The Weight Band originated in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock, New York barn of Levon Helm when Jim Weider and Randy Ciarlante — both former members of The Band — performed “Songs of The Band” with Band founder, Garth Hudson, alongside Jimmy Vivino and Byron Isaacs. Inspired to carry on the legacy of the unforgettable rock group, Weider (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Ciarlante and Isaacs began performing fan favorites from The Band catalog to audiences across the country, inviting Marty Grebb (keyboards, organ, horns, vocals) and Brian Mitchell (keyboards, organ, accordion, vocals) to complete their sound. The Weight Band later added Albert Rogers (bass, vocals) and Michael Bram (drums, vocals) to make up their current lineup with Weider, Mitchell and Grebb. Together, after four years of touring, The Weight Band has recorded a new album of original material, capturing The Band’s musical tradition and packaged for today’s vibrant Americana base.The Weight Band’s musical connections to The Band run deep. Replacing Robbie Robertson as a member of The Band in 1985, Weider toured internationally with Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko. His tenure included writing for and recording three studio albums with The Band. Weider and Brian Mitchell are also members of Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Band. Five time Grammy-award winner Brian Mitchell is highly regarded in the music industry. Marty Grebb, formerly with The Buckinghams and who has performed with Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others, contributed to both The Band’s Jericho and Jubilation albums. Albert Rogers shared the stage with Helm and Hudson in The Jim Weider Band. Michael Bram joined The Weight Band after seven years touring with Jason Mraz.
Recently the group released their first full-length studio album, World Gone Mad, an Americana/Roots Rock masterpiece of the Woodstock sound. The acclaimed album features special guest, Jackie Greene, as well as co-writing contributions from Levon Helm.
Prepare for an unforgettable performance and enjoy timeless hits like "The Weight," "Up On Cripple Creek," "Ophelia," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Rag Mama Rag" and so many others. Hear the most authentic presentation of The Band's music performed on stage, and see why the Chicago Sun Times proclaimed “THE WEIGHT carries on where THE BAND left off.” Come and take a load off.