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The history of October Road is
starting to become the stuff of modern folklore. . .
. . . . . .
Between the pickin', the grinnin', the drinkin', the
partyin', the "all nighters" and "three dayers",
October Road has chalked up a resume that puts most
bands in the Midwest to shame. They've earned a
reputation as one of the hardest working and hardest
partying groups in the region, and that's putting it
lightly! If you come to an October Road show you
better bring your drinking hat and cab fair, because
people tend to raise a little hell when the boys
start throwing down their unique, groove oriented
approach to modern country.
The stats speak for themselves. . . . . . . Two
straight record breaking years at WeFest, two
hellacious 6 night stands at the North Dakota State
Fair, and the featured opening act for Jon Randall,
the Lo Cash Cowboys, Alvarado Roadshow, Billy
Currington, Chris Cagle, Trick Pony, Little Texas,
Rockie Lynne, Diamond Rio, Joe Nichols, and SheDaisy. On July
4th, 2006 they headlined a concert that drew 15,000
in attendance in Brainerd, MN and when it comes to
radio, they’ve been involved in countless media
events with K102 (2006 CMA Station of The Year),
Wild 99, Froggy 99, B93, and Bob95, including
headlining Wild 99’s “Hometown Tour” this summer as
well as their 2006 CMA party which boasted 1500 in
attendance. Add over 700 shows in 3 years, including
such venerable locales as the Wild Horse Saloon, The
Venue, and the House of Rock, 90+ Street Dances and
Fairs, and of course two critically acclaimed and
solid selling albums, plus a DVD documentary/concert
called "The Other Side" and you’ve got a band that’s
quickly raising eyebrows across the US!
October Road is anchored by the exceptional drumming
skills of Marc Westby. Adding the low end to the
mix, and the high end to the vocals, is Joe Thiele whose early experience
playing in alt-rock bands adds a unique approach to
the usually low-key drum/bass parts associated with
country music. Dave Jopp brings his
lightning fast fingers and husky voice to the
band by way of Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and
Boston, again offering yet another different
approach to country music. Finally lead vocalist and
songwriter Shawn Smalley lends his soulful,
passionate vocals
and insightful lyrics to this incredible group of
musicians.
The band is currently working on expanding its
touring area to include all of the Midwest and the band is looking forward
to releasing their 3rd album sometime this year as well!
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