Kimberly Jones (percussion),
George Kantor (guitar, mandolin, vocals),
David LaRose (guitar, vocals),
Stacy Mates (vocals, percussion),
Jonathan Ritz (bass)
Sounds Like
We usually describe ourselves with some combination of the words "folk", "rock" and "blues"-- the order of these descriptions depends on who's talking. One listener instisted we were a bluegrass band, even though we don't play bluegrass. What do you think?
To join our mailing list, just email: mailing_list@jackpittsburgh.com
Inspired by the success of an impromptu jam session at a house party, the members of Jack began playing music together in the summer of 2000. At first, the group experimented with an eclectic selection of covers: folk standards, contemporary singer-songwriter tunes, and classic rock staples. This early repertoire helped form the band's sound, a compelling mixture of folk-rock and blues with occasional jam band instrumental departures. It wasn't long before Jack's focus had shifted from cover songs to originals, with each of the three songwriters bringing something distinctive to the band: LaRose's brooding, lyrical songs of personal loss and political outrage; Kantor's neo-traditionalist nods to country-blues and Brill Building pop; Mates's witty, wordy takes on contemporary life.
Jack made the typical ascent of many a local band, moving from house parties and open stages to their first show in the summer of 2003. Over the last few years they have become a regular presence in the local music scene, playing shows at the Rex Theatre, Quiet Storm, Three Penny Opry, and Club Cafe, and sharing stages with fellow Pittsburgh artists such as Jack Erdie, Eve Goodman, Heather Kropf, and Six Feet Under Sound.
On July 20th they released "Smiling at a Blind Man," their first full-length CD. It is available at CDBaby.
Mark Dignam has been bumping into Paul Luc and Ben Shannon a lot, at Treelady Studios, where they are all working, on their upcoming albums. They admire each others work so much, they decided to put together what promises to be, a mini singer/songwriter festival.. Watch for special guests and a very memorable night at The Rex Theater, 1602 East Carson Street. Pittsburgh, PA 15203. 8pm. $10.
The Craic Festival 2009 has invited FairplayCollective to play at this years Festival. All members will be playing in the round. The show is at The Mercury Lounge, March 14th at 8pm. This is the last night of the festival and Foy Vance is also on the bill.
What more can I say, a great night for music and film, with the odd star thrown in. Come show your support.
A Big Heads Up to all those friends and fans in
and around the Pittsburgh area. Mark Dignam
will be performing at The Map Room on the
29th of November at 8pm. Supporting artist is
yet to be confirmed.
Mark will be singing songs from his previous
albums "In a Time of Overstatement" and
"Box Heart Man", along with some new material
that will be appearing on his new, yet untitled CD.
Go and show Your support to Your local independent
musicians. See a LIVE gig.
Map Room-1126 South Braddock (Regent Square),
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Telephone 412- 371-1955
FairplayCollective will be playing an exclusive and rare collaborative performance-in-the-round at Joe's Pub on March 6th. All members -- Michael Brunnock, Mark Dignam, Jenna Nicholls and Brendan O'Shea -- will be combining talents for an amazing night of collective music. NOT TO BE MISSED!
Get Your Tickets Now by clicking here for Joes Pub online ticket store.
Treelady Studios is honored to announce our facility has been featured in the May 2007 issue of EQ MAGAZINE. The issue is in stores now, and online at www.eqmag.com
