Robert Randolph and the Family Band brings its funk/soul/jazz-inspired party to the Moss Arts Center

Grammy-nominated jam group Robert Randolph and the Family Band will take the stage for a performance at the Moss Arts Center as part of Virginia Tech’s second summer Reunion Weekend on Friday, June 7, at 8:30 p.m.

The performance will be held in the center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.

Many musicians claim that they “grew up in the church,” but for renowned pedal steel guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Robert Randolph, that is literally the case. It was not until he was out of his teens that he discovered rock, funk, soul, jazz, and the jam band scene, soon forging his own sound by fusing elements of those genres.  

By the early 2000s, Randolph had begun applying his dazzling steel guitar technique to secular music, and from that grew the Family Band. The group’s sound was so different than anything else around that they were soon packing New York City clubs. 

Their first album, 2002’s “Live at the Wetlands,” was recorded at the now defunct jam band haven, and was followed by four studio albums and another live set, each widening the band’s audience — they’ve long been regulars on the festival circuit — and broadening their stylistic range as well.

Which makes it all the more remarkable that Randolph — named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time by Rolling Stone — is today an inspiration to the likes of Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and Derek Trucks, all of whom have played with him and studied his technique.

The band has been nominated for a Grammy three times, including a 2017 nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and will release its newest album, “Brighter Days,” in August.

Reunion Weekend 2019 is June 6-9. Registration is now open. The four-day weekend will have live music, dinner, and fireworks on the Drillfield; a kids’ carnival; lunch on campus at D2; a welcome from President Tim Sands; and plenty of tours and seminars to explore campus. The entire schedule is available online.

Tickets

Tickets for the Robert Randolph and the Family Band performance are $25 for general admission and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

While Virginia Tech students can always attend any Moss Arts Center performance for only $10, the center also offers free last minute rush tickets for students who sign up for text notifications. To receive these notifications, text “arts” to 31996. Availability of rush tickets varies by performance and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last in the box office. Virginia Tech ID will be required for admission.

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kmcallis@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to an event.