Other Bands

"Within the apocalyptic resonance of this shout, 10,000 sparkling daisies will bloom at the end of a gun and force their roots down through the barrel in order to make Love to the trigger, of this we are sure." -Flowpoetry

VGHT's original jam-based songs and poems transport audiences on a creatively wild and transformational trip through darkness and into the light. Spoken of by fans as "A Cerebral Groove" and "Sacred Existential Fusion Rock," VGHT brings a sense of passion and performance to every live show. The Trolley's appearances include festivals such as The Tall Tree Lake Music Festival (Goreville, IL), The Muddy River Jam Fest (Woodstown, NJ), The Overgrown Music & Arts Festival (Belmont, NY), The Michigan Peace Fest (Lacota, MI), The 40th Annual Midwest Harvest Fest (Madison, WI) and over 200 performances from Wisconsin to New York City.

Praised by the media and fans alike for their new approach to words and intense yet chilled psychedelic jam, VGHT has emerged as originators of their own genre. The band has held the position as the #1 Jam Band in Madison, WI on ReverbNation since May of 2011 and was recently voted as one of the top 3 experimental music groups in Madison's Isthmus Newspaper's "Reader's
Favorites" 2011 poll. Madison newspapers (The Capitol Times and The Onion AV Club, to name a few) have selected VGHT as the Critic's Choice for music event of the evening 17 times. The band was recently signed to The Homegrown Music Network national distribution community of bands (the roster includes Keller Williams, Lotus, and STS9 among many others). The Trolley is groovin' down the tracks!

Venice Gas House Trolley features Flowpoetry, a finalist for the 2009 MNSWA "Urban Griot" International/National Performer of the Year and a three- time Madison Area Music Awards finalist. VGHT encapsulates the dirty 1960s rock of Jefferson Airplane, the slinky but aggressive and funky grooves of Claypool, the eccentric and experimental sounds of Zappa, the eclectic jam and
fun attitude of Phish, the rockin' hip-hop and reggae beats of 311, and the flowin' words of Tom Waits. Through this creative mix, the band has released three full length domestic CDs and has placed tracks on British compilations.

“[VGHT is] tribal, ambient, dreamy...makes the relationship between words and music feel new again." The Isthmus (Madison, WI)"...slinky-funky...melodic...atmospheric....” The Onion (Madison) A.V. Club

“[Flowpoetry's] spoken word over jazz-funk-rock-jam." The WI Capital Times 77 Square Entertainment Section

"…'Original' only begins the discussion [and VGHT] presents a fresh take on the music of the “jam scene” today. …'Jam rock' sensibility fuse(d) with an 'art rock' mentality….Truly exotic, one-of-a-kind…." The Homegrown Music Network

Founded in 2001, Dub Is A Weapon has set out on a mission to curate the history of dub reggae by offering their unique perspective of dub studio techniques live on stage. The band has spent the last 10 years honing their craft on stage through headlining club tours across the country, supporting the likes of Antibalas, John Brown’s Body, Easy Star All Stars, as well as providing the backing music for the legend of the scene Mr. Lee “Scratch” Perry on his tours throughout North America.  Dub Is A Weapon’s national debut record titled Vaporized (released on April 26, 2011 by Harmonized Records) has managed to bring all those experiences together in a studio effort that was recorded in the tradition of old jazz records: live in studio.  “From the Black Ark days of Lee Perry to Tubby's Waterhouse dubs and discipleship of King Jammy, it's good to see that DIAW are carrying on the torch for dub fans worldwide. Vaporized not only exemplifies the evolution of dub but pays tribute to its history by retaining key characteristics that make quality dub music what it is.” (Chuck Reinemann)

Officially formed 4 years ago in Chicago, and with roots dating back to the mid 90′s Strange Arrangement is a progressive jazz funk rock hybrid with an emphasis on lyrics, songwriting, and compositional sections. Utilizing out of the box time signatures, left of center harmonies, and catchy melodies Strange Arrangement has quickly become a must see act in the Midwest, making their move from bars/clubs to small theaters/music halls in just a few short years.  Aptly dubbed happy progressive funk, Strange Arrangement draws on influences from 70′s rock, modern day jambands, folk, and jazz legends.  A Strange Arrangement show will take its audience through a myriad of different sonic landscapes based on the philosophy of creating a moment in time, weaving the idea and art of improvisation carefully through their collection of original material to make each performance a unique experience for their audience and themselves alike.

With the release of “Polygraph” their 2nd full length album in four years on January 18th, 2011 and making waves in the Midwest festival scene in 2010 with appearances at Summer Camp, Hoxeyville, Rootwire, and North Coast, Strange Arrangement fans, appropriately named “Strangers”, have continued to come out to their shows to be a part of their ever evolving sound.  2011 will find Strange Arrangement stretching farther away from their home base of Chicago and making their way from CO, to NY, to FL as more and more “Strangers” find their sound and live performances an exhilarating and fresh alternative to the jamband genre.

The 2007 release of the band’s acclaimed double-disc debut album, Whale, launched THP into the national limelight with considerable international airtime on Sirius Satellite’s Jam-On and its sister station XM. Festival darlings at Bonnaroo, moe.down, Langerado, NO’s Jazzfest and Pet Zoo, which was created in their namesake, The Heavy Pets are notorious for performances filled with hot electric licks, multi-climactic instrumental solos and lyrics chalk-full of inspired philosophical leanings. Once called a “a living, breathing, force of nature” by Dan Sweeny of Relix magazine the band has the uncanny ability to capture the same spirited sound that makes up their live performance on wax and deliver it in a radio friendly format that sounds as good on the airwaves as it does booming from the main stage.

With five skilled musicians who are all also lyricists and songwriters, THP was first embraced in the jam scene for their raw talent and tenacious commitment to making diverse music with remarkable on-the-spot-improvisation. But like their cross-over sound, The Heavy Pets themselves have transcended boundaries, crossing a bridge few bands survive intact - into the periphery of mainstream music through upbeat, danceable, homegrown, skillfully executed tunes and passionate live shows that keep crowds lining up for more.

The Heavy Pets explosive live performances and contageous original tunes showcase a distinctive rock-funk-fusion that incorporates elements of rhythm and blues, jazz-funk, rock and roll and even a tasty blend of reggae for good measure. Their deep catalog of originals is captured on several live and studio recorded CD’s including, Whale, Slow Motion Conductor, Live from the Outer Banks, Live from the 9:30 Club, Heavy Air, and the latest release, self-titled "The Heavy Pets. A touring powerhouse, the band has a large national tour in works alongside a new acoustic album yet to be released in late 2011.

An artistic kinship exists among the members of the Silo Effect, as their unique playing style is rooted in diverse musical foundations.

Silo creates an experience that blends elements of funk, and electronic music. contagious dance grooves- wide open to space and time. Members of the Silo Effect are joined by a common link; a commitment to offer listeners colorful sonic landscapes, invigorating performances, and the message of higher consciousness. The strong circle of Silo friends and family have remained a driving force and inspiration for the band's past, current, and future endeavors.

2011 brings Silo new travels, and a desire to ignite fresh sounds with infectious grooves. The band has continued to work hard in crafting their own brew of electronic space-rock. The Silo Effect is here to provide an authentic adventure for the soul and the body; always energetic and magnetic, intent on avoiding repetitive, over-produced styles crowding the modern live music scene, rather connecting directly to their listeners, and to the moment. By blending genres of expression, raging uncharted ventures in sound and space, and reaching for innovative approaches to live performance community involvement, they remain true to their unique creation of musical experience. Silo thrives on their ability to leave the audience with an original mark of unified elation.

Chapel Hill's Lizzy Ross Band fuses jazz and folk music with dirty blues, rock and soul. Ross' commanding, versatile, and expressive voice has been compared to such artists as Regina Spektor, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell and Grace Potter. The band's tight arrangements range from subtly complimentary to virtuosically explosive. Creating high energy, soulful music that is intelligent, danceable, and unique.

The Lizzy Ross Band includes Lizzy Ross on vocals and rhythm guitar, Jock Pyle on electric guitar, Brett Hart on bass, and Drew Daniel on percussion.


In June 2010 Lizzy Ross released her debut solo album, Traces. Nominated for HGMN's (Home Grown Music Network) 2010 album of the year, Traces has been met with critical acclaim for the passion and "beautiful songwriting" it contains. The Lizzy Ross Band plans to release their highly anticipated debut CD 'Read Me Out Loud' this fall followed by an extensive tour along the East Coast.

Unable to find a niche with other bands, and deeply involved in reading the works of the Discordian religious founder Kerry Thornley and of Robert Anton Wilson as well as that of his own consciousness, Dave set out to make his own path with his own music and a different philosophy based in genre bending, originality, and a drive to sound as different as possible.

Discordian Society released its first EP "Figments" (no longer available) in 2003. The EP met with light success and thus began Dave's foray into engineering and production. In 2005, Discordian Society released "Rise of the Molecule", their first full length CD. Receiving good reviews, moderate airplay and healthy release sales, "Rise of the Molecule" helped set the stage for the coming years of writing and touring. In 2007 Dave moved to Asheville, NC, reformed the band, and began work on their 2nd full length CD "Primordial Soup" as well as several small regional tours. In 2008 Discordian Society had the privilege of opening for Psychedelic Legends Ozric Tentacles and released the nights live performance as a limited edition EP. It also provided Dave with the opportunity to showcase some of the new music slated for the next album. In March of 2010 Discordian Society released the long awaited "Primordial Soup". It has garnered excellent reviews and is slowly working its way up the charts.

With the success of "Primordial Soup", regional and national touring, and rave reviews of their live performance, Dave's Discordian Society has etched a place in the musical landscape in which lovers of all genres can find a scenic view. With the recent announcement of a 3rd album slated for 2011, Discordian Society is quickly finding itself on the radar as a band to be watched.

JazzChronic came into their own through their March 2009 CD release "Share the Wealth." This genre-jumping production incorporates soul, funk, acid-jazz, and rock to literally share the riches of musical talent and collaboration. JazzChronic's grooves are well balanced with a professional sound. "Share the Wealth" is innovative, creative and truly creates a powerful musical experience. JazzChronic is all about fusing all genres of music into grooves that you can use. If you are "crusin' for some fusion," then JazzChronic is the band for you!

"This innovative and creative work truly creates a powerful musical experience that will, in the words of the band, "melt your mind." As the latter half of the name of the band's name alludes, be sure to stock-up on your MJ, sit back and realize the musical experience."
- Will Hackett, The Athens Blur Magazine

"They know exactly who they are and that is exactly what they do. And exactly why this CD gets an A+ review from me. It is not bias, it is what it is; JazzChronic came into their own through "Share the Wealth." What more could you ask for than a first album to, not only define who they are, but show how far you have come."
- Whitney Conner, The Voice

"Well-balanced grooves with a professional sound, subtle without being too complicated. Suited as background tunes and clubbing as well. Our top tracks: Openly Closed, Soul True and Spank your Mom. Duration: 66.04 (12 tracks) Genre: Jazz | Fusion Labeled: Recommended" -www.jazzandsoul.eu, www.jazzandsoul.eu

Lefevre called Funke, who had occasionally sat in with Deep Banana. Funke describes his early take on the project: "I was initially interested in it because it was going to be blues-infused rock, something I was gravitating toward, and then the first time I heard Danny's music I thought, Wow! This stuff is really good. I'd better play really well. I'd better do this!"

A few days later, they called back and we went into my studio and started to record stuff. We had no drummer yet and we weren't doing any gigs. We just wanted to see how it would all come together and how we would connect as musicians."

Both Funke and Lefevre said this kind of collaborative, organic style is one they've settled into nicely both as a full blown rock band, and as an acoustic trio. They both credit Labich with bringing the inspiration to the table with his songs. "Danny will write something really great and then we'll all work together to flesh it out, adding our own nuances to each piece," said Lefevre. 

"Danny comes with flashes of mirrored genius. We then take his idea and try and reflect that back to him with our own perspectives on it. It's a nice process and we all honor the connection."

Dan Labich: lead vocalist, acoustic guitar
Benj LeFevre: Bass guitar
Randy Funke: electric guitars
Eric Kalb: drums

Big Daddy Love's 'Appalachian Rock'- a unique and natural blend of rock, roots and grass- has put this North Carolina quintet on the radars of music lovers throughout North America and beyond.  Live, with the lights on and the volume up, Big Daddy Love (BDL) stretches the music out with top notch pickin' and grinnin' and delivers a stompin' good time rich with authentic Carolina soul. Twang, rock hooks, psychedelia and lyrical complexity work together seamlessly to create a refreshing, original sound. Like a typical Southern rock line-up, the interplay between the twin leads instruments- Stratocaster riffs and soaring Allman-esque slide guitar on the one hand, and electric and acoustic 5-string Scruggs / Fleck style banjo picking on the other- leads the charge. Supported by a rhythm section that is equally at home in a groove or driving the bus with country, swing, funk or straight ahead rock, the musicians create a striking instrumental dynamic that ranges from bombastic assaults to soothing grooves. Above the mix, fiery lead vocals and soulful harmonies call attention to the good-natured, yet thoughtful sincerity of the words.

Whereas BDL's high energy live show has garnered them a strong, passionate following throughout the Southeastern US, into the Mid-Atlantic and as far as Chicago and The Rockies, the authentic song-craft and undeniable musicianship of the band- as heard in their studio recordings- has resonated with audiences throughout the ether and generated demand beyond the markets where they currently perform. Their debut recording, To The Mountain, received glowing reviews, such as this one from Belgium: "...if you are a fan of The Allman Brothers Band or Drive-By Truckers, but you are open to bluegrass elements, then this CD really is a must." Closer to home, North Carolina music media staple Mountain Xpress said: "From start to finish, To The Mountain is a captivating album that alludes to a dynamic live show. If the musicians dabble in a variety of styles it's only because, well, they can. And certain elements-- a tightly-coiled energy always threatening to explode within each song, a choice group of collaborators, flawless musicianship and compelling vocals-- provide a palpable thread throughout." The record was picked up as a favorite spin by Americana and AAA radio stations throughout the region, including taste-maker WNCW in Spindale, NC. The buzz created by To The Mountain and "The Love Bus"- the band's passionate North Carolina fans who were sparing the music online and traveling to see runs shows- landed BDL on an agency roster and on the lineup for Floyd Fest, where they won the prestigious "Under The Radar" contest for the best new artist at the large, Virginia event. The fresh, vital sound and energized performance of this new band simply blew people away, and with the fan-voted award under their belts, Big Daddy Love returned home and began to build their grass roots following in earnest.

To The Mountain was a snapshot of a young band realizing the power of their vision, stretching the boundaries of their influences while celebrating their Appalachian roots. The 2011 follow-up, Let It Grow (Little King Records), represented a more seasoned band- both on the road and in their personal lives- but it remained consistent in terms of its broad subject matter, it's sincerity and it's dynamic. Big Daddy Love's signature Appalachian Rock sound was further refined in this collection of songs that seamlessly picked up where To The Mountain left off. Critics were impressed, to say the least. FAME (acousticmusic.com) opined: "An interesting blend of folk grass, prog-grass, country, rock, and hillbilly plaint, Big Daddy Love's Let It Grow reminds strongly of the '60s and '70s when psychedelia and experimentation were entering the roots music genre quite handily, much thanks to the Dead, Barefoot Jerry, Kaleidoscope, and various ahead-of-their-time look-back-fondly groove merchants. The instrumental key is the up-front guitar work of Joey Recchio and banjo playing of Brian Swenk, a pair strikingly contrasted while perfectly indexed. Big Daddy Love, y'see, always cuts an eye to what most of us miss, and Daniel Smith is one hell of a composer, writer and singer. That's what those shivers climbing up your spine ...are telling you." John Shelton Ivany, the storied published, editor and music critic for magazines ranging from Hit Parade to Creem, stated in his blog (JSITop21.com) that "Big Daddy Love's Let It Grow combines rock and hillbilly with joy. This is truly an extraordinary album and you must check it out. One of the best albums of the year." Americana radio seemed to agree, and by the end of 2011, Big Daddy Love had hit #36 in the national AMA (Americana) charts, #5 in the Homegrown Music chart of specialty shows and had received a number of nominations for album of the year in multiple forums.

By the end of 2011 it was clear that BDL was one of the most important new bands to watch in the East Coast roots rock and Americana community. It was also clear that life on the road was taking it's toll on Daniel Smith, the band's lead singer and principal songwriter. In April of 2012, Smith resigned. His replacement was found in Scott Moss, the vocalist / songwriter and rhythm guitarist for Evergreen- a Shelby, NC country / bluegrass band- who shared the stage with BDL at a Little King showcase in Asheville. As much as Smith's departure impacted the band on a personal level, it provided an opportunity: his family obligations had been a limiting factor in the band's ability to tour and grow their fan base. With a fresh start and Moss on board, Swenk, Recchio, bassist Ashley Sutton and drummer Scotty Lewis made their first trip to Chicago and Colorado in May, 2012, and they are not looking back.

Essentially organic in both disposition and composition, Big Daddy Love's infectious positive energy, "on the sleeve" sincerity and first rate musicianship is a breath of fresh air in a roots Americana landscape that is more-and-more represented over the last few of years by bands from places far removed from the roots themselves, who have adopted a more cynical posture to the idiom. Big Daddy Love may well be the antidote to this erosion of the roots sound, despite being- in many ways- a blue collar rock band with Appalachian flavor.