Dumptruck and the Backhoes - Thursdays at Elbow Room

.::Dumptruck and the Backhoes

Think of all your favorite bands from the 80s, 90s and today; then, have them play your favorite songs, all on one stage, all in one night. Late night, too, 'cause these guys don't have class Fridays.

This is what the audience coming to see Dumptruck and the Backhoes have come to know and expect from Columbia, SC's favorite cover band.

Craig Link, Dan Boles, Jake Erwin, Lana Sims and Michael Powell are USC Law students. Four calling home to SC, Dan hails from Knoxville, TN. Friends with previous experience together throughout various projects during their college years decided to start something new. Thus, the original band of Dumptruck and the Backhoes was born. Ranging between ages 22 and 30, the past few years mark the year of discovery between the group of their common interest in music.

Dumptruck and the Backhoes started playing together on a regular basis; using what limited spare time they had to compose and practice their unique style of harmony. Each member along the way has brought along their own ideas and influences, enabling the five-piece to perform a wide range of songs from popular standards and mainstream hits to those not performed by most cover bands today. Their repertoire unfurls to the sounds of classic and modern rock, funk pop and mainstream blues.

Lead guitarist and vocalist Jake has an exceptional ability to re-create well-known guitar riffs and solos, while still emulating his own signature style. Adding to the lead is bassist Dan on the low end, alongside the fresh sound Lana provides on the keys. When Lana's not busy with the Ivories, his attention-grabbing vocals can be heard on many a Beatles tune, and wherever else is needed to get the ladies on the dance floor. Hard-hitting Michael holds down the rhythm section on the drums, while violinist Craig Link adds an eclectic finishing touch.

At the core, this feel-good band pulls together strong melodies; a rare feat for the ''jam'' genre. Showmanship, contagious energy and dynamic vocals are what set the band apart. Dumptruck emphasizes not taking themselves too seriously, but prides itself on delivering great live music and a guaranteed good time.

Check them out for yourselves at The Elbow Room in 5 Points, every Thursday night at 9PM!

The Infamous DJ OC - Saturdays at Elbow Room, Columbia S.C.

.::DJ OC

Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Oscar Cabrices - better known as DJ OC, was exposed to a vast musical forefront from a young age; but during his college years, Miami’s house scene sucked him in for good.

Oscar soon began rocking small parties around town. The gigs were far from glamorous, but he used the opportunity to learn how to make the temperature of a party soar past the boiling point. As the late 80s exploded with the fresh sounds of 90s House, his passion grew and he's never looked back. In the fifteen years since, his multi-styled musical skills have developed into a precise compound of rhythm, texture and groove.

After moving to Columbia to pursue his PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, OC was noticing the big "buzz" concerning the "electronic dance community." A local deejay caught his ear, and influenced him to try out his own style in the same direction. Soon, OC began his revolution of new music. With his blend of Miami house and Ibiza style beats, he gained massive respect from audiences, venues and radio stations.

An effusive personality both on stage and in person, a genuine love of his music and an enthusiastic desire to work a room has led OC to become a firm favorite with promoters, clubbers and local musicians amongst Columbia. Broadcasting live every Saturday night from 11pm to 2am at The Elbow Room in 5 Points, OC’s weekly showcase of diverse, quality house music and dance-floor dynamic is approaching its first birthday come 2010.

A forensic chemist turned DJ – who would’ve guessed? Earning his Doctorate degree next year, OC is proving himself to be one of the brightest talents around.

by Chelsea Hutcherson

E chelsea@elbowroomsc.com

http://www.elbowroomsc.com