 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
The Big Sky Stringband is a Midwest regional touring folk-rock band that performs a broad collection of original American roots music, traditional songs, and unique covers. Founded by Jay Stanek (guitarist/vocals) and Chris Meier (mandolin/vocals), the band builds a new generation of folk-rock and jam music around its core strengths: solid songwriting and textured grooves. With Brandon Cochran (lead guitar/vocals), Dick Mallory (fretless bass), and Zach Malasto (drums), the Chicago-based quintet stands on the shoulders of Americana music with only the big sky above.
|
A Big Sky Farewell . . . Friends: In October 1997, Big Sky Stringband played its first show at T.I.S. II in Champaign, Ill. Three years later we added electric guitar, bass and drums, and we’ve never looked back, playing hundreds of shows throughout the Midwest and as far away as Mississippi. Throughout it all, some of the members of the band have changed, but we’ve always maintained the same core sound and the same philosophy. As another anniversary approaches, we've reflected on what we've accomplished as Big Sky Stringband and where each of us, individually, want to go musically in the future. The truth is that many bands in the crowded Chicago music scene just fade away, but we'd like to go out on our terms--at a musical peak. So we’ve decided that the Big Sky Stringband run will come to an end following our October 23 show. Though we all remain close friends, we will musically go our separate ways. We don’t know where the road will take us, but we’re proud of the music we’ve created over these past 13 years. We consider ourselves lucky to have had the experiences we’ve had in this band, and we’re humbled by the many musicians we’ve been able to share the stage with at concerts and festivals. But most of all, we’re grateful beyond words for the support our friends, families and fans have shown us over the years. We’ve played to audiences of thousands of people at street festivals or just three on a random Tuesday at a Chicago club, but each time we’ve tried to make music that you could enjoy and that you’d come back to see again and again. From the many of you who have shown up over the years, told your friends to check us out, or downloaded our shows from Archive.org, we feel like we’ve been successful in this pursuit, and we thank you for the absolute joy you’ve brought to our lives. You can help send the band off in style with two final shows this month: one an all-ages suburban festival, and the other a 21+ throw-down at our favorite Chicago venue. First we'll be playing in Barrington this Saturday, October 16 at the Cuba Township Fall. Then we'll be hosting a farewell show at Kinetic Playground in Chicago on Saturday, October 23. True to our character, at these shows we’re going to play a mix of songs from our entire 13 year repertoire, along with a few unexpected tunes that we’ve been working on recently. We hope you’ll join us for these final two shows (details are below). Thank you for your support! Jay, Chris, Brandon, Dick, Zach, Jeff 
|
Jay Stanek Releases Debut Solo Album
Big Sky featured on Chicago Acoustic Underground