 Thursday, December 8, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
$7.00
To understand the hype surrounding this self proclaimed Shanty Rock quartet out of Binghamton, NY. Catch them at a festival or club and you will surely not be disappointed. But to really see why they are catching so much buzz, follow them around for a few shows. Climbing out of two hatchbacks one by one, they rustle out a Banjo, Guitar and Violin and a Bass and start to warm up before a show in a small café in New Paltz, NY. They play for maybe 40 people and are off to play a rock club in Providence, RI the next night. They play the opening slot for maybe 100 people and are off to New York City for a show in nighttime show in the village but they start the day in Washington Square playing for tips. From show to show whether theres three hundred people or five, a stage, lights, or just a sidewalk with some foot traffic there is one constant; There is something so unbelievably contagious and sincere about the music that flows out of them that no matter where they are, people listen.
It is obvious that there is a strong influence from the traditional American Roots/ Rock artists such as, Bob Dylan or The Band or even Hank Williams along with the modern string band music of today like Old Crow Medicine Show or The Avett Brothers. But there is another side to this band that pays homage to the Pop Rock of the 60s, the simple straight forward lines of the Classical Period and even the more obscure, popular songwriters of today such as Regina Spektor. Whatever the influences or the sounds, from ballads to up tempo rock feels, the songs are beautiful and the energy is off the chart.
Formed in late 2005 the band spent about four years playing just about anywhere they could. We just wanted to be able to play for any crowd and turn heads says banjo player Joe Kollar. We played everywhere. Coffee houses, bars, churches, rock clubs, bluegrass festivals and the streets
a lot on the streets. We didnt make any money but what we learned was invaluable.
After building an incredibly loyal local and regional following they spent the last two years reaching out into bigger audience. With constant trips to New York City and a grueling touring schedule spanning from Providence, RI to Austin, TX to Portland OR to Buffalo NY they have managed to build a fast growing national fan base.
Now after cutting their first full length studio album in Brooklyn this winter they are ready to share their songs with the rest of the world. Brooklyn based producer Brian Kane saw the band in Manhattan last fall and was so intrigued that he asked if they would be interested in recording at his Three Egg Studios. The band obliged and in late January they laid down ten tracks with Kane. With a release date set for November 2011 and a nonstop touring schedule they are busier than ever.
What's best about Driftwood is how the group communicates to a variety of demographics, beating down stereotypes and proving that good music is just good music -Syracuse New Times
This is a fantastic discovery, There is something great here Record Producer Eric Paul- Willie Nelson, Towns VanZandt, Emmylou Harris, etc.
"Driftwood is a serious force on the Upstate NY music scene. Wrapping together all manner of musics that fall under the "Americana" blanket, combining "holy smokes, didja see that?" instrumentalism with "holy smokes, didja hear that?" lyrics, they're a fast-rising force to be reckoned with!" - Grass Roots Festival of Music and Dance
*Times listed are when doors open. Music typically begins one hour later. Prices listed are for tickets only, an additional $5 door charge may apply for those under age 21 at our 18 and over shows.
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