High-energy acoustic with Randy Paul and the Revelry

“All original rock Americana” is the genre chosen to identify the band Randy Paul and the Revelry – live Saturday at The Original Empire Pizza in Rock Hill. Based in Charlotte, the band features Paul along with Matt Curl, Jay Connor and Steve Reynolds.

The band’s biography reveals influences and favorite artists including Jeff Buckley, The Wallflowers, and Matchbox Twenty. The bio also imagines a somewhat complex combination of “Jacob Dylan, Pearl Jam, John Hiatt, and Amos Lee” to portray the impact of Paul’s voice.

After checking a few tracks from the debut release, “Smoke and Bourbon,” I find a more direct comparison might be Darius Rucker (solo country artist now, former Hootie and The Blowfish lead vocalist ) meets Jim Croce making a vocal sound that’s warm and entertaining with a devilish twist of melancholy menace.

Drawing from rock, pop and some soul, Paul is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who aims for relatable lyrics that easily invite connection, even empathy. Performing for more than 10 years, he has been honing his sound by appearing with a variety of popular headliners, including Journey, Lifehouse, Smashmouth, Third Eye Blind and Lee Brice.

Now, with “Smoke and Bourbon,” he steps up to offer his own original songs to further woo fans and followers. Rock and country flair combine for high-energy acoustic and instant sing-along status with Randy Paul on Saturday at The Original Empire Pizza, 1415 Riverchase Blvd., Rock Hill. Call 980-0522 for show details. Find more on the music at randypaulmusic.com.

Art and music

Expand your horizons by attending The Silent Art Auction on Friday at the Courtroom of the Gettys Center of Arts in downtown Rock Hill.

The event is an opportunity to connect students to instructors and alumni of the Winthrop Fine Arts program and is a fundraiser for the Union of Student Artists.

Entertainment is on the program, with music from Nathan Matthews and percussionist Lex Nordingler.

Hip and happening

Also on the agenda this weekend for the Courtroom is a hip and happening multiple bands and artists event Saturday.

This out-of-the-ordinary collective features live music from headliner Hectorina offering experimental, theatrical rock with punk and soul influences from Charlotte; plus special guests Boston/Charleston-based folksinger Avi Jacob; post/hardcore trio Wild Pink out of New York City; and Rock Hill’s own Minnesota License Plate registering their mix of psychedelic post/modern grunge funk.

See a super show of musical diversity Saturday at the Courtroom at the Gettys Center, 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Get more details at facebook.com/thecourtroomatgettys.

Upcoming

Friday: Capital Culture at McHale’s On Main, Rock Hill; Whippoorwill at Ledo Pizza, Rock Hill; Hoodwinked at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Remedy Hollow at Empire Pizza II-Newport, Rock Hill; David Williams at The Handlebar, Catawba; Oneppo Brothers Band at John’s Place, Fort Mill; SuttleBand at Wild Wing Café-Epicenter, Charlotte;

Sunday: Lex Nordlinger concert, 4:30 p.m. at Barnes Recital Hall-Winthrop University, Rock Hill;

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 3:25 PM with the headline "High-energy acoustic with Randy Paul and the Revelry."