Bringing Woodstrock sound to local festival

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the region’s most vibrant music and food festival and the 50th anniversary of one of the world’s most legendary festivals, The Weight Band — featuring members of The Band and the Levon Helm Band — brings the Woodstock sound to this summer’s Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival.
Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, The Weight Band will perform on Opening Day of Rock, Ribs & Ridges on June 29 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. The two-day music and food festival features nine headlining bands and five of the nation’s top pitmasters serving up mouthwatering barbecue from June 29-30.
The Weight Band originated in 2013 inside the famed Woodstock, New York barn of Levon Helm. Jim Weider was inspired by Helm to carry on the musical legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Group and revive “The Woodstock Sound,” keeping the spirit of Americana/Roots Rock alive for audiences of all ages.
Their live set features fan favorites from The Band’s treasured catalog including “Up On Cripple Creek,” “The Weight” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” as well as songs from their critically acclaimed album World Gone Mad.
“The Weight” was the last song in The Band’s set list before their encore at Woodstock.
“The Weight song is an Americana anthem rooted in the ‘60’s generation that has transcended eras and still remains relevant in the era of social media and small screens in our hands. We’re honored to continue to perform this classic, and the reaction we get to it all these years later still amazes us every time we play it,” said vocalist Jim Weider.
“For those who remember Woodstock, or want to enjoy that spirit and classic music, this is a must-see concert,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman of Promo1. “We’re proud of the festival experience we’ve created and we’re thrilled The Weight Band will be part of our 10-year weekend celebration.”
With a U.S. and international tour schedule slated for 2019 and beyond, The Weight Band complements The Band’s timeless legacy while pushing the music forward for new audiences.
The Weight Band is led by Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band and the Levon Helm Band. Weider (guitar, mandolin & vocals) replaced Robbie Robertson as their lead guitarist, writing songs and performing on their three studio albums, Jericho, High on the Hog and Jubilation. He toured internationally with original Band members Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko and was featured with them on numerous albums, films, videos and in television appearances.
Michael Bram (drums & vocals) is a soulful singer and multi-instrumentalist. Bram splits his time drumming for The Weight Band and Jason Mraz. He has been a staple in the New York music scene and has worked with Willie Nelson and Bob Margolin of The Last Waltz fame.
Brian Mitchell (keyboards & vocals) is a current member of Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band and is well-known for his solo career and his high-profile collaborations with Levon Helm, Bob Dylan, Al Green, and B.B. King.
Matt Zeiner (keyboard & vocals) began his career with Hartford’s Street Temperature band, then hit the road with Matt “Guitar” Murphy of Blues Brothers fame. Zeiner has also toured with Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers Band.
Albert Rogers (bass, vocals) has shared the stage with Levon Helm and Garth Hudson in The Jim Weider Band, and has also performed with Sid McGinnis, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Vivino, Albert Lee and many others.
Tickets are on sale now at www.rockribsandridges.com. VIP, Group Seating, Weekend Pass, Camping & RV packages are available.