Biography
Since 2003, Craig's style of live entertainment has been a force to be reckoned with in Central Massachusetts. With varying musical backgrounds, Craig is a modern day rock band. Highly energetic and entertaining, their music is progressive, groove-oriented, heavy, poppy, and classic, all rolled into one. This experienced rock band has wowed audiences all over New England, playing over 100 gigs a year. With singer/songwriter Sam James (vocals/guitar) added to the band in 2006, and Jason Graham (bass/vocals) added in 2007, the band is rounded out with founding members Chris Conte (drums) and Paul Courchaine (guitar/vocals). The group of twenty-somethings have a knack for getting noticed, and with a very loyal fan base and highly publicized promotions their shows always have an energy unlike any other.
The two founding members formed the band while attending high school in Worcester, MA. Paul Courchaine went on to earn a degree in music, while Chris Conte completed a music minor. The band continued their extensive practice and performance schedule through even the busiest times, recently sharing a bill with American Idol finalists Kevin Covais and Melissa McGhee. The addition of Sam James in February of 2006 completed the group, and added an experienced and respected musician to the already talented group. Fresh off an extended east coast tour, Sam has performed alongside such well-known artists as Third Eye Blind, Robert Randolph, John Popper, Rusted Root, Chuck Berry, Kid Rock, and the Pussycat Dolls. He has also performed on the Fox 25 morning news and ended 2007 on the USO tour for the troops.
Craig was Worcester Magazine's 2005 Turtle Boy Music Award winners for both Best New Band and Best Live Band, and received several nominations in 2006, winning the write in best Emo, best at self promotions and most improved. They were also one of Boston Globe's Spotlight Picks. They have been featured in the Worcester Telegram, the Worcester Magazine, and the Pulse magazine.
Charlene Arsenault, the events editor of Worcester Magazine described the band as a hard-working, promotion powerhouse, "With a newly defined sound and a strong following, Craig's an easily recognizable name around these parts." (Worcester Magazine, Volume 31, Number 47).
Their live shows are something of a legend in Central Massachusetts. Hila Bernstein of the Pulse magazine tried to explain just what it was that brings people out to Craig shows. "The band has a number of dedicated F.O.C.s (Fans of Craig), so they try to keep their shows fresh…there are jokes, contests and plenty of opportunities for the audience to get involved. Plus, Craig's members are accomplished musicians and often improvise during live performances, reworking their songs and covers." (The Pulse, Entertainment Beat, February 2005)
Hey Craig! Hope to see you at "Start in the Park" at the Beaver Brook Park in Worcester on June 1st! We'll have a table with sign up sheets to volunteer on the feature film that we'll be shooting this summer!! We're looking for artists, actors, musicians, dancers--stop by and say hello!!
Hopefully the delightful sounds of Craig will be all that I can hear on Saturday! It's been so long since I have seen a show! I can't wait to see you all! Are you still covering Business Time? You must have some new music by now, huh? Can't wait!!
not to much just got back from the dominican :) loved that and visiting paul in new orleans next week :) bringin my puppy with me on the plane we'll see how that goes!! haha and hows CRAIG these days...
30 Nov 2007 20:00 Audrey Can’t Die, Serious Face, Safer by The Shore @ Worthen Attic 1 Dec 2007 9:00 Strangefolks The Windfalls, The Brew, Dusty Cobb @ Tammany Hall 1 Dec 2007 20:00 Duty Free, The Jelley Fund, Maganahans Revival, The Sift @ Worthen Attic 8 Dec 2007 20:00 Now Denial and More TBA @ Worthen Attic 14 Dec 2007 9:00 Uncle Billys Smokehouse @ Gardner Ale House 15 Dec 2007 20:00 SPLINT @ Worthen Attic 22 Dec 2007 20:00 Green Star, The Cold Pilgrims, The Mores @ Worthen Attic 28 Dec 2007 21:00 Serious Face @ Worthen Attic 29 ..he Locksmiths, Nabo Rawk, J.Sinn, Knetk Dialekt @ Worthen Attic 29 Dec 2007 20:00 Uncle Billys Smokehouse @ Pearl St Night Club 5 Jan 2008 20:00 The End @ The Brewery Exchange 12 Jan 2008 20:00 CRAIG, Weight of Gravity, Soulstice @ Tammany Hall 12 Jan 2008 20:00 Murphys Law - Details TBA 17 Jan 2008 20:00 ECI Presents at Tammany Hall 22 Jan 2008 20:00 Dusty Cobbs Birthday Bash with Special Guests TBA @ Tammany Hall 26 Jan 2008 20:00 Hey Now Morris Fader, Nude Black Glass, Pilot @ Tammany Hall 26 Jan 2008 20:00 Uncle Billys Smokehouse @ Pearl St Night Club
