Looking for something fun to do on your Friday night? Join rock infused, jazz trio Dear Havanah at Jackie O's Irish Pub and Brewery tonight at 9pm for a free concert.That's right, I said free! The Boston-based band, formed in 2008, is currently in the middle of their Ohio Sun Tour, promoting an upcoming album set for release sometime this summer.
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After playing a free, two-hour show at the Front Room coffee house in Baker University Center Wednesday night, they'll be rocking out again tonight - in a show not only free for students, but for anyone in Athens looking to have a locally brewed beer and listen to some good music.
Not everything free is worth it, but I tell you, this show will definitely be.
Connor Ridic Goddard of the University Program Council (UPC), the program behind booking the band for the University, said, "they are so excited to be back in Athens since last spring." This is the band's second year in a row playing at Ohio University. Last year, they made a stop in Athens to promote their first album, Chasing Butterflies, which was released in December of 2008.
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Band members consist of Colin Healy on electric bass, Mike Blong on drums, percussion and background vocals, and Dan Htoo-Levine, lead vocalist, acoustic guitarist, and harmonicist who, according to the band's website, has been writing songs and strumming the acoustic guitar since the age of 11.
"I saw these guys on their trip through last year, and they rocked," said Lee Santelle, junior Ohio University student majoring in audio production. "Their brand of tight country/blues is hard to do, and they do it well. Good show."
Their honest lyrics, rhythmic hooks and laid-back shows are what make them unique.
Laura Baskin, junior Ohio University student majoring in psychology agrees. "I really liked their acoustic feel."
The band is slowly making themselves nationally known as they tour clubs and college campuses from the Northeast across the Midwest. In the recording studio, Dear Havanah is currently collaborating with Alan Evans, drummer of Soulive, a jazz/funk trio originating from Buffalo, New York. Evans is working on producing their untitled album at Playonbrother Studios in Hatfield, Ma.
(http://www.dearhavanah.com/img/head_bg.jpg)From Left: Colin Healy, Dan Htoo-Levine and Mike Blong.
This year, the trio is accompanied on their tour by a horn section, including two saxophone players, an organ player and electric guitarist, giving the group a new edge to their sound.
Blong, originally from Hudson, OH, describes the band as being influenced by many styles of music, but particularly the works of the Black Crowes and Dave Matthews Band, as described in an article in The Post. I went to high school with Blong, and he is a talented musician who played percussion in both marching and concert bands, participated in the percussion ensemble and went on to attend the Berklee College of Music. I've been appreciative of Blong's musicianship for years, and when I heard he was in a new band I was immediately interested.
Since Dear Havanah came to perform at OU last year, I've been a fan. I've now seen them twice, and with up-beat and engaging music, these energetic musicians never fail to put on a fantastic performance. Here are a few pictures from Wednesday night's show.
If you're curious about their sound, check out the video below. With enticing lyrics and a great feel, this live performance of "The Rain" features the full band and is definitely my favorite song of theirs. If you like what you hear, definitely stop buy Jackie O's tonight - it'll be well worth it. Also, the band is offering 3 free download off Chasing Butterflies on their website, so definitely check that out as well.
So take a break from paying covers, Athens, and worry only about paying for your drinks tonight. Come out, sit back, and enjoy the show... for free!
Follow the boys on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook, or read their band blog here.
