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News Release

Contact: John Benson, Campus Activities Board
(815)753-1580

October 15, 2003

Northern Illinois University presents
Robert Randolph & the Family Band

DeKALB – NIU is about to experience a show unlike any other when Robert Randolph and the Family Band brings its high-energy, funkdified, blues-rock to the Duke Ellington Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4.

The concert is just one stop for the New Jersey-based Randolph and his band as they tour in support of their debut studio album, “Unclassified,” released Aug. 5. Compared to Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Sly and the Family Stone, Robert Randolph and the Family Band also displays elements of jam bands and gospel in their eclectic musical mix. Randolph himself is a pedal steel guitar virtuoso who has drawn comparisons to the late great Duane Allman.

The Family Band consists of Randolph’s two cousins, Danyel Morgan on bass guitar and Marcus Randolph on drums, as well as newcomer Jason Crosby on keyboards and organ. The band’s early gigs included openers for Derek Trucks and the North Mississippi All-Stars, which led to its discovery by John Medeski of Medeski, Martin & Wood. Randolph played along with Medeski and the North Mississippi All-Stars on the instrumental album, “The Word,” and also provided the music for The Blind Boys of Alabama’s Grammy-winning gospel album, “Higher Ground.”

The Family Band’s debut album, “Live at the Wetlands,” was released on Randolph’s own label in 2002. Since then, the band has shared the stage with the likes of the Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R. and the Roots. Its current album, “Unclassified,” has reached No.145 on the Billboard 200 Chart, was the No. 4 Top Heatseeker, and No. 6 among Top Christian Albums. “Unclassified” has been critically acclaimed since its debut, landing a four-star review in Rolling Stone.

Los Lonely Boys, the show’s opener, is another “family band” of sorts consisting of brothers Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza. Its music is rooted in rock n’ roll basics such as Chuck Berry, the Beatles and Richie Valens, but also mixes in a Latin flavor. The band’s self-titled debut album on the Or label was recorded at Willie Nelson’s studio and features Nelson himself on guitar in “La Contestacion.”

The show is sponsored by NIU’s Campus Activities Board Concerts. Tickets are on sale at the Holmes Student Center Box Office, or charge by phone at (815) 753-3146. Ticket prices are $10 for NIU students with a valid I.D. and $15 for the general public. For more information call (815) 753-1580 or visit www.niu.edu/cab. This event is Student Association allocated and open to all.

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