A Chat with Chris from ACT OF CONGRESS

We've been talking about interARTive all summer long and it's finally here this Thursday night!  One of our favorite bands, Act of Congress, is headlining this FREE band party so I thought it'd be a good idea to find out how they have spent the summer.



Jessica:  Hey Chris, we're all really looking forward to your performance on Thursday.  What has Act of Congress been working on this summer?

Chris: It's been a fun summer!  We wrote a theme song for the television show Documentary "Arrested Development"...We've been working with Disney on an event at Epcot Center coming up on Oct.3...We're in the final stages of ironing out a collaboration with the 65 piece Huntsville Youth Symphony, arranged by Grammy Nominee Don Hart, and led by conductor Joe Lee. We have a 3 song Cover E.P. that is coming out in the next month. We did some studio work on the band "Maylene and the Sons of Disaster's"  latest album...We also performed with the Arova Contemporary Ballet on a collaboration of 4 of the bands songs...We're currently beginning pre-production on our next album.

Jessica: I know some gigs are more memorable than others.  Any recent shows that stand out?

Chris:  A few weeks ago we played at the first ever International Newgrass Festival in Oakland Kentucky. Pioneer Sam Bush organized the event, and we we're honored to be a part. We also were a headliner at the Chattanooga Nightfall concert series. It was also fun to participate in the last City Stages. (although I don't think that check is ever going to clear)

Jessica: What bands have you seen this summer that got you excited?

Chris: I'm the odd ball rocker in the group. I like this European metal band called Nightwish. Everybody else makes fun of me though....We're local, so we like to support local music.... The band just played a community event with Taylor Shaw's (formerly of Wild Sweet Orange) band The Great Book of John, and solo artist Jon Black. They are two of our favorites.  We also like the Newgrass band "Cadillac Sky" from Texas...

Jessica: So the theme for interARTive next Thursday is “When Art Becomes Interactive”.  How do you work to make your shows interactive with the audience?

Chris: We try to be as accessible as possible, before and after shows...Adam is our band extrovert. He is always cutting up with the audience. We love people, so I think it's natural for us to be interactive with them.

interARTive is a free event hosted by the Alys Stephens Center Junior Patrons.  Come out this Thursday night and bring all your friends!  It's from 6-9 and features live performances by Act of Congress and local blues singer/songwriter Kendra Sutton, plus craft brew tastings from Free the Hops and Birmingham Budweiser, the unveiling of our new smart car giveaway, ticket drawings, & more!