The Alternate Routes’ name suits them well. They’re a band that‘s never really fit in — in a good way. Without a definitive genre to reference or an established scene to rally behind them, they’ve been something of a rogue wave in an ocean of bands. They built a fan base the old fashioned way, by driving around the country in a big, white Ford Econoline van, winning crowds over one-person-at-a-time with solid, catchy songs and an explosive live show. Since their genesis in 2004, co-founders Tim Warren (vocals, acoustic guitar) and Eric Donnelly (lead guitar) have taken their group through the dizzying heights and frustrating lows of the modern music industry, and have learned some valuable lessons along the way.
Doors Open: 7:00pm
Show Starts: 9:00pm
Ages: 18+
Opening Act - The Phantom Pluckers: 8:00pm
Phantom Pluckers is a rock power group combining a veteran jazz, blues and rock bassman with younger talents. Bassist, vocalist and composer Brian Q. Torff is a music professor at Fairfield University with Chicago blues-rock and jazz roots. Torff says "I wanted to work with talented young players who have new ideas and a fresh perspective. They are former Fairfield University students of mine. It is the same model I experienced when I was in my 20’s. I worked with much older musicians who influenced me on and off the bandstand. We pass on our musical traditions and it is time for me to do the same. This band mixes music with spoken word, resulting in a free-wheeling, improvised and electric sound." He's also performed with jazz legends Erroll Garner, Cleo Laine, George Shearing and Mel Tormé. "This goes back to my blues-rock roots when I first started in music."
