…And stick around for the heavy

Touring extensively is a great way to round up fresh fans, and the Internet — despite the… Touring extensively is a great way to round up fresh fans, and the Internet — despite the negative attitudes of some toward downloading — also helps pull in those fans who need an extra listen before a band’s major label debut is released.

Graham Colton knows this to be true.

Being signed to Universal Records last year and putting out a full-length, major-label debut has helped Graham Colton attract more fans than word of mouth could ever do, but a little tongue action doesn’t hurt.

Formed in 2001, the band, named after its young lead singer, has done more in the short time that they have been together than anyone thought they would. Hailing from the South, they had a drive to make great music and tour until “tired” was no longer in anyone’s vocabulary. With great determination and help from anxious and supportive fans, Graham Colton suddenly took off.

Having shared the stage with the likes of John Mayer, The Wallflowers, Counting Crows and Dave Matthews Band, this Dallas five-piece band has found itself in elite company, meaning the band can relax and tour in comfort. With an infectious rock sound similar to that of Tom Petty mixed with Dave Matthews Band, live shows are hard to pass up.

Graham Colton comes through Pittsburgh this weekend to play Mr. Small’s Funhouse, and in doing so, they are no fools. They have pulled local-band-on-the-rise Good Brother Earl to play along with them.

GBE produces a similar sound to that of Graham Colton and has very similar influences. Using the same drive and energy as Graham Colton to keep the crowd’s attention during every extended jam that gets thrown into the mix, GBE has taken the local music scene by storm and looks to advance further.

Earlier this month, GBE released their self-titled album to a sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Cafe at Station Square and pulled no punches as they hit the crowd with everything they had in an upbeat evening of original local tunes.

This weekend is the perfect time to break away from those late-night study sessions and make a relaxing excursion to Millvale for a great night of music that will ease your end-of-semester blues.

Graham Colton will play Mr. Small’s Funhouse Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. The all-ages show includes supporting acts Good Brother Earl and Carbondale. Tickets are $10. For tickets and more information, call (412) 323-1919.