February 25, 2005
Feeling the Groove for a cause
You can set your watch to the Perpetual Groove Georgia Theatre appearances. They'll roll through town every couple months bringing their unique blend of Southern-Taoist improvisational rock to the kids that can't get enough of 'em, and generally the night ends with sweaty, exhausted patrons spilling onto Lumpkin with smiles on their faces. Tonight is one of those nights. Doors at 9:00, music at 10:00, with Philly's own Brothers Past warming things up. The band has been extremely busy of late playing high profile festivals (Jam Cruise, Wakarusa), bigger venues (Music Farm, Lincoln Theatre), and new markets (Cleveland, New York). Success has been hard earned for the Savannah, Georgia, boys. With two solid studio efforts, "Sweet Oblivious Antidote" and 2004's "All This Everything" (Harmonized Records), under their belts and a slew of clever cover songs in their repertoire the live experience is filled with sing alongs and surprises.
I mentioned this before, and I think it's worth mentioning again. Perpetual Groove fans have started a philanthropic organization here in Athens. From the band's website: ...
Perpetual Groove Fans Rally Around A Worthwhile Cause
This month, an enterprising group of Perpetual Groove fans will debut their new fan-organized and fan-run charity group, “Antidote.” Antidote is a fellowship of fans inspired by the music of Perpetual Groove and taking aim at providing resource relief - be it shelter, clothing, food, etc. - in communities that support the band and to those unable to provide for themselves.
Perpetual Groove not only served as the muse of the group and their name (Antidote is pulled from the crowd-pleasing title track on the band's first album with Harmonized Records, "Sweet Oblivious Antidote") but has also provided their support in organization of their inaugural benefit. On February 25th, 2005 at The Georgia Theatre, Antidote will put their inspiration to action by asking fellow fans and the community of Athens, Georgia to donate non-perishable food items, blankets and coats for The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, who in turn will distribute locally to those in need.
In Clarke County, the Georgia community housing Athens and The University of Georgia, 26% of all residents live in poverty! Antidote chose The Georgia Theatre to host their inaugural drive in appreciation to the support always shown by the crowd and in recognition of the elevated performances of Perpetual Groove at the venue. PGroove’s February 25th show at The Georgia Theatre marks a homecoming of sorts for the band as it will be their first show back in Georgia since their sell out performance on New Year’s Eve.