Athcast - Athens Music!

Big City Sunrise Emerging as the jewel of the grass roots music scene and having shared bills with bands such as The Derek Trucks Band, MOFRO, Jeff Coffin, Moonshine Still, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Big City Sunrise has garnered quite a following by creating a unique and energetic atmosphere at every show. Bluegrassjam.net said, Few young bands blow your central spinal nodes clean out the first time you see them, but these guys smacked it down with lightning. I was literally blow away, you could say my Tevas are still scorched into the concrete! In March of 2003 six people with very different backgrounds came together over fried catfish and Pabst Blue Ribbon to do a little pickin and grinnin. Though some were old friends and some new faces, it didnt take very long to realize that musically and personally they had found a bond; five hours, three catfish, two cases of beer, and forty-seven minutes later a band was born. Conceived under the idea that a sense of community and a pure, youthful enjoyment of music would create a fulfilling atmosphere for both audience and musician, Big City Sunrise still believes these are the key ingredient to great music. In July of 2004 Big City Sunrise released their first studio album entitled Daybreak. The freshman effort was the bands first opportunity to document the music that they had been creating over the course of the last year. We recorded the album at old gymnasium that was built in the late thirties in Sautee, GA, said Christopher Thacker. The gym now belongs to the local community center and once we were granted permission to use the space we brought in a mobile studio and took over for a week and a half. It was nice to be at home making a record and the atmosphere allowed the sessions to be more relaxed and helped to give the album a feel of home. The album has been best described as a veritable melting pot of sounds and styles, boasting some exquisite guitar work, and offering a variety of sophisticated music, by Mike Skidmore, author of On the Verge for Relix Magazine. Daybreak, he says, is highly recommended! Over the next year the band preformed relentlessly, honing their ever grown live show and their unique sound. This comfort zone of the stage spurred the recording of Big City Sunrises second album, Live at the Georgia Theatre. The record was recorded in March of 2005 before a tremendous crowd in Athens, Georgia at the famous Georgia Theatre. The feel of the record embraces what we have grown to become, said Sam Steele. We love playing music and I think that passion really shows on this record. The live record is slated to be released in February of 2006. Most recently Big City Sunrise was selected as one of four bands to be involved in the Searcharoo Contest created and sponsored by 92.9 Dave Fm of Atlanta. There were hundreds of submissions and the "Live at the Georgia Theatre" record was submitted and choosen by the staff of the station. Upon selection BCS was then voted into the top two finalist by more than six thousand participants. "What a great feeling," says Kevin Rainwater. "To have an overwhelming amount of support and encouragement from fans is a blessing; we can't say thank you enough." Unfortunately BCS wasn't selected for Bonnaroo, but their music and the power of their live performance was brought to a larger audience through several weeks of premium radio publicity and air play on one of the southeasts most notable stations. At the present BCS is in the studio in Athens, Georgia with John Keane, esteemed producer and engineer for legendary bands such as Widespread Panic, R.E.M, and Indigo Girls, working on their third record. We knew exactly who we wanted to produce and record our third album, say Jeff Bynum, John has an ear for musical detail that is unrivaled, and patience to bring out the best in the musicians he is working with. The record is slated for release in late 2006.

Rockinwood The Best 'Get Drunk Rock-N-Roll' you've ever heard. Danny Coulter, Whit Hawkins, Owen Hunt, Nick Lacis, Mike Walliser.

Walcott Rock&Roll and Poetry are long departed siblings. Melody is the vehicle that carries them back home to kick the shit out of whoever made them leave in the first place. Walcott thinks it's really funny to just gather round and watch the beating. "With variant tempo and chord changes...Walcott relies heavily on the almighty verse and chorus, delving into the solo only when good taste allows...Walcott is, to be clear, a rock band." - Metrospirit *http://www.myspace.com/walcott

Zac Brown Band When you first see Zac Brown in person you immediately get an infallible feeling that you’ve just encountered somebody very special. Only in his mid-20’s, Zac possesses an uncanny aura -- in both his personality and in his music -- that is beyond his young years. It is this aura that easily draws people into Zac’s World; a world of jam-packed gigs where post-collegiate kids rub elbows with blue-collar bikers; a world of “chicken-fried” mayhem where fans toast the sky (domestic beer in hand) to certain parts of songs. Zac’s love for the great outdoors, warm nights, cold beers, and people in general, comes through in his songs, which are one part personal and sentimental, and another part raucous and downright humorous. If Jimmy Buffet had a younger brother playing music in the Georgia wild, he might be Zac Brown. Zac’s style is acoustic-based, but don’t get the wrong idea, your jaw will drop as you bear witness to Zac’s frantic finger-pickin’, hand-thumpin’ nylon-stringed guitar solos. Zac grew up in Cumming, Georgia, with 11 brothers and sisters. In school he performed as a chamber singer in a chorus ensemble that brought him to Germany, the Czech Republic and a stint at Carnegie Hall. However, it was in high school that Zac started writing his own songs and gigging out. He found instant song-writing chemistry with good friend, Wyatt Durrette, who has partnered with Zac in writing some of their best songs. Zac was soon opening for national headliners Shawn Mullins, Angie Aparo, and even played a private gig for the Governor of Georgia. Zac has independently sold 5,000 copies of his first cd, “Far From Einstyne”, and 6,000 copies of his second cd, “Home Grown”. He’s a crowd-favorite and has been asked back repeatedly because of popular demand at events like Atlanta Braves games and the Rock Boat. In 2004, Zac’s love for food and cooking led him to open his own restaurant, Zac’s Place, on Lake Oconee, GA. In Zac’s own words: “Basically, I wanted a cool, relaxed place where I could play music in front of a crowd whenever I wanted when I was home and not on tour. We record every show and give out cd’s to all in attendance.” Almost immediately Zac fans showed up in droves at Zac’s Place. This proved to be another way for rabid fans to experience Zac. By stepping into Zac’s world in Lake Oconee, dining on his personal recipes, and kicking back listening to him by the lake, it was like living out one of Zac’s songs! So, if heaven is having “your toes in the water and ass in the sand” or “a cold beer on a Friday night” and wearing “jeans that fit just right”, you’ll swear Zac Brown is your guardian angel. - http://www.zacbrownband.com/about.html Concert Photography -- Kevin Quinn - brownbagphoto@gmail.com Live Recording -- Tyler Jefcoat Mastering and Editing -- Mike Ewing

Nelo Nelo formed in Austin, TX but quickly made the move to Athens, GA to reap the benefits of its ever-developing music scene. Since arriving to Athens, the band has already begun to turn the heads of both club owners and fans alike. The music is acoustic-based and layered with the melodic sounds of the saxophone and electric guitar. Nelo has tight songs that have been described best as joyful and emotional. The band packs its shows with a combination of original pop-rock songs and powerful, condensed jams that are both intriguing and danceable. Nelos music is as diverse as its many influences, which come from all genres of music.

Hope For Agoldensummer "Hope For Agoldensummer is a tribe of 5 musicians living & working in the fine towns of Athens & Atlanta, GA. Our rusty, gutter angel melodies are borne from many hours of collaboration in a cold, damp house. Separately and conjointly we are deeply passionate about the music with which we get involved. We strive to create beautiful, dynamic sounds by way of multi-instrumentation and soaring vocals. The songs we create in hope for agoldensummer are therapy and food; they are hatched from human emotion and experience, joy and fear, sorrow and complacence, dreams and reality. We released our first album in March of 2004."

Particle Particle is a jam band formed in Los Angeles in 2000. The original members were Steve Molitz (keyboard), Eric Gould (bass), and Darren Pujalet (drums). Guitarist Charlie Hitchcock joined shortly thereafter. Along with The Disco Biscuits and Sound Tribe Sector 9, the group was among the first to blend rock, jazz, funk, and electronica into the mileau of what has been dubbed "livetronica" (a subgenre of the jam band movement where live bands blend the structures of DJ-produced sequenced electronic music into a more traditional live band setting). Prior to 2006, the band's repertoire consisted entirely of instrumental material. The group made a name for itself and built an enthusiastic fan base, known as Particle People, by performing energetic late-night sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo. Reliance on word of mouth from fans, rather than advertising, allowed this group to sell out venues such as the Bowery Ballroom in New York City before they finally released their much anticipated first album, Launchpad, in early 2004. In April and May of 2005 the group toured with former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart as Hydra; the tour received mixed reviews from many Deadheads who were unaccustomed to Particle's intense, electronic-based approach. Bassist Phil Lesh, also of the Grateful Dead, sat in with the band that summer. Following their performance on the Xingolati Cruise in late 2005 the band dismissed Hitchcock from the group. This was a source of controversy in the months that followed, because the bands website stated that the departure was a mutual decision. Hitchcock, however, vehemently disagreed and went public by stating that he was summarily fired and was never able to overcome a "hired hand" stigma from the other bandmembers despite joining a mere six performances after the group's formation. Replacing Hitchcock were Ben Combe and Scott Metzger on guitars and vocals. Their first performance with the group in February 2006 was recorded, filmed, and released as Transformations: Live for the People that July. Featuring guest apperances by experimental rap duo Blackalicious, Robby Krieger of The Doors, guitar hero Joe Satriani, and DJ Logic, the album showcased the band exploring vocal-based music as well as incorporating more overt rock and hip-hop influences. In late July 2006 Scott Metzger had to leave Particle due to a family emergency that requires his long term attention.

Particle Particle is a jam band formed in Los Angeles in 2000. The original members were Steve Molitz (keyboard), Eric Gould (bass), and Darren Pujalet (drums). Guitarist Charlie Hitchcock joined shortly thereafter. Along with The Disco Biscuits and Sound Tribe Sector 9, the group was among the first to blend rock, jazz, funk, and electronica into the mileau of what has been dubbed "livetronica" (a subgenre of the jam band movement where live bands blend the structures of DJ-produced sequenced electronic music into a more traditional live band setting). Prior to 2006, the band's repertoire consisted entirely of instrumental material. The group made a name for itself and built an enthusiastic fan base, known as Particle People, by performing energetic late-night sets at festivals such as Bonnaroo. Reliance on word of mouth from fans, rather than advertising, allowed this group to sell out venues such as the Bowery Ballroom in New York City before they finally released their much anticipated first album, Launchpad, in early 2004. In April and May of 2005 the group toured with former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart as Hydra; the tour received mixed reviews from many Deadheads who were unaccustomed to Particle's intense, electronic-based approach. Bassist Phil Lesh, also of the Grateful Dead, sat in with the band that summer. Following their performance on the Xingolati Cruise in late 2005 the band dismissed Hitchcock from the group. This was a source of controversy in the months that followed, because the bands website stated that the departure was a mutual decision. Hitchcock, however, vehemently disagreed and went public by stating that he was summarily fired and was never able to overcome a "hired hand" stigma from the other bandmembers despite joining a mere six performances after the group's formation. Replacing Hitchcock were Ben Combe and Scott Metzger on guitars and vocals. Their first performance with the group in February 2006 was recorded, filmed, and released as Transformations: Live for the People that July. Featuring guest apperances by experimental rap duo Blackalicious, Robby Krieger of The Doors, guitar hero Joe Satriani, and DJ Logic, the album showcased the band exploring vocal-based music as well as incorporating more overt rock and hip-hop influences. In late July 2006 Scott Metzger had to leave Particle due to a family emergency that requires his long term attention.

Rockinwood The Best 'Get Drunk Rock-N-Roll' you've ever heard. Danny Coulter, Whit Hawkins, Owen Hunt, Nick Lacis, Mike Walliser.

Walcott Rock&Roll and Poetry are long departed siblings. Melody is the vehicle that carries them back home to kick the shit out of whoever made them leave in the first place. Walcott thinks it's really funny to just gather round and watch the beating. "With variant tempo and chord changes...Walcott relies heavily on the almighty verse and chorus, delving into the solo only when good taste allows...Walcott is, to be clear, a rock band." - Metrospirit *http://www.myspace.com/walcott

The Suex Effect Improvisational Kick Ass Rock. The Suex Effect (pronounced SWAY) is a psycadelic funk rock power trio that originated from Athens, Ga. It is composed of Ricky Barrett (Guitar), Jon Daniels (Drums), and Miles Karp (Bass) with all contributing to songwriting and vocals. The group is currently playing in the Athens, Atlanta and Augusta areas and plans on exploring the Southeast in the near future.

Me Talk Pretty Sprouting from the incestuous New York underground scene, Me Talk Pretty features a unique musical pedigree: Grounded in the majestic grunge-rock output of the 90s, and fused with the sensibilities of Spanish-born Leon Lyazidi (Guitars) and recent Romanian emigre Julia Preotu (Vocals), the band's sound is an amalgamation of Tool without the oppressive gloom and Bjork without the grating shrillness. Augmented by the rhythm section of James Kluz (drums) and Joseph Smith (bass), Me Talk Pretty dares to be different. They have garnered critical acclaim from mainstream publications such as 1340 Media, PopMatters.com, Alternative Addiction, Smother Magazine, Blog Critics, and Decoy Magazine with their first release; ANA (EP).

Calexico Joey Burns - vocals, guitar John Convertino - drums, percussion Paul Niehaus - pedal steel, guitar Jacob Valenzuela - keys, trumpet, vibes Martin Wenk - accordion, guitar, synthesizers, trumpet, vibes Volker Zander - upright + electric bass

Spam Allstars DJ Le Spam & the Spam Allstars blend improvisational electronic elements and turntables with latin, funk, hip hop and dub to create a sound that is unique ala electronic descarga. Spam Allstars include DJ Le Spam (Andrew Yeomanson) on turntables and samplers, Adam Zimmon on guitar, Tomas Diaz on timbales and vox, Lazaro Alfonso on congas, AJ Hill and Steve Welsh on saxes, Mercedes Abal on flute, and Chad Bernstein on trombone. (click here for more info on the band) In an effort to introduce their music to new fans, Spam Allstars have established residencies in select markets in the US. The first residencies began in their hometown in Little Havana, Miami, and Miami Beach. In 2002, they began a residency at SOB's in New York City. Currently they continue with monthly events in NYC, Miami, & Gainesville, as well as a weekly event in Little Havana. Spam Allstars perform 250+ shows per year in the US. In the summer of 2005 the band went to Europe sharing their version of electronic funk in everything from an underground Moroccan club in London, to the prestigious Roskilde Festival in Denmark. Spam Allstars over the years have recorded and performed with some amazing talent. In 2004 they were honored to collaborate and tour with Page McConnell's side project - Vida Blue. Vida Blues' Illustrated Band featured Page McConnell (Phish), Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band/Aquarium Rescue Unit) and Russell Batiste (the Funky Meters). The two bands recorded and toured together in 2004, as a 10 piece ensemble. A DVD of the Fillmore Concert in San Francisco was released in November 2004 world-wide. In the last year, the band had the privilege of performing and recording with legendary saxophonist, Pee Wee Ellis (JB Horns). They performed major US cities and in the UK, and were honored to have Pee Wee arrange and write material with the band for their upcoming release -electrodomesticos. In 2006, Spam Allstars also were invited to appear with superstar Daddy Yankee for his MTV $2 Bill show. Today Spam Allstars continue on with their non-stop touring, and sharing their version of electronic funk with as many people who care to listen.

The Ruins Adam learned his most important lesson in life so far, three years ago after submitting his first bio for the original Perpetual Groove web site. In his greatest achievements, Adam jokingly listed hiking the Appalachian Trail, which we all know never happened. I mean lets face it, the kid is lazy and there is not a chance in hell he could even do a mile of the AT. Well, incredibly, there were quite a few people who asked, and were disappointed to find out that Adam never did such a thing. Since then, Adam has never lied about anything else. Although Adam spends the majority of his time playing bass for Perpetual Groove, his real passion his is side project The Adam Perry Polka Players. The need to fulfill his love for acting and polka music developed into this tour de force that features a full polka band and a cast of players enacting all of his favorite movie scenes. Currently, they are hard at work adapting some of his favorite video game cinemas to the live stage. The group tours sporadically throughout southern Florida. Adam originates from Cleveland, OH. The home of rock n' roll, or at least the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame. He is the middle child in a line-up of next generation Perry entertainers. His little sister is an actress and his brother plays guitar in the heavy metal act, Red Giant. When not on the road, Adam usually focuses his time on writing and hanging out with his dog Jaco. Once in a blue moon, you may catch him sitting in with Brock somewhere around Savannah. Adam's presence onstage is marked by the often unused microphone stand. Good for quips in between songs and to make general sales announcements, i.e., "Uhhhh, we have some albums for sale....," the microphone rarely sees any additional action. Rumors of a past vocal presence have emerged and been proven by old tapes of Perpetual Groove. The stand is there. The microphone is on. One day, it could happen. We are listening. In the meantime, check out Adam's audio sketchbook.