Pittsburgh-based jam band Rusted Root is slated to play their fourth show ever at The Paramount in Huntington on Dec. 27—earning them the distinction of most performances by a single act at the Huntington venue.
The band, best known for their upbeat, catchy hit single “Send Me On My Way,” also just happened to be the first ever band to play at the venue during their soft opening in August 2012 that preceded the official first big show starring Elvis Costello.
“We’re always trying to push the boundaries a little bit—in the way that we create music—but also the type of music that we’re playing and the different sounds we’re bringing to it,” Michael Glabicki, the band’s lead singer, founding member and songwriter, told The Aquarian Weekly.
The band initially gained notice with their independently released album, Cruel Sun, in 1992. Their unique sound, a fusion of world, rock, and acoustic music, secured the band a spot on music-lover’s album shelves worldwide. The band’s major-label debut album, When I Woke, gave them their best-known single, “Send Me On My Way.” The song has been enjoyed internationally, due to its popularity in various films and television shows, including Ice Age, Matilda, and New Girl, as well as Enterprise Rent-a-Car commercials.
The band has continued to generate exceptional albums and extended plays for decades. Well-regarded within the music industry, Rusted Root have toured with renowned artists such as Carlos Santana, The Grateful Dead, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.
Their music has origins in traditional African, Latin American, and Native American sounds, but is never tied down to a specific genre. Choosing to not allowing past music choices pigeonhole them to one singular style, and always being willing to explore new territory, Rusted Root consistently produces music that is both exciting and different.
Rusted Root never followed common expectations after their band went mainstream. Instead, they continued experimenting with music in ways that other bands in the spotlight simply weren’t. Their music draws inspiration from all over the world, and is endlessly uplifting.
Band members prides themselves on fan interaction. They often communicate back and forth with devotees on Twitter and give free music downloads to their Facebook fans. Their upcoming, yet-to-be-titled album was partially funded through an Indiegogo campaign, using fans’ donations to write and create new music, with donators receiving perks as unbelievable as private concerts.
It is nearly impossible to leave a Rusted Root show in anything but a good mood. The band’s concerts are a fun time for both fans that have followed them from their origins 25 years ago, to younger fans who are invited onstage to sing along.
The band’s musical prowess, versatility and incredible stage presence will be on full display Saturday, Dec. 27th at The Paramount in Huntington, as will their infamous good vibes. Additionally, any participants in the 3rd Annual Paramount Holiday Blood Drive 2-8 p.m. on Dec. 23 will receive a free ticket to the show.
The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. paramountny.com $15-$40 8 p.m. Dec. 27.
