Earlier today, Circles Around The Sun announced six shows in January 2018–including a return to Brooklyn Bowl for the 18th annual Freak’s Ball on January 19th. While the Neal Casal-led, Grateful Dead-inspired group is a very exciting slot for the annual gathering, the announcement immediately raised eyebrows about whether or not this would mean Joe Russo’s Almost Dead would be included on the bill. Joe Russo’s Almost Dead originally formed as a one-off band for the 2013 edition of the long-running Freaks Ball–organized by the famous Freaks List of New York–and the band holds a special relationship with the group of fans who helped mold them. While JRAD will not be returning for the 2018 Freaks Ball, bandleader Joe Russo will keep his tradition going with another project, Hola!

Circles Around The Sun Announce 2018 Tour Dates, Studio Album Recording Plans

Hola! is an ultra-rare group comprised of Joe Russo, Scott Metzger, Andy Hess, and Avi Bortnick. Having only performed under this moniker a handful of times, the Freaks Ball occasion will inevitably invite new and exploratory jams based on the music of Avi Bortnick. Circles Around The Sun, featuring Neal Casal, Adam MacDougall, Mark Levy, and Dan Horne, will headline the event, with Kevin Kendrick (DJ Set) spinning before, between and after the sets. Check out some videos of the band during a performance at Nublu 151 on September 22nd, 2017, below, courtesy of Avi Bortnick!

Hola!, “Bob Barker”

Hola!, “Vespa Rider”

There will be a Brooklyn Bowl Venue Pre Sale on Thursday, December 7th at 1:00pm EST, with a regular on sale on Friday, December 8th at 1:00pm EST. Head here for ticketing information.

[cover photo by Sam Shinault]