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It's been three years in the making and it sounds amazingly good for a three year old! I'm talking about The Bay State. The band that has a fresh attitude and a comfortable feel.
There's Tom Tash on lead vocals and guitar. Tash writes all the basic chord progressions and the lyrics that add a nice twist to the instrumental melodies playing with your heart.
Then there's Evan James, the viola mastermind. James has been playing viola for nine years, and he's even attending UMaine for a music education degree so he says this band is a nice relief from the four hours plus of practice a day.
One may also notice the girl behind the jazz beats, Mary Weatherbee. Weatherbee rocks the bass - although she used to be lead guitar - but the band decided they didn't need a lead. She fills out the band quite nicely, bringing a little more diversity with her electric bass and upright bass that she carries with her. She brings attitude, off and on the stage; she even managed to throw a flip-flop at a friend in the audience during the show.
Last but not least is Drew Thompson Hooke, the drum guy. Hooke is going to college in Massachusetts and, unfortunately for those in attendance at The Bay State's show, the only class he can't miss during the week is on Thursday. Luckily, his absence didn't bring the band down; it turned the show into an acoustic version of their original set.
The Bay State hit the stage with complete control over the audience. Even though the entire room was full and people were flowing out into the main dining area and lounge in the Union, people continued to fill in all night as they played. - Andy Wright
The Group was featured on "The Gunz Show" heard at www.idobiradio.com. The show gets 60,000 + listeners daily.
“The Bay State's incorporation of various tempos, melodic and catchy hooks, and an amazing live show separate TBS from other bands. If Yellowcard's violinist, Sean Mackin, dominated in the late 90s and early 00's, then The Bay State's viola is the new chapter. Most importantly, the bands determination, perseverance and DIY fundamental ethic can only help them along the journey. I do the "Indie Band of the Week Segment," to expose and to give something to bands that I believe deserve it. With The Bay State, I have no doubt that eventually I will be the one asking THEM for something. They are that good. From a fan, to the fans: The Gunz Show doesn't B.S.”
-Gunz, host of “The Gunz Show” www.idobiradio.com
- Gunz, www.idobiradio.com
Discography
2003 - Remember December (EP)
2004 - The Things I wish I could Tell you (EP)
2005 - The Always on the Run EP (EP) & Live @ Piano's (EP)
2007 - The Bay State EP
2008 - Let's Turn This City On
Photos
Bio
Quick Facts:
The Bay State has completed 3 tours, quickly becoming one of the most popular bands in the region
Were featured on Myspace as the #2 Unsigned Artist in Maine
Were featured on the cover of The Daily Chorus as a "Buzzseeker"
Were selected to be featured on the "Indie Band of the Week" Segment on Idobi Radio's "The Gunz Show" in New York City, with 60, 000 listeners daily.
Were featured on "Unsigned Sundays" on Sophie @ 103.7 in San Diego, California.
Have established a deep radio rotation in local and regional markets
Have played a plethora of college shows, often being asked back multiple times (see college list below)
Have Shared the stage with: Jet Lag Gemini (Doghouse), I am the Pilot (Broken English), The Killing Moon (Fearless), As Cities Burn (Tooth n Nail/Solid State), Zox (SideOneDummy), The Track Record (Drive-Thru), You, Me and Everyone We Know (Drive-Thru), Danger Radio (Photo Finish), Brighten (Carbon Copy/Victory), Farewell (Epitaph), Mercy Mercedes (The Militia Group), We Shot The Moon (The Militia Group), Holiday Parade, Sparks The Rescue (Double Blind), Ice Nine Kills (Red Blue), Lannen Fall (Red Blue), Gone Til November (Epic)...
Praise for The Bay State
"Really cool, unique."
-Lou Giordano, producer (Goo Goo Dolls, Taking Back Sunday, Sherwood)
"The Bay State's show at WQRI's Foliage Fest this year was so sweet. Not only were they funny, but they had great chemistry on stage. Their music was energetic and kept people dancing from start to finish. People really seemed to have a positive response during their set."
-Sarah Norton, Promotions Director, Roger Williams University
"The Bay State's incorporation of various tempos, melodic and catchy hooks, and an amazing live show separate TBS from other bands. If Yellowcard's violinist, Sean Mackin, dominated in the late 90s and early 00's, then The Bay State's viola is the new chapter. Most importantly, the bands determination, perseverance and DIY fundamental ethic can only help them along the journey. I do the "Indie Band of the Week Segment," to expose and to give something to bands that I believe deserve it. With The Bay State, I have no doubt that eventually I will be the one asking THEM for something. They are that good. From a fan, to the fans: The Gunz Show doesn't B.S.�"
-Gunz, host of "The Gunz Show" www.idobiradio.com
"The band was terrific! The sound enthralled the entire crowd immediately and radiated through the night! By the end of the showpeople were begging for more and not one person could stay in their
seat! What a blast!"
-Chelsea Jasik, Student Activities Coordinator, Eastern Connecticut State University
"The Bay State put on a phenomenal show May24th at Trackside in Wilton, CT, creatively mixing high-energy pop with mellow alternative. The choreography of their show was quite sophisticated, and it was very evident that the group was extremely comfortable playing with one another, as demonstrated by their "relaxed" stage presence. Overall, The Bay State played an excellent show in a very professional manner."
-Doug Bogan, Talent Buyer--Trackside Teen Center
Past College shows
University of Maine Machias x 4
University of Maine Orono x 5
NE School of Broadcasting x 2
Husson college x1
Umass Lowell x2
Roger Williams x1
Eastern CT State x 1
The College of Saint Rose x1
Current Radio Rotation
WBCN 104.1-Boston, MA
WQRI -Bristol, RI
WCYY 94.3 -Portland, ME
WMPG 90.9 -Portland, ME
WMEB 91.9 -Orono, ME
WHMB 89.7 -Waterville, ME
WUMM 90.5 -Machias, ME
WBOR 91.1 -Bowdoin, ME
WHSN 89.3 -Bangor, ME
WKIT 100.3 -Bangor, ME
105.1 -McAlester, OK
103.7 -San Diego, CA
Press
(See Press section for further details)
Idobi Radio
www.idobioradio.com
Featured on �The Gunz Show.�
The Maine Campus Newsletter
(see Press section for article)
Bangor Daily News
(see Press section for article).
The Daily Chorus (www.thedailychorus.com)
Featured as the "Buzzseeker"
Biography:
Lead singer Tom Tash�s dream of finding a group around his solo acoustic act came to fruition in the Summer of 2005, when four very energetic, passionate musicians came together to form The Bay State. The Bay State is Tom Tash (Vocals), Mary Weatherbee (Bass), Evan James (Viola) and Drew Hooke (Drums). Based out of Maine, each member�s unique talents and work ethic, beyond playing their respective instruments, has helped them tremendously in attaining their success to date.
Originally a 5-piece, The Bay State has self-booked three full Eastcoast tours to support their releases. During this time, the group has played many different venues, ranging from the famous Piano�s in New York City, to The Living Room in Rhode Island, and to many college shows as well. Their passionate, energetic live performance has captured audiences up and down the region, making them one of the most sought-after a
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