Aug 05 2017
Robert Randolph and The Family Band

Robert Randolph and The Family Band

Presented by Sweetwater Music Hall at Sweetwater Music Hall

Many musicians claim that they “grew up in the church,” but for Robert Randolph that is literally the case. The renowned pedal steel guitarist, vocalist and songwriter led such a cloistered childhood and adolescence that he heard no secular music while growing up. Which makes it all the more remarkable that the leader of Robert Randolph and the Family Band—whose label debut for Sony Masterworks, Got Soul, was released on Feb. 17, 2017—is today an inspiration to the likes of Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and Derek Trucks, all of whom have played with him and studied his technique.

By the early 2000s, Randolph had begun applying his dazzling steel guitar technique to secular music, and from that grew the Family Band. The group’s sound was so different than anything else around that they were soon packing New York City clubs. Their first album, 2002’s Live at the Wetlands, was recorded at the now defunct jam band haven, and was followed by four studio albums and another live set, each widening the band’s audience—they’ve long been regulars on the festival circuit—and broadening their stylistic range as well. The Family Band’s improvisational skills quickly made them mega-popular among the jam-band crowd, but for Randolph and his band mates, what they were doing was just an extension of what they’d always done.

“The jam band scene has that name but it’s really a true music art form scene where you can just be who you are,” Randolph says. “We fit in that category in some sense but the jam band scene itself has changed a lot since that time. I’ve grown to like songs and I like to jam within the song. The thing about a record is you get a chance to rehearse parts and fine-tune things. But if you look at most great music artists—people like Stevie Wonder—the song is totally different from the show. But for us, well, we’ve been playing in front of audiences our whole lives."

On his upcoming debut self titled album, Sam Ravenna establishes himself as a chef in a soul kitchen. Blending ingredients of electro funk, hip-hop and classic and modern soul, Ravenna pulls together an all star band consisting of players from some of the best touring acts in the country. Members of Turkuaz, Nahko and Medicine for the People, Pretty Lights live band and more lend their hand to Sam Ravenna's songs, complimenting his intricate arrangements and uncompromising electric sound. He is a seasoned touring musician with a high energy and intimate musical experience he'll be taking on the road this year to support his new record.

Admission Info

General Admission $40 Advance/$44 Day of show (plus applicable fees)

THIS EVENT IS 21 AND OVER

Additional time info:

Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

Dates & Times

2017/08/05 - 2017/08/05

Location Info

Sweetwater Music Hall

19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Parking Info

There is ample street and city parking available around the venue. Please be sure to observe all posted signs regarding parking and parking meters, and do not park in prohibited spaces or areas. As a courtesy to our neighbors, please park in metered spots and city lots rather than residential areas. We offer validation for the Sunnyside lot–ask for it at the Cafe register.