AMERICAN JAM

GALACTIC

Opening set by Monophonics

Galactic was formed eighteen years ago in New Orleans, and has become one of the standouts on the jam-band scene. They are a collaborative band with a unique format, and although they do not have a lead singer, they are not purely an instrumental group. Galactic is part of a diverse community of musicians, and in their own studio, with Mercurio and Ellman producing, they have the luxury of experimenting. So on their albums, they do something that’s unusual in rock: they create something that’s a little like a revue, a virtual show featuring different vocalists (mostly from New Orleans) and instrumental soloists each taking their turn on stage in the Galactic sound universe. They are beloved by fans for their hard-grooving collective improvisations and positive up-tempo melodies. Their new album, Carnivale Electricos, evokes the electric atmosphere of whole cities vibrating together all on the same day, from New Orleans all down the hemisphere to the mighty mega carnivals of Brazil.

Over the past seven years, Monophonics have staked their claim as one of the west coast’s premier bands. Raised amid the rich musical culture of San Francisco, Monophonics has proudly carried on the tradition of music native to their hometown, which flourished during the birth of Funk music and Psychedelic Soul. The foundation of the band is the blistering funky drums of Austin Bohlman and soulful bass playing of Myles O’Mahony, fuzzy echo guitars by Ian McDonald, a powerhouse horn section made up of Ryan Scott, Nadav Nirenberg & Alex Baky and the swirling organ & dynamic vocals of Kelly Finnigan. The result is a heavy sound which harkens back to the styling of the late 60’s and early 70’s, all while keeping its feet planted firmly in the present.