[NEWS] 4/22/08 - Spring is Here, Festival Season Around the Corner!

FGC kicked off April with a blowout performance at Chicago's House of Blues with the incomparable Victor Wooten Band. Victor Wooten himself set the tone for the night by personally introducing the band and Janis in particular (whom he has dubbed the "Mistress of Groove"). FGC played a fantastic set to a huge crowd, and enjoyed a tremendous evening. We'd like to extend heartfelt thanks to Victor and his band, and to our good friends Jack Trifiro and Dave Welch for making us feel so welcome.

Last weekend saw the band debut to a huge crowd at Friends and Co. in Charleston, IL, followed by a great night at one of FGC's favorite spots, the Redstone Room in Davenport, IA. A killer set at the band's first festival of the year, Operation Adaptation, rounded out the weekend, and helped set tone for what is shaping up to be an incredible summer.

Speaking of which, FGC is pleased to once again confirm two appearances at this year's Summer Camp Festival. First up will be a late night set in the Red Barn on Thursday night, along with U-melt and Future Rock, followed by an outdoor set Saturday afternoon.

FGC also looks forward to a debut appearance at Wakarusa on June 6th, an appearance at the inaugural Lazy River Music and Arts Festival in South Elgin, IL, on June 29th, and everybody is thrilled to return to the 10,000 Lakes Festival on July 23rd.

It's been fantastic to get the first hints of warm weather…looking forward to enjoying the Spring, and can't wait for a fantastic Summer!

See you out there!

[NEWS] February 26, 2008 - Live in Chicago

Family Groove Company is proud to announce the release of Live in Chicago, recorded over two nights at Martyrs' in the band's hometown of Chicago last November. FGC's first full-length live release is perhaps the band's most thrilling recording to date, as for the first time the magic and excitement of a live FGC performance has been captured on an album in glowing sonic clarity.

Half of the album features previously unreleased material, including fan favorites like "Wrath of the Solids" and "We Could," while the other half showcases the first official recordings of FGC's live treatment of staples like "Byron's Got the Time" and "Ready Fire Aim."

"We really enjoy our time in recording studios," says keyboardist and lead singer Jordan Wilkow, "but I think that environment still feels foreign to us in many respects. Live in Chicago is the FGC that I know so well. This is what we've so enjoyed sharing with audiences all over the country for the last few years…this is the band at its most comfortable, doing what we do best." With Live in Chicago, Family Groove Company is thrilled to have a record that offers a taste of the extraordinary music experience that FGC fans have been enjoying live for several years now.

The band will be touring in support of Live in Chicago for the remainder of the winter and into the spring -- the new album is available for mail order or download on the website, or at any live show!

[NEWS] January 27, 2008 - Happy New Year!

2008 is well underway (off to a very cold start if you're up here in the Midwest with us), and it has already been a very busy year for FGC. The band has been off the road since New Year's Eve (click here for pics!), but everyone in the FGC family has been hard at work on a number of very exciting projects.

We are very excited to announce the upcoming release of FGC's first official full-length live CD, Live in Chicago. Material for the album was culled from the band's two-night stand at Martyrs' last November, and boasts the highest quality live audio (and some of the best playing) that FGC has ever made available. Half of the album features previously unreleased material, and the band is extremely excited to share it with you all. Further information on the album's release will come shortly, but fans can expect the album to be available next month.

After a brief break from the road, FGC's 2008 Winter Tour will begin on February 8th in Des Moines, IA supporting Dark Star Orchestra at the Val-Air Ballroom. From there, the band will head up to UW-Madison, with performances in Lafayette, IN, a frigid swing through Minnesota, and a two-night stand at WIU to follow later in the month. The beginning of March will find the band cruising through Kansas, Missouri, and southern Illinois - please check the tour page for complete details. Stay warm everyone, and we'll see you on the road!