“We are Absolutely excited! Not only is it nice to see and visit with old friends, we almost always have somewhere to shower and park a 30′ bus. No matter where we are in the US. Its an amazing circuit of people in our music circle. One of the best parts of tour is our last stop before home, Yasgur Road Reunion, Woodstock 46 in Bethel, NY, the original site of Woodstock.” – Slug (New York)

GETTING TO KNOW SLUG
By Jacqueline Jax- Host A.V.A Live Radio

“Slug”…
The national touring and recording artists, SLUG is a 5 piece American Roots Rock/Whiskey Jam Band, with a diverse range of talent among its players. Slug has been on the scene since 1999, and will continue to write, record and perform for years to come. Bringing the music of SLUG, old and new, to as many scenes across the nation as possible. The leader of the group, Stephen Fletcher, has been playing and performing for 35+ years and has a bluesy bluegrass, country feel to his playing and singing. He has written most of the bands original music and lyrics. The uniqueness of his voice and writing style has proven to bring the fans back show after show, time after time. Stephen’s musical style has been influenced by The Grateful Dead, Lowell George & Bob Dylan. Standing behind Fletch on this epic adventure, is an amazing lineup of talented musicians.

SLUG is a bass driven band, which makes Chris the driving force of the groups sound. Chris is not your standard bass player and brings an element to the music not unlike that of a trumpet player. Chris’ musical influences growing up were Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zappa & Led Zepplin.

Mike Finley was originally hired into SLUG as the bass player, but soon decided he would better fit on keyboard. This change was for the best of the group because we soon found Chris to fill the position of bass and once keys were added to the sound, we couldn’t picture SLUG without it.

Mike’s musical influences include Dickey Betts, Ry Cooder & Al Kooper. Rusty is the newest member of SLUG and holds the important position of lead guitarist. He sat in with the band back in October of 2014 at a local music festival, and it was obvious that Rusty was just what SLUG needed. Rusty is heavily influenced by Jerry Garcia, as well as Doc Watson & Rare Daze. He is also the proud owner of exact replica’s of Jerry Garcia’s guitars, Rosebud & The Wolf.

The youngest member of SLUG at 27, is Daniel Wafer. As the bands drummer, he is the backbone of the beat, and has no trouble keeping the crowd moving. Wafer carries a tempo known as a ‘pocket beat’ that seems to greatly appeal to the younger crowd and helps broaden SLUG’s audience. Daniel’s influences include Sublime, Johnny Cash & Notorious B.I.G..

Albums…
SLUG™ has two official studio albums. The first titled “Hippies, Monsters, Mimes & Lawyers”[w/ Lindsay Dombeck]. The album featured guest appearances by moe’s Al Schnier as well as Jason
Barady of Floodwood & was favorably reviewed by among others, Grateful Dead publicist & Author Dennis McNalley. Who praised the originality and uniqueness of the band’s sound as well as the “top notch songwriting”. Their second record “Rescued from the Glue Farm” was recorded at Rino Records and captures the live essence of SLUG™. Raw,….. No Bells, Horns or Whistles!!! It was mentioned by David Gans on the Grateful Dead channels “Tales from the Golden Road” Siriusxm. David particularly liked the lyrics to the song Uncle Remo.

Summer tour..
We are Absolutely excited! Probably even more so than last year. This time we know what we are in for, we know what to expect and we can utilize our time and money better to get the most out of the experience. We have put more of a focus on weekend festivals instead of the bar scene this year, so it will be a wildly different experience. Although, there were a few venues from last year that we are very excited to revisit. We had a great time at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, CA and Quixtoes True Blue in Denver, CO last year, so we have arranged to play at both venues again in July. Hopefully SLUG will kick off the tour by picking up a show with The New Riders of the Purple Sage in Chicago, the weekend of the GD 50 reunion. We don’t expect to see the GD show but we would like to have Matilda The SLUG Bus driving around the city, being seen, whether we pick up a gig or not. It is the city to be in on 4th of July weekend if you are involved in the Jam Band scene. We also intend on visiting a few old friends along the way. Over the years many of our friends and family have moved on and into different locations. Not only is it nice to see and visit with old friends, we almost always have somewhere to shower and park a 30′ bus. No matter where we are in the US. Its an amazing circuit of people in our music circle. One of the best parts of tour is our last stop before home, Yasgur Road Reunion, Woodstock 46 in Bethel, NY, the original site of Woodstock. Always a great time and much of the Grateful Dead family is there. Should be no exception this year. Last year we were able to get photos of Matilda and The Furthur Bus together at the memorable event. We have nothing but high hopes for SLUG’s ‘Free Diesel Tour 2015’!!
(Answered by Kellie Fletcher : Manager, Wife, Marm’)

How does The Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan influence your original sound…
When you are influenced by another band or musician while growing up and learning how to write and play, you pick up certain aspects of their style and technique. SLUG jams can sometimes
resemble something The Grateful Dead would have played while always holding true to SLUG originality. Fletch, who writes most of the music for the group, is definitely a “dead head” so his music naturally resembles The Dead’s style. But what truly makes up SLUG’s sound as a whole, is the diversity of each member of the band. Its amazing what comes from so many different styles and influences coming together as one.

BAND BIO
SLUG™ plays Whiskey Jam/roots rock. Mixing elements of rock-n-roll, blues, country & bluegrass into their own particular style of music. SLUG plays mostly original music and also includes in their repertoire The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Blue Grass, Traditional blues, and many other bands and styles!

In the tradition of the Grateful Dead, SLUG™ began 15 years ago. They have played extensively around NY State and have acquired a large following. In the summer of 2014 SLUG embarked on a cross country journey on a renovated school bus with four crew members, manager Kellie Fletcher and Doby the Duck, the bands mascot. Known to join SLUG on stage. They we’re well received at many venues across the United States including Quixote’s True Blue in Denver Colorado, The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor in Franklin’ Tennesee and Sweet Water Music Hall in Mill Valley California. SLUG™ has two official studio albums. The first titled “Hippies, Monsters, Mimes & Lawyers”[w/ Lindsay Dombeck]. The album featured guest appearances by moe’s Al Schnier as well as Jason Barady of Floodwood & was favorably reviewed by among others, Grateful Dead publicist & Author Dennis McNalley. Who praised the originality and uniqueness of the band’s sound as well as the “top notch songwriting”. Their second record “Rescued from the Glue Farm” was recorded at Rino Records and captures the live essence of SLUG™. Raw,….. No Bells, Horns or Whistles!!! It was mentioned by David Gans on the Grateful Dead channels “Tales from the Golden Road” Siriusxm. David particularly liked the lyrics to the song Uncle Remo.

Most recently SLUG is working on their newest studio album “Free Diesel & Ice Cream” in Virginia Beach VA, while getting ready to head out on Coast to Coast Summer tour 2015.

SLUG™ Plays many shows supporting local Music, Art, Farms and businesses in Upstate and Central NY.
SLUG™ has shared shows with artists such as, David Gans, Vince Welnick, George Clinton, Leon Russell, The Marshal Tucker Band, Max Creek, Moe, Black Foot, The New Riders of the Purple Sage, Derek Trucks, Blue Oyster Cult, Eddy Money, Candle Box, Dokken and more……

Music scene in Forestport NY…
There’s a great music scene around here, with lots of new bars and venues opening up every year. Tons of great theaters and events, countless bands and musicians of every genre, and tons of music fans. We love the scene here, its much like family. We wouldn’t want to miss our local Spring and Fall festivals, but after 15 years on the scene, its great to get out there and meet some fresh faces and get SLUG’s music heard by new ears. Music is not the only talent in SLUG. The front man, Stephen Fletcher, is also an award winning Adirondack artist and has made quite a name for himself in the art world in this region. He works in Oil on Canvas and is inspired by the Adirondacks he lives in and loves.

What’s new…
SLUG is currently working on their third album “Free Diesel & Ice Cream” with Tyler Land Studios, with a tentative release date of May 1st . This record was born out of experiences on the road and over the past few years.

Connect with Slug
EPK: http://www.reverbnation.com/rpk/slugband
Reverb Nation: http://www.reverbnation.com/slugband
Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/Slugtheband
You Tube:     http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm5kl3eU8J-ZYkFO7YLWyvA
Website:       http://www.slugtime.com/

AMERICAN PRIDE MAGAZINE

NY Band Slug Hits The Road This Summer