The rivalry between the Buckeyes and Wolverines is a bitter one with a long history, so it is a rare occurrence when Ohioans welcome anything related to Michigan. Tonight, however, Athens opens its arms to “disco bebop” band the Macpodz, who hail from Ann Arbor.
The group describes itself as a “kinky concoction of American tradition and world grooves” and has become a staple in the Midwest festival scene. It tours the region in a 1997 conversion van, an experience that trumpeter Ross Huff said can be straining on the wallet.
Recently, however, the Macpodz broke from its touring ways and laid down its first studio album.
“We had previously made our albums in a basement so it was great getting to spend our time in a proper recording studio,” Huff said. “We definitely took a more careful approach and invested more time and energy into this one.”
Although Huff considered the basement a worthwhile experience, he said recording in the studio helped the band develop a more concrete idea of what it was doing and where it wanted to go.
“Before, it was more like, ‘We’re a band so we should probably record an album,’” Huff said. “We spent more time and energy on this album to really get the sound we were going for.”
The album will be released in late summer or early fall, but the Macpodz plans to release a couple of singles over the next few weeks and an EP June 21.
“We’re definitely trying to pave the way and create some buzz around the full-length,” Huff said.
In order to generate that buzz, the Macpodz is taking to the festival circuit, including a trip to Colorado, but Huff said he’s excited to return to Athens tonight.
“We’ve played at Jackie O’s a couple of times, and I just hope people leave the show with a good feeling,” Huff said. “I hope people are smiling, clapping and dancing and just able to be in an environment where they can feel free and easy. That’s what we’re hoping to create.”
If You Go
What: The Macpodz
When: 9 tonight
Where: Jackie O’s, 24 W. Union St.
Admission: $8
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