February 21, 2008 issue
RAQ & Roll at the Green Park Inn
Vermont Jamband Hosts Special Show in Blowing Rock March 4
Story by David Brewer
On Tuesday, March 4, Vermont-based quartet RAQ will rock Blowing Rock with a special show at the town’s historic Green Park Inn.
RAQ was born in Burlington, Vermont in 2001, fashioning themselves as a high-powered, improv-based rock band not unlike fellow Burlington residents Phish. Initially named Shadraq, the band soon adopted their three-letter moniker before cutting their debut album Shed Tech in 2001.
In the years since, RAQ has worked diligently to progress musically away from their neighbors and into a band on par with the cream of the jamband crop. With instrumental chops second to none and enough energy to power a small town, RAQ’s profile has continued to rise while their fan base continues to grow.
For guitarist and Maryland native Chris Michetti, the call of Burlington’s rich music scene beckoned in the late 1990s. After arriving, it didn’t take him long to find kindred souls in bassist Jay Burwick and drummer Greg Stukey. Although not a founding member, RAQ keyboardist Todd Stoops has figured heavily in the band’s sound since 2002.
“There’s just so many musicians here,” said Michetti. “We’ve been looking back at our evolution and it’s pretty crazy.”
The band’s sound has evolved into self-described “high-performance rock and roll.” And although the overall sound of RAQ doesn’t necessarily resemble a certain Phishy foursome, the band’s complex song structures and whimsical lyrics certainly owe a debt to the band, as well as acts such as Frank Zappa and Van Halen. RAQ’s sound chiefly relies on a high level of technical skill, well-written songs and a seemingly telepathic connection between players
“We started more along that vein of groove rock and we’ve grown in so many ways,” said Michetti.
RAQ has played to their hordes of fans at festivals such as Bonnaroo, The Echo Project, High Sierra Music Festival, Langerado, Berkshire Mountain Music Festival, Summer Camp, Gathering of the Vibes, Adirondack Music Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Jam Cruise. This summer, the band’s very own festival, the Lew-Au, will celebrate its third anniversary. The event takes place in Woodstock, N.Y. and will host upwards of 1,000 rabid RAQ fans for two days and nights.
Fans purchasing tickets to RAQ’s March 4, show at the Green Park Inn are eligible to reserve rooms at a discounted rate of $49 for the night.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $16.50 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more info, call the Green Park Inn at 828-295-3141. For more info on the band, click to www.raqmusic.com.
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