Western Mass-based roots-rock-reggae outfit Rebel Alliance and Warwick, MA-based rock troupe rice: an American Band will make their debut at the Garage at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA on January 18th, 2020 at 8 PM. It is a special occasion as it is a record release party for Rebel Alliance’s first full-length album Raise Your Soul. Tickets are $10 adv/$15 DOS and can be purchased at this link. RSVP to the Facebook event here.
Both of these bands have long been staples of the New England festival scene. Both bands have performed each of the last five years at the Old 78 Farm Fall Festival in Warwick MA (along with other festivals that both bands frequent like Strangecreek Campout and the Wormtown Music festival). Bringing these two bands together in Pittsfield will allow a reunion of sorts for the bands and their fans alike in the warmth of the Colonial theater.
Raise Your Soul is a testament to the work ethic of Rebel Alliance, a record ten years in the making. The dozen songs on the album are a breath of fresh air, reggae, and rock with a dash of pop sensibilities for good measure. Bring your dancin’ shoes to the Garage this January- you’re gonna need ’em!
About Rebel Alliance
Blasting out of the woodsy confines of the Berkshires like a love slug from the gun of life is Rebel Alliance, a musical revelation that isn’t afraid to cull the tedious excuses of modern day music and spark a cultural transformation. With deep influences in reggae and improvisational jam rock, it is safe to say that The Reb help carry the revolution to the stage and, ultimately, to the fans. During their live performance you can feel an increasing essence of family which compels you to reach a hand out to a troubled stranger. But their music goes beyond lyrics and notes, beyond the love of kin and kith, beyond the cozy limits of a fixed description. It is a universal blueprint for society as a whole. As a band sheathed in unending positivity, they’re armed with an ardor that is able to form a permanent wrinkle in the status quo. Consider them the ambassadors of Ragetown, set to slay the dark lords of demoralization and malevolence with their tight grooves and valuable rhetoric.
About rice: an American Band
Rice: An American Band formed over the last five years from a collection of Pioneer Valley musicians and friends. In that time they have performed at area clubs and festivals, including Jerry Jam, Wormtown, Harry’s Hill, Strangecreek, Old 78 Farm Fall Festival and more. The current lineup is anchored by Steve Benson (mandolin, harmonica, pedal steel, vocals), Brian DiMarino (guitar), Kyle Heon (drums), Phil Simon (guitar and vocals) and Lauryn Winiarski (bass, backing vocals). The lineup is fluid and ever developing with the band concentrating on original material and distinctive covers, from Pink Floyd to Warren Zevon, Cage the Elephant, Woodbox Gang, Grand Funk Railroad and more. Rice strives to produce an evocative and original show with flair and drive.
About the venue
In 2011 Berkshire Theatre Group opened The Garage, located in the lobby of the Colonial. Its name pays homage to its former owner, Berkshire Auto Co. Garage. This newly developed venue, complete with stage, lights and sound system, is BTG’s dedicated venue for local and regional music performers.
