The Weight to bring the music of The Band to ECC on March 13
The Weight, a five-piece ensemble featuring members of The Band, The Levon Helm Band and the Rick Danko Group, will honor and perform the music of one of the most influential bands of the 20th century on Friday, March 13. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Replicating the music of The Band is a tall order. But interpreting the music of The Band is an art. Named after The Band's iconic song of the same name, The Weight has both the experience and musical chops to do just that, plus truly unique personal connections to The Band that allows its members to perform The Band's music like no other group.
"We really couldn't pass this one up," says Steve Duchrow, ECC Arts Center Director of Performing Arts. "Our show is The Weight's regional premiere and they've sold out all across the country. There's also a historical importance to this group - each member has an esteemed personal musical legacy. These extraordinary musicians have come together to share the weight of The Band's legacy and keep The Band's spirit alive in performance."
The Weight's members have some serious credentials. Jim Weider replaced Robbie Robertson as lead guitar in the second incarnation of The Band, from 1985 until 2000. During 15 years of international touring with original Band members Levon Helm, Garth Hudson and Rick Danko, Weider was featured on numerous albums, films, videos, and television appearances. Weider is joined in The Weight by fellow "Band-mate" Randy Ciarlante. Ciarlante drummed and sang alongside Levon Helm in the second incarnation of The Band and also double-drummed in The Levon Helm Band up until Helm's passing in 2012. Rounding out the group are Brian Mitchell, a member of The Levon Helm Band and Levon's Midnight Ramble Band, who has also played with Bob Dylan; Byron Isaacs, a member of Levon's Midnight Ramble and Dirt Farmer bands; and Marty Grebb who has played with The Rick Danko Group, Chicago, The Buckinghams, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, and Greg Allman.
Tickets to The Weight are $36-$45. A three-course, preshow dinner prepared by ECC's award-winning Culinary Arts and Hospitality program is available for an additional $29. The deadline for dinner orders is Monday, March 8.
Tickets for all performances in the ECC Arts Center are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC Arts Center box office. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300. All major credit cards are accepted.