At a typical Congratulations’ show, you might find at times the venue transformed into sweat filled dance club saturated with pulsating electronic beats and rhythms delivered by percussionists Eric Rogers and Gar4ret Gross. Or maybe engaged in a Broadway-ish sing-a-long led by Keyboardist Gaah(n), complete with tap dance solo. Brian Felker’s striking guitar leads and Mike Beall’s grumbling bass lines deliver funk filled counterpoint at rippling speeds or at a precise slow greasy grind.
When four key members of the 13 piece improv funk/jazz powerhouse band, Sol Kitchen, wanted to flex their skills with tight orchestration and witty lyricism and tight vocal harmonies, they called on one of their favorite local Dallas musicians and Congratulations was born. With influences as wide ranging as Frank Zappa, Squarepusher, and Igor Stravinsky; the words genre bending come to mind while trying to describe Congratulations' unique sound. Catchy song writing seamlessly interwoven into skilled improvisation has made them favorites of the local Denton/Dallas music scene.
In just over two years Congratulations high energy live performances have managed to: build a large fan base from their beloved Denton; play the Mainstage at the legendary Fry Street Fair Festival, and the headlining spot at the 3rd Annual Art Six Festival; and release two full live albums. Congratulations’ growing popularity has enabled them to share the stage with nationally acclaimed bands such as: Estradasphere, Drop Trio, and Sugar Free Allstars, just to name a few.
