3-Day Pass: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (21+)

If you ever wondered what “seizing the moment” sounds like personified, look no further than Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, the four-piece musical powerhouse known for their head-turning high-energy psychedelic funk shows. Infectious energy is an understatement.

The Maryland quartet — “Scrambled Greg” Ormont [vocals, guitar], Jeremy Schon [guitar, vocals], Ben [bass, vocals], and Alex “Gator” Petropulos [drums, vocals]—not only squeezes the juice out of every second, but they harness life’s energy within their hypnotic hybrid of funk, rock and psychedelic groove.

With a devout audience, affectionately known as “The Flock,” and a trail of sold-out tours behind them, the band takes a major step forward once again on their seventh full-length offering, Day In Time, released on April 26, 2024.

“This album is a snapshot of our band as a group and as individuals,” notes Greg. “The title serves as a reminder that life moves fast, so we better make the most of each day, make each second count. 15 years as a band have flown by. We started in college and now we’re all growing up, most of us have even become dads recently, so we’re evolving both personally and musically, and we’re happily embracing those changes. That said, we still feel like kids when we’re getting wild on stage and know we always will.”

This forward motion has only accelerated over the years for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Renowned as a live tour de force, PPPP has tallied tens of millions of streams and performed to impassioned crowds everywhere from Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Capitol Theatre to festivals such as Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Jam Cruise, and more. Most recently, they earned widespread acclaim for 2022’s Perspective, a 12-track “funk-filled odyssey” as described by Relix. However, Day In Time saw them realize another level of cohesion in the studio.

“This album is the most cohesive group of songs we’ve ever had in the studio,” says Jeremy. “On our previous albums, there were usually older songs mixed in with our newer material. However, all the tracks on ‘Day In Time’ really represent our current writing style and where we are as a band today.”

A bevy of friends also joined the party. On the boisterous “Let The Boogie Out,” Here Come The Mummies’ horn section added healthy doses of funk and “truly decided to let the boogie out,” according to Jeremy. Ben “Smiley” Silverstein (The Main Squeeze; Smile High) shines on the titular “Day In Time” with a raucous keyboard solo, while keyboardists Joey Porter (The Motet) and Alric “A.C.” Carter (Tauk) join forces on the soulful “Overtime.” Carter also adds rich depth with keys on “Beneath The Surface,” while Jon O’Hallaron (Chalk Dinosaur) infuses rhythmic keys and electronic flavor on the instrumental standout, “Skinner.”  Another first, all four members of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong take inspired solos on the same record.

“With this being our seventh full-length album, we’re more comfortable in the studio than ever, which has given us the freedom to take some bigger swings reminiscent of our live shows.” notes Greg.

In the end, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are certainly making the most of the moment, and they might just inspire you to do the same.

YAM YAM formed in late 2015, coming together from playing in an assortment of local bands in central PA.  The band is inspired by 1970s soul music, New Orleans roots of jazz music, and modern/vintage funk and jam music. YAM YAM features raw instruments and captures a high-energetic sound. YAM YAM is Mike Dempsey on keys, Jason Mescia on saxophone, Xander Moppin on bass, Tom Fuller on guitar, and Tyler Fuller on drums. 

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The band released its debut, self-titled album in late 2018 and upon its release, it charted on Billboard Jazz Albums section at No. 17. The band has opened for Lotus, Dopapod, and Keller Williams among others and has been featured in NepaScene, LiveForLiveMusic, TheBurg, and Burg in Focus.

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The band is currently finishing up its second album, preparing for a release in 2020/2021

Brooklyn-based future jam quartet that weaves composition and improvisation through an ever-changing landscape. Drawing from an array of inspirations, including jam music, electronic production, film scores, and a bit of metal, Space Bacon seeks to challenge conventions and pave the way in the modern era of improvisational music.

“They’re constantly searching to bring their jams into uncharted territory, taking the necessary risks to have those mind-altering breakthroughs which propel bands to the next level.” – Live For Live Music

Formed during the lockdown days of 2020, Houseplant emerged post-pandemic a band fully evolved. A group of veteran players with the chops and vision to hit the ground running. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. Dropping singles from a soon-to-be released debut record, selling out shows in Louisville and Cincinnati and galvanizing a passionate fanbase that has risen up to support them.

They are undoubtedly a jam band, but there is a songwriter’s twinkle in their collective third eye. An indie rock band with a penchant for collaborative jams and improvisation. Led by the rhythms of the electric mandolin, mixed with deep rhythmic grooves and rich sonic textures, they seem complete, but the timeline suggests Houseplant is only getting started