WILMINGTON — Ten years and counting: That is what it will be Saturday night when Big Something takes the stage at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. They will be joined by Oceans and Domicile.
READ MORE: In photos: Big Something at GLA
Beau Gunn of Hometown Media can’t be sure but he’s fairly certain that Big Something has headlined the venue more than any other band in its storied history.
“Michael Franti might be close, but I think Big Something has the record for most headlining gigs at our gem of a venue,” Gunn said.”
“Wilmington always brings the best energy for us and that brings out the best in our music,” lead vocalist, guitarist and mandolin player Nick MacDaniels said in an interview this week.
Also consisting of Ben Vinograd on drums, Casey Cranford on saxophone and electric wind instrument, Matt Laird on bass, Jesse Hensley on lead guitar and vocals and Ross Bogan on keyboards, the sextet is currently embarking on a summer tour that is heavy on dates in the northeast and a one-off in Denver later this summer.
The band will again host their own music festival called The Big What August 21-23. In addition to three nights of Big Something, headliners include Andy Frasco and The U.N., Sunsquabi, Susto D.J. Logic.
“We are really lucky to have our own festival, 11 years and running,” MacDaniels said. “The team has been working so hard to pull it all together, we couldn’t do it without them. From top to bottom we are so pumped about the lineup this year. Our venue, Shakori Hills, is also a huge part of what makes the experience so special. We can’t wait to be back for 3 nights this August.”
Originally from Burlington, North Carolina, the band fuses elements of original rock ‘n’ roll, funk, bluegrass, EDM, jazz and hip-hop — so varied at times it’s hard to believe the same group makes all the songs in its catalog. Its diversity of styles begets the name Big Something, a moniker that alludes to the universe and themes of outer space and
Big Something has undergone some changes in the last two years, with bass player Matt Laird replacing Doug Marshall and Ross Bogan replacing founding member Josh Keigel.
MacDaniels said the new lineup has taken the band into unexplored territory.
“Matt is an encyclopedia of music and a ball of energy on stage,” MacDaniels said. “He’s upped the band’s skills improvisationally and really moved us into the future. We’re also fortunate to have Ross playing with us. He uses Josh’s exact keyboards to make sure our core sound stays intact while still letting their personalities shine. It’s been really fun opening up our catalog with them. The music and the shows keep opening up in new unexpected ways. Both Matt and Ross are really cooking now. It’s been really exciting to hear where they take the jams. And it feels like the band gets stronger with each show, like we can kind of let go and enjoy the ride more and more as we play together. “
Another addition to the Big Something line up is Beau Gunn, who has been added to the band’s management team.
“If you know me, then you know how much I love this band,” Gunn said. “Big Something has a truly unique sound, They have an EWI in the band afterall. “What stands out even more is the passion and dedication the guys bring to their craft. They care deeply about the music they create together. Being invited to become part of their journey is an incredible honor, and I’m so excited to have a front-row seat as they continue to ascend to new heights. In my eyes, they’re one of the most fun and dynamic live acts on the road today.”
“I still remember how cool it was when we got invited to open for Galactic for our first time at Greenfield Lake more than 10 years ago,” MacDaniels recalls. “To go from that moment to where we are now headlining our own shows here just makes us all feel really grateful. Wilmington always brings the best energy for us and that brings out the best in our music.”
When asked if the band had any music coming out soon, MacDaniels said, “ All I can say is that we’re working on several new projects and we will be releasing a ton of new music. I can’t really say when yet.”
Tickets are available here.
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