Grand Stafford Theater presents

Thursday January 24th, 2013

Doors at 8:00 PM

Tickets $8 presale / $10 at the door

GORDY QUIST & ED JURDI (FROM BAND OF HEATHENS)

Gordy Quist & Ed Jurdi are two of the founding members of the Austin-based Band of Heathens.

The Band of Heathens has been honored as Best New Band at the Austin Music Awards, and has been nominated in various categories at the Americana Music Awards over the past few years. The Wall Street Journal’s Jim Fusilli called theirs the best set at South By Southwest 2009. And the rest of the press has been equally effusive: The Dallas Morning News calls them ‘a must-see show.’ Maverick magazine says they’re ‘magnificent.’ For The Chicago Tribune, the band felt ‘refreshingly different,’ and The New York Times called their show at Brooklyn’s Union Hall ‘hungry, unflagging and lean.’

The Band of Heathens continues to be distinguished by creative collaboration and their epic live shows, which have earned them a strong fan base of folks who appreciate improvisation and a good jam, but crave a great song. And while songwriting and vocal duties are chiefly handled by the guys at the front of the stage, they are decidedly a five man band, benefitting from the equal input of all. It is truly a band that needs to evolve to survive, and the fans have rewarded that growth at every turn.

Band of Heathens on Facebook | Band of Heathens on Twitter | Official Website

BLUE BEAR

Blue Bear is a 5-piece indie/folk band based in Austin, Texas. Following in the footsteps of their biggest influences, Fleet Foxes and Grizzly Bear, Blue Bear has quickly gained a reputation for their infectious melodies and impeccable four-part harmonies.

Band founders, and former high school classmates, Brandon Aguilar and Jeremy Holmsley started the band in the Summer of 2011, quickly recruited another former classmate, Casey Arthur, and played as an acoustic trio for several months, performing at open mic venues in Austin. The three recorded the first EP in January and by February of 2012, the full band performed for the first time (with yet another former classmate, Jeremy Wilkinson, on drums and Holmsley on bass). They quickly recruited bass player and vocalist Khoury Moore, not only to hold down the bass, but to add a fourth harmony.

In May of 2012, Blue Bear won The Recording Conservatory of Austin’s 6th Annual “Unsigned Artist Competition,” after competing against bands from across the country in an online vote-getting contest, as well as a final 4 showcase in front of industry reps. In June, they were handpicked to be the featured band at The Art Institute of Austin’s “Summer Studio 2012,” a week of master classes and workshops for high school students interested in pursuing audio engineering, photography, graphic design, and more.

Blue Bear has mesmerized crowds all over the central Texas area with their unique sound and intricate harmonies. They are quickly building a dedicated fan base in the Austin area and are currently working on their second EP.

Blue Bear on Facebook | Blue Bear Band on Twitter | Official Website

SECOND LOVERS

Second lovers is a 6 piece Indie Folk band from Houston, TX. The band was formed in 2010 after the splitting of Lunara. Second Lovers started as a series of recordings done by Nic Morales with Santiago Perez. Upon completing an EP, Nic asked Kathy Garza, Henry Largo, and Ashley Parker to assist in performing the tracks locally. In the summer of 2012 the band released their debut album “Wishers, Dreamers, & Liars” and has received outstanding reviews. Currently the band is touring, writing, and excited about playing a show near you! The band has played several festivals including the Main Street Block Party, Spring Forward Festival, The Houston Wine Festival, Free Press Summer Fest, The Big Spill, and Montrose Winter Social.

Second Lovers on Facebook | Second Lovers on Twitter | Official Website

VOTARY

Votary is a four-piece pop band hailing from College Station, TX. Votary began as an acoustic trio in a dorm at Texas A&M University. After performing at coffee houses and open mic venues for a year, Votary introduced two new members and became the full band that performs today. Soon after becoming a full band, Votary won the Texas A&M Battle of the Bands competition and quickly began gaining popularity in the College Station area. Votary is currently recording their first album which is set to be released in the Spring of 2013. Votary’s sound has been compared to Ben Rector, Parachute, and Ben Folds. The bands current lineup is: Jack Thweatt-Vocals/Guitar, Travis Thompson-Keyboards, Michael Burgess-Bass, Conner Wright-Drums. Some of Votary’s past shows include: Tri-Delta Gameday at Wolf Pen Creek, Theta Fiesta, Elephant Walk at TAMU, and Relay for Life.

Votary on Facebook | Official Website