Great Outdoors Jam and Hometeam events. March 1st, 2017 - HMM hit the road for their 11 state, 38 venue 'Shake It With Me' Tour. Check the event pages, we may be coming to a city near you!
Balkun Brothers w/ Choir of Babble live at The Hummingbird
Balkun Brothers: After coming onto the music scene with their powerful brand of psychedelic rock n’ roll, Balkun Brothers are creating a style of music all their own in the USA and worldwide. Founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals) and Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/vocals) are gaining followers across the world, becoming known for their high-energy live shows. Balkun Brothers bring a fresh mixture of funk, rock, blues, and intense improvisation that has been impressing crowds from Paris to Amsterdam to New York City. Balkun Brothers have been featured alongside acts such as Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, Iggy Pop, Gogol Bordello, Vapors of Morphine, Motley Crüe, Slayer, Eric Sardinas, Dopapod, James Cotton, and many more. Their new album, 'DEVIL ON TV', is due for release on May 30th 2017 on the French label, Dixiefrog Records. The band recently completed their 3rd European tour, which was followed by a full East Coast United States tour. The band will embark on a full US tour until October 2017 when they will be returning to Europe for their 4th tour in Germany, France and Holland. Choir of Babble: Choir of Babble is a rock band that blends aggressive and eerie tunes with soft memorable melodies that will shake up your senses and serenade your soul.
Jacks River Band live at The Hummingbird in Downtown Macon
Known for their driving blues-rock style and extended improvised jams, Jacks River Band performs with an undeniably contagious energy. Their improvisational funkadelic rock sound features a hard hitting rhythm section, gut-busting guitar leads, and soul soothing vocals. Drawing on legendary influences such as The Allman Brothers Band, Deep Purple, The Grateful Dead, and The Derek Trucks Band, Jacks River Band delivers a uniquely blended sound that pushes the boundaries of blues rock, yet still remains familiar. Their debut album, "Woodland Creatures" was recorded in Atlanta by Tony Terrebone at Zac Recording. The music brings to light the diverse musical influences found among the band members. Tracks like “Bleedin’ Blues” and “Bear Left the Woods” pay homage to the great musical legacy of the Blues, while “Lay Me Down” features hard nosed guitar licks and tribal drum beats reminiscent of the band Tool. Hard driving grooves on “Funkfucious Say”, “Soul Free” and “One Eyed Jack” transport the listener to the early 70’s rock scene, and the feel good, funky vibes on “St Charles” and “Bullfrog” get everyone on the dance floor. In the past year, Jacks River Band has rocked the stage at renowned venues around Atlanta such as Eddies Attic, Smith's Olde Bar, Madlife Stage & Studios, & 37 Main; as well as touring regionally to places like Athens, Macon, Milledgeville, Knoxville, and Boone. They have given back to the community by partnering with The Songs For Kids Foundation and performing at their annual benefit concerts. Their music has been regularly featured on Atlanta's Rock 100.5 "Local Licks" and was featured on Atlanta's 97.1 The River's "Live Lounge Acoustic Classics". In the past year, Jacks River has rocked the stage at renewed venues such as Smith's Olde Bar, 37 Main, Hummingbird Tap Room, Tin Roof Cantina, Coolray Field, and Buffington's. They have given back to the community by partnering with The Songs For Kids Foundation and performed at their benefit concert. Their music has been regularly featured on Atlanta's Rock 100.5 Local Licks. They were also featured on Atlanta's 97.1 The River's "Live Lounge Acoustic Classics".
Halloween Show featuring Universal Sigh and Mister Tie Dye
Universal Sigh is a high energy, metamorphic rock show. Hailing from Athens, GA the foursome features a two-guitar attack and driving rhythm section, producing versatile music which reflects a deep fondness for artists such as Radiohead, Snarky Puppy, and Umphrey’s McGee. Influenced by a myriad of musical styles, the quartet has crafted a diverse catalog, which includes both lyrical tunes and instrumental arrangements. Each song is a voyage, with harmonious melodies soaring through epic peaks and dramatic descents into electrifying funk grooves. Fluid and dynamic, the Sigh is equipped with an abundance of compositions to energize any musical atmosphere. Universal Sigh’s guitarist and drummer Pace and Jones Maynard, developed together as young musicians playing long hours in their parents’ basement. In high school, Jones met songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steve Terry, and the two took playing together like fish to water. The expansive music scene in Athens paved the way for the band to meet Austin Parker, a soulful vocalist with a love for laying down the bass. Pace, Steve, Jones, and Austin have been at the forefront of all song writing and live performances. However, the band frequently collaborates original music with special guests, including full brass sections, percussion, and guest vocalists. Their openness allows every show to be a special surprise. May 2016 ushered in the anticipated release of Universal Sigh’s first album, Atoms & Void. While improvisation is a staple component of the live show, Atoms & Void displays a thoughtfulness to innovatively diversify arrangements of rock songs, blues tunes, and futuristic jazz alike. The debut album explores the uncanny nature of song structure and provides lyrical content inspired by the turmoil and beauty of the human condition. The core four presents Atoms & Void, as a material extension to connect the listener to the inherent music within everyone. Mister Tie Dye originated as a jazz sextet assembled to perform an original composition by José Moran. After José showed that tune to Chandler Greer, they had the idea to expand into a larger and more experimental ensemble. The iteration of Mister Tie Dye that exists today is a nine piece ensemble including 6 horns and a rhythm section. The group performs a repertoire of music that spans over several genres.