Artist description intimate acoustic performances that blend and fuse folk, roots-rock, and even hip hop into a tight package of soulful vocals, political voicings, and rootsy compositions.

Music Style a sultry fusion of grassroots and acoustic music

Musical Influences ben harper, david gray, bob marley, natalie merchant, rage against the machine, dave matthews, g love, radiohead

Artist History For the past two years, Christian Hayes has been treating audiences to intimate acoustic performances that blend and fuse folk, roots-rock, and even hip hop into a tight package of soulful vocals, political voicings, and rootsy compositions. While his musical career was just starting out in his hometown of Portland, Maine, in 1998, Hayes played with guitarist Robin Pontbriand along side him. Pontbriand's lush second and lead guitar added deep textures to Hayes' compositions, and the duo soon found themselves playing a variety of venues around Portland, with new faces at each show. As the two played shows, they relied on the fans to help spread the word, and spread the word they did. In December of 1999, the two played an intimate, sold out acoustic show at Portland's Oak Street Theatre, and three nights later went on to win first prize in the annual WMPG Bluntfest during the New Years Portland celebrations. Hayes and Pontbriand then took some time and money, and headed into the studio, to record their highly anticipated full length album, entitled brother. From there, another Oak Street Theatre show treated audiences to an intimate acoustic concert, also noted as their CD release show. Hayes' political lyrics and stance on equality and freedom, soon led to an invitation to perform at an awareness benefit for the political prisoner, Mumia Abu-Jamal. This chance to perform was important to Hayes, because it was backed by an important cause, and helped to gain awareness for an individual who has fallen to an overpowering government justice system. He marks that as one of the most rewarding shows he has played to date. In the past year, Hayes has been treating audiences to solo acoustic shows around town, and recently has traveled to many universities, playing intimate acoustic shows with percussionist Kevin Murphy. Everywhere they play, it seems a small fan base emerges. Many e-mails and letters have been sent from other New England colleges and universities, from people who have gotten a hold of Hayes' music, and show a deep interest. Plans to play at other campuses are in the works. It is through the dedication of the fans that Christian Hayes' music is spread, and it is because of the fans, that Hayes will continue to play and write his unique blend of roots-rocking folk, and political compositions. Hayes' new disc, recorded with drummer Kevin Murphy, is currently on sale at all shows, and at the official site, www.christianhayes.cjb.net...

Group Members Christian Hayes- Acoustic Guitar & VocalsKevin Murphy- Drums and Percussion

Instruments acoustic guitar, vocals, drums, percussion, bass

Albums christian hayes' new disc, rise, which features kevin murphy on drums and percussion, is currently on sale at all shows and on the official site, www.christianhayes.cjb.net

Press Reviews "Grass roots music at it's finest.." -ourmaine.com "A combination of Joni Mitchell and Jimmy Cliff" -Charlotte Renner, MainePublicRadio "Haven't heard of Christian Hayes yet? Well, you will.." -ourmaine.com

Additional Info A Fall college tour will be announced in the near future. If you attend a college, and would like to see Christian come out and play a show, then email us @ seekup22@hotmail.com

Location Portland, Maine - USA

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