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The music of Act of Congress is, in a word, contagious.  Using classic bluegrass instrumentation, AOC strays from tradition, creating an acoustic palette of rock, jazz and folk genres for their listeners. Their latest 4-song EP, "Love Remains", showcases this young quartet’s talent and ability to write and arrange musically and lyrically complete songs that wield a sense of unpredictability. Residing in Birmingham, AL, the four members of Act of Congress are committed to the creation of music that is unique.  
[[Image:Act of Congress Cover Up.jpg|right]]
'''Act of Congress''' is a four-piece acoustic band which uses bluegrass instrumentation to play a diverse range of rock, jazz and folk genres. The group began its professional life as a bluegrass/folk trio formed in April [[2006]] by [[Brad McConnell]] (guitar), [[Chris Griffin]] (guitar and dobro), and [[Adam Wright]] (mandolin and guitar). Griffin and Wright had met while students at the [[University of Montevallo]] in [[2001]]. McConnell named the group for the effort needed to bring the three together.


Chris Griffin (guitar/dobro/lap steel) and Adam Wright (mandolin/guitar), became friends in college and had more rock-related backgrounds in music.  After being exposed to progressive bluegrass music, both became very interested in modulating their rock knowledge to acoustic instruments.  In 2006, Tim Carroll (upright bass) was hired to perform on several tracks for Adam’s solo project.  An instant friendship and respect developed between the three and the notion to create an acoustic band originated. Almost a year later, Bethany Borg, fiddle champion in ten states, moved to Birmingham for college. After hearing her play at an afternoon rehearsal, the quartet solidified.
After McConnell's departure in Spring [[2007]], [[Tim Carroll]] (bass) and [[Bethany Borg]] (fiddle and vocals) joined the group, creating their current four-piece lineup. In [[2008]] Act of Congress performed at [[2008 City Stages|City Stages]]. They have also played at [[Do Dah Day]], [[Alabaster CityFest]], [[Buck Creek Festival]], [[Alabama Butterbean Festival]] and the [[Birmingham Folk Festival|Compound Folk Festival]]. They won a [[Birmingham Area Music Award]] in 2008 for "Best Country/Bluegrass/Americana". Later that year they were featured on the VIP stage for numerous LiveNation shows.


Since their banding in May of 2007, AOC has consistently attracted attention in Birmingham’s music scene.  Having been featured twice on WBHM’s Tapestry radio program and opening Live Nation’s VIP area for artists such as John Mayer, Toby Keith and Alan Jackson are some of AOC’s finest accomplishments. Also, in a town dominated by an alt-rock music scene, AOC has gained a loyal fan base that faithfully supports them at upper class venues such as Workplay Theatre.  
In [[2009]] Act of Congress performed at South by Southwest and one of the group's songs was used in the television series ''Arrested Development''. The group also performed at the "Party of the Senses" at EPCOT Center in Orlando, Florida and released a short album of cover songs. Seven of the group's compositions were selected for orchestral arrangements which was performed in March [[2010]] by the Huntsville Symphony Youth Orchestra.


With only a little over half a year of music making, one might mistake this acoustic quartet as having played together their entire lives.  The conversational feel of the music creates an unpredictable yet enticing journey for listeners.  It may be acoustic, but one thing is for sure - when trying to find music that is refreshingly original and honest, it takes an act of congress.
==Discography==
* Act of Congress (2007) ''Love Remains'' (EP), produced by [[Jason Elgin]]
* Act of Congress (September 2008) ''Declaration'', produced by Jason Elgin
* Act of Congress (2009) ''Cover Up'' (EP)


The 2008 Birmingham Music Award winner Act Of Congress, has worked with Live Nation, opening VIP areas for artists such as John Mayer, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, and Brooks and Dunn. Their debut album titled "Declaration" produced by Jason Elgin, (Collective Soul, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Lynam) and mastered by Rodger Lian (White Stripes, Deftones, Staind) is scheduled for a September release. AOC has been featured on the 90.3 "Tapestry" program, 102.5 The Bull, AL.com, CBS 42 News, Fox 6 Good Day Alabama,The Birmingham News, The Shelby Reporter, City Scene, Black and White, and was a finalist in the 2007 Cultural Alliance "Grants for Individual Artists" competition. AOC is currently in the running for the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown. Because of their musical diversity (symphony, jazz and bluegrass musicians) they have been a favorite at Birmingham venues such as Workplay and B&A Warehouse, as well as high profile weddings, festivals (City Stages, Do Doh Day, City Fest, Buck Creek, Compound Folk Fest, Earth Day), and corporate events over the last two years. Feel free to view their website (actofcongressmusic.com) and Sonicbids press pack (sonicbids.com/actofcongressmusic).
==References==
* "Act of Congress" (October 2008) ''Birmingham'' magazine. Vol. 48, No. 10, p. 69
* Hurst, Samantha (May 12, 2009) "Act of Congress declares their talent to world." ''Shelby County Reporter''


In [[2008]] the band performed at [[2008 City Stages|City Stages]].
==External links==
* [http://actofcongressmusic.com Act of Congress] website
* [http://www.myspace.com/actofcongress Act of Congress] on MySpace.com
* [http://www.sonicbids.com/actofcongressmusic Act of Congress press kit] at sonicbids.com
* [http://www.wbhm.org/Tapestry/bands/ActofCongress.html Act of Congress] interview and downloads from [[Tapestry]]
 
[[Category:Folk bands]]
[[Category:City Stages artists]]

Latest revision as of 15:28, 5 April 2010

Act of Congress Cover Up.jpg

Act of Congress is a four-piece acoustic band which uses bluegrass instrumentation to play a diverse range of rock, jazz and folk genres. The group began its professional life as a bluegrass/folk trio formed in April 2006 by Brad McConnell (guitar), Chris Griffin (guitar and dobro), and Adam Wright (mandolin and guitar). Griffin and Wright had met while students at the University of Montevallo in 2001. McConnell named the group for the effort needed to bring the three together.

After McConnell's departure in Spring 2007, Tim Carroll (bass) and Bethany Borg (fiddle and vocals) joined the group, creating their current four-piece lineup. In 2008 Act of Congress performed at City Stages. They have also played at Do Dah Day, Alabaster CityFest, Buck Creek Festival, Alabama Butterbean Festival and the Compound Folk Festival. They won a Birmingham Area Music Award in 2008 for "Best Country/Bluegrass/Americana". Later that year they were featured on the VIP stage for numerous LiveNation shows.

In 2009 Act of Congress performed at South by Southwest and one of the group's songs was used in the television series Arrested Development. The group also performed at the "Party of the Senses" at EPCOT Center in Orlando, Florida and released a short album of cover songs. Seven of the group's compositions were selected for orchestral arrangements which was performed in March 2010 by the Huntsville Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Discography

  • Act of Congress (2007) Love Remains (EP), produced by Jason Elgin
  • Act of Congress (September 2008) Declaration, produced by Jason Elgin
  • Act of Congress (2009) Cover Up (EP)

References

  • "Act of Congress" (October 2008) Birmingham magazine. Vol. 48, No. 10, p. 69
  • Hurst, Samantha (May 12, 2009) "Act of Congress declares their talent to world." Shelby County Reporter

External links

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