Ann Arbor, Mich.
State of Celebration
www.themacpodz.com

A five-piece group is known for its light, funky sound, bouncy energy and jazz influences that range from Martin Medeski & Wood to Charlie Hunter and Dr. John, The Macpodz separated itself from the jamband pack thanks to co-bills with a variety of hip-hop acts. “We rely on drawing a bit from everywhere,” says bassist Brennan Ayes. “Even though we’re not a hip-hop band, we all love hip-hop. I don’t want to say we’re party music, but we are celebration music.” Both the band’s latest album, the concert souvenir Live At The Ark, and the 2008 studio project Orcastrate, display a variety of world music and Latin rock flavors. “We try to tap into something that is not yet lost, which is freedom and the will to have a good time,” says Ayes. “Be out, celebrate life, dance.” Though The Macpodz first came together as a house party band at Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan campus in 2005, it’s managed to keep that carefree spirit alive one full collegiate cycle later. Says Ayes: “Whatever it is people do at a concert, we try to facilitate it.”