How to go
What: Hank Williams III Attention Deficit Domination tour, featuring the Roderick Newport Band
When: 9 p.m. Dec. 3
Where: Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St. Cincinnati
Cost: $16.50
Notes: Tickets may be purchased at the Bogart’s ticket window or online at www.bogarts.com. Audience must be 18 years old or older,
MIDDLETOWN — A local band on the rise through the region’s country music scene is taking a huge step along the way by opening for the grandson of one of the genre’s greatest icons.
The Roderick Newport Band, a four-piece act based in Cincinnati, is opening for country/metal/punk artist Hank Williams III Dec. 3 at the renowned music venue Bogart’s. The appearance gives the up-and-coming band a huge opportunity to showcase its blend of contemporary country rooted in rock and bluegrass to a diverse audience.
The band, which was formed in October 2010 by vocalist and guitarist Newport, has seen success on multiple independent radio stations throughout the region with its album releases “Back Home” and “Walking Away,” and had its song “Spinning Around the Sun” become a staple on Cincinnati’s 88.9 FM Class X radio station, said Michael Allard, rhythm guitarist for the band and a 15-year resident of Middletown.
“We all stay pretty busy making music,” Allard said. “Album sales are strong, we’re charting well and we should have another album out in August 2012.”
The opportunity for the band to open for Williams came about from a friendship between the country artist and Newport, the bands namesake, Allard said.
“Roderick has known him for some time,” Allard said. “(Williams) sent him an email saying ‘The next time we’re in Cincinnati, you guys got to warm us up.’ That’s how it happened.”
Opening for the genre-bending Williams — who has also played in the punk metal band Assjack and alongside former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo in the metal band Superjoint Ritual, in addition to his solo country act – is a venue for the band to reach Williams’ diverse and growing following and land larger gigs in the future, Allard said.
“We’re probably a little bit more along the mainstream,” Allard said. “But it’s a chance for us to show the audience our style and for us to show promoters that we’re capable of playing shows in front of hundreds or thousands of people without getting nervous.”
The band is also looking forward to opening for Williams because they are fans themselves, Allard said.
“He reminds me of his grandfather,” Allard said of Williams. “Plus he’s a really, really good guy.”
And the show is a good chance for the band to distance itself from the multitude of country bar bands populating the region.
“It’s hard to separate yourself from the pack,” Allard said. “We’re working as hard as we can to try to close that gap and get to the level (that Williams is at).”
Contact this writer at spragoo1977@yahoo.com.
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