The Weight Band
Members of THE BAND, the LEVON HELM BAND & the RICK DANKO
GROUP
2018 WORLD GONE MAD TOUR
Join us for a Special
VIP Meet and Greet Reception with the Artists before the show at the Dreamland,
Harborview room and Terrace. Time: 6:30pm-8pm.
The
Weight Band originated in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock, New York barn of
Levon Helm when Jim Weider and Randy Ciarlante — both former members of The
Band — performed “Songs of The Band” with Band founder, Garth Hudson, alongside
Jimmy Vivino and Byron Isaacs.
Inspired
to carry on the legacy of the unforgettable rock group, Weider (guitar,
mandolin, vocals), Ciarlante and Isaacs began performing fan favorites from The
Band catalog to audiences across the country, inviting Marty Grebb (keyboards,
organ, horns, vocals) and Brian Mitchell (keyboards, organ, accordion, vocals)
to complete their sound. The Weight Band later added Albert Rogers (bass,
vocals) and Michael Bram (drums, vocals) to make up their current lineup with
Weider, Mitchell and Grebb. Together, after four years of touring, The Weight
Band has recorded a new album of original material, capturing The Band’s
musical tradition and packaged for today’s vibrant Americana base.
The
Weight Band’s musical connections to The Band run deep. Replacing Robbie
Robertson as a member of The Band in 1985, Weider toured internationally with
Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko. His tenure included writing for
and recording three studio albums with The Band. Weider and Brian Mitchell are
also members of Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band. Five time Grammy-award
winner Brian Mitchell is highly regarded in the music industry. Marty Grebb,
formerly with The Buckinghams and who has performed with Leon Russell, Bonnie
Raitt, and countless others, contributed to both The Band’s Jericho and Jubilation
albums. Albert Rogers shared the stage with Helm and Hudson in The Jim
Weider Band. Michael Bram joined The Weight Band after seven years
touring with Jason Mraz.
Recently
the group released their first full-length studio album, World Gone Mad, an Americana/Roots Rock
masterpiece of the Woodstock sound. The acclaimed album features
special guest, Jackie Greene, as well as co-writing contributions from Levon
Helm.
Special guests will be The King
Harvest Horns lead by Clark Gayton, who has recorded and performed with
renowned artists like Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Sting, and the
Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band.
Jim Weider (VOCALS /
GUITAR)
Thirty years ago, Jim replaced Robbie Robertson as lead guitarist,
singer and songwriter for The Band. Featured on Jericho, Jubilation,
and High On The Hog albums, Jim toured with the group right up until the
end and appeared in numerous Band performance videos and documentary segments.
Brian Mitchell (VOCALS
/ PIANO / B3 / ACCORDION / HARMONICA)
As a member of The Levon Helm Band, Brian played piano, organ and
accordion as well as contributing to vocals. He now fills those same
roles with The Weight. Highly regarded within the music industry as the
consummate musician, Brian has performed with Bob Dylan, Al Green, BB King and
countless others.
Marty Grebb (VOCALS
/ B3 / PIANO / ACCORDION / SAXOPHONE)
A talented multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, Marty’s
connection to The Band runs deep. He wrote for the Jericho and Jubilation
albums and performed on Jubilation, as well as having worked
on projects with Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson. Like the
other members of The Weight Band, Marty has toured with many great artists,
including Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt, and Etta James, just to name
a few.
Albert Rogers (VOCALS
/ BASS)
Albert plays bass and shares vocal duties as a member of The
Weight Band. He’s shared the stage with Levon Helm and Garth Hudson in
The Jim Weider Band, and has also performed with Sid McGinnis, Hubert
Sumlin, Jimmy Vivino, Albert Lee among many others.
Michael Bram (VOCALS
/ DRUMS)
Soulful singer and multi-instrumentalist, Michael
"Leroy" Bram has toured with Jason Mraz and recorded tracks with Bob
Margolin of The Last Waltz fame. His connection to The Band comes by way
of the extended community who played at Levon Helm Studios in the Chris O'Leary
Band, an offshoot of players from Levon's band, The Barnburners.
Prepare
for an unforgettable performance and enjoy timeless hits like "The
Weight," "Up On Cripple Creek," "Ophelia," "The
Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Rag Mama Rag" and so many
others. Hear the most authentic presentation of The Band's music
performed on stage, and see why the Chicago Sun Times proclaimed “THE
WEIGHT carries on where THE BAND left off.” Come and
take a load off.
Band website:
www.theweightband.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/theweightband
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theweightband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWeightBand
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theweightband/