Waylon Speed To Play BHW Magic Hat Benefit Show May 21!

Waylon Speed, from left: Justin, Chad, Noah and Kelly

Words and Photo by Julie Jay Seger

Burlington rockers Waylon Speed are set to play 'HeavyFest,' the Magic Hat Big Heavy World benefit show on May 21st at the Magic Hat Brewery in South Burlington. Featuring the sounds of Chad Hammaker on guitar, Justin Crowther on drums and harmonica, Noah Crowther on bass and vocals and Kelly Ravin on guitar and vocals, Waylon Speed is a country Americana band with a "filthy rotten underground outlaw dirt rock" edge.

On March 26th Waylon Speed celebrates the release of a brand new double album, 'Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,' that was recorded last November. Song writing and recording is a group collaboration, with everyone contributing their own elements to songs, and "no egos," according to Kelly. The band usually finishes live instrumentals in the studio, adding vocals later. So why a double album? "It shows off our different components, that we've got the rock n'roll but we also have an element of country. Plus double albums are just awesome." The album release party and performance is set for March 26th at Nectars, with opening act Class Machine.

Waylon Speed is looking forward to their East coast tour with singer-songwriter Jackie Greene kicking off in April. The band is ready for summer weather and numerous upcoming gigs and festival appearances with dates coming soon. Come next Spring the band plans to take a three week tour of Germany to play where they've never played before. During the production process of 'Horseshoes and Hand Grenades,' the men of Waylon Speed recorded an additional seven tracks that they're thinking of releasing along with live recordings and a DVD documentary of the recording process. With photography and wesbsite design by Brian Jenkins of 3rd Stone Images, management by Leah Konecry, and performance archives maintained by Bryan Smith, Waylon Speed is going full force with their music and a solid support crew.

Visit the brand new Waylon Speed website for show dates and to hear the new double album, 'Horseshoes and Hand Grenades.' Remember to check Waylon Speed out May 21st at 2 P.M. at the Magic Hat Brewery to benefit Big Heavy World. The event includes performances by Heloise & The Savoir Faire, Rustic Overtones, Japhy Ryder, Pariah Beat, Casio Bastard, with DJ sets in between bands by Radiator programmer Jah Red. Don't miss 'Heavy Fest', promising great music, great people, and the chance to support local music and Big Heavy World!