L.A.’s Fitz and the Tantrums have a connection to Dayton

Band set to play Columbus show July 9.

Los Angeles band Fitz and the Tantrums exploded on the music scene in 2010 with their rocking retro debut album “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” and hit single “Money Grabber.”

Since then there’s been no looking back for lead singer Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick and company.

One of the keys to the group’s sound and success is the magical melding of vocals and chemistry between Fitzpatrick and vocalist Noelle Scaggs, who has a long history with Dayton.

“Most of my family is in Dayton,” said Scaggs, 33. “My mom and both of her sisters as well as lots of cousins are there.”

The band’ s sophomore effort, “More Than Just a Dream,” in May on Elektra records, is another energetic release packed full of tight, punchy pop hooks that have a modern edge that regularly pays homage to the best music from the ’50s and ’60s.

Fitzpatrick, Scaggs, James King, Joseph Karnes, Jeremy Ruzumna and John Wicks are in the midst of two back-to-back tours — the first, a headlining spring tour and the second, the Moonshine Jungle tour with Bruno Mars.

“(We started) the tour June 11 headlining dates as well as opening some shows for the Bruno Mars tour,” said Scaggs. “We’ll all be living in our suitcases for the next year or two.”

Scaggs says she has fond memories of her time in Dayton. She’s proud of her work she’s done with the band continuing to explore new territories and exposing new fans to her music.

“It harkens back to the past, but with a fresh, modern twist that’s enough to stand on its own,” said Scaggs. “I feel like your first record is the hardest because you are trying to find your voice. On the second record we’re trying to find the balance where everyone feels like their ideas and voices are being included while still staying true to the original sound.”

The band, which has been together for four years, will come to Columbus to headline a show at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on July 9.

“All we want the crowd to do is have a dance party — we feed off of that,” said Scaggs. “When it comes to a Fitz and the Tantrums show we really enjoy when people clap their hands, sing along and sweat it out with us … We want people to break out of their shells and have a really good time.”

How to go

What: Fitz and the Tantrums with opening bands Saints of Valory and Ivy Levan

Where: Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Avenue, Columbus

When: 6:30 p.m. July 9

Cost: $25 in advance, $27 the day of the show

More information: www.fitzandthetantrums.com, www.promowestlive.com or (614) 461-LIVE (5483)

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