.: CR GRUVER :.

Outformation at the Fox

Gruvin'

Bring the heat!

Gruving with Outformation

WEBSITE OUT OF DATE

Due to my hectic schedule in '08, I haven't been able to update my website regularly. Please click the link above to visit my recently updated Myspace page. I will be back to update this website after Labor Day. Thanks for visiting!

For Everything Outformation CLICK HERE.

» Recent Happenings: (scroll down)

February 16: Orange Peel, Asheville, NC

Outformation has moved up to the bigger venue in Asheville, NC. The Orange Peel holds around 800, with a far superior sound and light system. We had about 400 strong, and probably the best crowd response we've ever had, anywhere.

February 12: Georgia Theater, Athens, GA

Outformation was asked to play at the official Widespread Panic CD Release Party for their new CD titled "Free Somehow". We rocked out to a packed room. Not sold-out, but a great crowd.

February 7: Visualite Theater, Charlotte, NC

Our big tour opener, first Outformation show in '08, and the first show of our big winter tour. We had a decent crowd, played a rusty but energetic first set. About 45 seconds after the last note of the last song of the first set, the power went out in the whole city block. Apparently someone drove their car into a telephone pole, knocking out the transformer. We had to break down and load out by candlelight.

January 30: La Conquistador Resort, Fajardo, PR

I was fortunate enough to be invited to join Brotherhood of Groove to play a show in Puerto Rico at an upscale resort in Fajardo for the American Association of Justice Conference. In addition to staying at the nicest resort on the island, we also took a sunset ride on a 200-million-dollar yacht and drank pina coladas in Old San Juan.

January 9: Maple Leaf, New Orleans, LA

The Maple Leaf continues to be the place for me where the magic happens. This time I brought in Chris Thibideaux-Jones on percussion (101 Runners), Sam Hotchkiss on guitar (Juice), Kevin O'Day on drums, and E.T. on trumpet (Dirty Dozen). It was a great night of New Orleans funk and grooves, and a line-up that I will definitely be using again!

» 2007 Happenings:

December 29 - 31: Denver, CO

A great way to end one of the best years of my life, I had three big shows in Colorado, my home away from home. To kick things off, Polyoxic did their second reunion show of the year at the newly-opened Falcon Theater. The next two nights were ouformation's first New Years shows ever (due to the fact that Sam always worked for Panic thise nights), and we played in front of large crowds both nights at the famed Gothic Theater It could not have been a better way to end a stellar year!

December 22: Maple Leaf, New Orleans, LA

An obsession of mine in New Orleans is the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, and there is a band called 101 Runners that embodies the spirit of that music, with drummers and singers from actual Mardi Gras Indian tribes. This night we were graced with the presence of many great musucians, including Wild Man John form the Wild Tchoupitoulis Indian Tribe, and drummer Russell Batiste, among many others. It was my first time playing with these guys, and a true honor to be a part of it!

December 8: Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA

2007 has been such a good year that in certain cities we have grown to the next larger venue. Atlanta is one of those cities, and we've moved up to the legendary Variety Playhouse, a venue that holds over 1000 people. It was a great night, and is the start of what will hopefully be a trend throughout the country in the coming months.

November 17: Denver, CO

Always a great time of year for me, Thanksgiving this year was no disappointment. Polytoxic played their first gig on over a year, their first-ever reunion show, at Quixote's Tru Blue to a nearly sold-out crowd. It was Like not a day went by since our last show, and it went so well we decided we'd definitely have to do it again.

The Last Waltz re-enactment that began in 2005 has taken on a life of it's own, and this year was the best yet. With over 40 guests musicians, horn section, and almost sold-out crowd, this show proved that we've got to make this an annual event.

November 4: Copper Mountain, CO

I teamed up with Sam Holt and Birddogg of Outformation, Tori Pater from Polytoxic, Dave Watts and Garrett Sayers from the Motet, and Pnut Daniels to put on a show at the base of Copper Mountain. We were the final act for the kick-off weekend of the opening of Copper Mountain, and played songs ranging from Charlie Daniels band to Stevie Wonder, James Booker to the Marshall Tucker Band. We had a great turnout on a chilly winter day.

October 27: Magnolia Fest, Live Oak FL

Outformation played at the beautiful Magnolia Fest around 11pm in front of a strong crowd. We were joined by Leftover Salmon's Drew Emmitt for a couple songs, and were followed by Col Bruce and the Quark Alliance. This is one of the best festivals of the year, and we will hopefully make it an annual event!

Oct 20, 21: Outformation in New Orleans

Outformation played at the House of Blues in New Orleans, upstairs in the Parish Room on the 20th. We had a great crowd, and it's such a great feeling to have the boys come to my home town and get such a warm reception. The next night, Sam Holt and I played a first-time-ever duo show at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. It was so much fun, I'm sure you'll be seeing the duo again someday soon.

Oct 17: Georgia Theater, Athens GA: Shooter Jennings opener

This was a barn-burner! Outformation opened for Shooter Jennings (the son of country legend Waylon Jennings) in Athens GA. We played in front of a packed house, and made a lot of new friends.

Oct 4, 5, 6: Umphrey's McGee openers

Outformation's three-night run with Umphrey's McGee was a ton of fun. We learn alot every time we play shows together, and this time we had the Umphrey's boys sit in on a few songs over the thre--day run. Look for more co-bills in the future!

August 23-25: Last Waltz Ensemble

I had a blast playing with these guys. We played three shows in North Carolina in front of capacity crowds. It's always a pleasure to be onstage with this band!

August 21: Outformation Releases New Album!!

Outformation's first release in over two years, and their first release with percussionist Birddogg, and myself. We are very proud of this effort, and because of our distribution company it is available at Amazon, CDNow, Barnes & Nobes, Itunes, and many other online site. You can also buy it directly from us at any show we play..

July 27: Visualite Theater, Charlotte NC

Outformation played their tour-closer to a sold-out Visualite Theater after a Widespread Panic show. Listening back to the live recording, this is the best Outformation has ever sounded. We are tighter than ever, and are starting to sound like a band ready for the next step up. If you have a chance, Google Outformation and download that show!

July 20: 10,000 Lakes Festival, Quincy Ca

Another first for Outformation, we were the first band on Friday afternoon, and played to a filled tent of over 300 people. Another perfect day under blue skies in an enchanting place. I only wish we could have stuck around to see more of the festival.

July 13: River City Saloon, Hood River, OR

This is the third show in a row, in the Pacific Northwest, that Outformation has filled the room with screaming fans. Seattle, Portland, and now Hood River, have welcomed Outformation with open arms. It's great to be in places you've never been and have almost sell-out crowds!

July 7, 8: High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy Ca

Outformation played two sets on two stages on two different days at the High Sierra Fest. What a great festival High Sierra is - perfect weather and great turnouts made the weekend extra special. I think we made some new friends in california.

July 3: House of Blues, Las Vegas

At the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, in the House of Blues, Outformation played a LATE night post-panic show to a crowd of 500 strong. We played until well after 3am - props to everyone who came and partied with us!

June 30: Endless Peaks Music Festival, Crested Butte

A small but mighty crowd attended the new Crested Butte festival, which will hopefully become an annual event! Outformation had an evening slot, just before Tea Leaf Green. We were joined by Pnut Daniels, DJ Logic, and surprise guest John Popper from Blues Traveller. Later that night we played at the Calypso with Jerry Joseph his trio, which included sit-ins on both sides. Don;t miss this festival next year!

June 22: Rocky Mountain SuperJam

This was a night I'll remember forever. Featuring my friends Pnut Daniels, James Whiton (EMT), John Ridnell (Blackdog), Mike Tiernan (Motet), Birddogg (Outformation), Sam Holt (Outformation), and Brian Gaza, we were joined by trombone legend Fred Wesley, drumming prodigy Adam Deitch, and world-renowned DJ Logic, among other guests.

June 7: Wakarusa Music Festival

We played a Thursday night slot to help kick off the whole festival in rural Lawrence, Kansas. It was only an hour, but we had a great turnout and there were alot of smiling faces out there. Thanks to everyone who was there!

June 1 and 2: Atlanta, GA, Smiths Olde Bar

We recorded a DVD in front of two sold-out shows in Atlanta. Not only was it great to return triumphantly once last time to Smiths in Atlanta, but to be able to come away with a DVD to capture the unbelievable energy those two nights is nothing short of miraculous. I think we may have also discovered that we're growing enough in Atlanta to move to a bigger room, and that's exciting all on its own!

May 31: Birmingham, AL, Zydeco's

There was a blue moon tonight, so it was not surprising when Taylor Hicks (former American Idol) showed up and played a few songs with us. Taylor seems right at home on a smaller stage, feeding off our energy and adding a lot of his own. It was a great night for gettin' rowdy and throwing things around. He expressed alot of interest in playing with us again, so we may even see some Outformation/Taylor Hicks shows before the year is out...

May 18: Asheville, NC, 16th-annual "Downtown after 5

We played a 90-minute set to a rowdy crowd of about 4,000 in downtown Asheville, NC. The "Downtown after 5" series boasts a show a month, on the third Friday of every month, from May to September. The organizers told us that our show was the largest turnout for the first friday show in its 16-year history.

May 9: Gruver, O'Day & Iuso

I've added New Orleans guitar player Billy Iuso to the Maple Leaf gig, and changed the name of the project to Gruver, O'Day and Iuso. We had the resident artist and former "King of Oak", Frenchy, get on stage and freestyle a little, adding in some great trumpet lines as well.

April 28: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

I was honored to play at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival after only living here for 6 months. The Crescent City All-Stars, whom I'm a member of, played at the festival on the Jazz and Heritage Stage as the last band on Saturday the 28th. New Orleans legend Mac Rebenac (Dr. John) played the first song with the band, and I took over after that for the rest of the show. It was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.

April 26: My Wedding Day

Officially the best day of my life, my wedding day. Call it cliche, call me a sap, but honestly my wedding day was the most amazing day of my life. To be surrounded by our families and all of our best friends from all over the country, and take our vows on a perfect New Orleans afternoon by the Mississippi River, was absolutely magical. The party that followed back at Liz's parents' house was a throw-down of epic proportions.

April 18 Post-Panic Knoxville, TN

During an after-Panic show, we noticed that Panic's crew showed up, and brought along JoJo Hermann and Todd Nantz. They stayed the entire night, and for the encore JoJo came out and played Mike Houser's "Can't Change the Past" with us

March 17: SXSW Conference, Austi TX

Outformation played at the prestigious South By SouthWest conference in Austin Texas to a capacity crowd. This was a great tour-ending show with a ton of energy, proving that this is a band whose ready for the next level.

March 5, 6 North Mississippi All Star openers

Outformation opened for North Miss two nights in a row in Aspen, CO. Super cool guys, Cody and Luther Dickenson joined us on a couple songs, and we even had surprise guest Pnut Daniels for both noghts!

March 1, 2, 3, 4 Snow melting under Outformation heat

The four-night run of Boulder, Denver, Vail, then Keystone, just got hotter and hotter each night until we blew the tires off in Keystone. Thanks to all of you who saw every show!

February 22, 23, 24 Umphrey's Openers

Outformation spent three days opening for Chicago's 'Umphrey's McGee'. These guys really took care of us and taught us alot, and we look forward to doing it again!

February: Outformation starts 2007 tour

We have started out first tour of 2007 which covers alot of ground. We'll be in the NorthEast, Southeast, Midwest, and parts of the SouthWest and Texas before the end of March.

Jan 29: CR & Jerry Joseph

I sat in with Jerry Joseph for an entire set at the Maple Leaf on Monday, just acoustic guitar and piano. It was a very special night for me, and we got along great playing a number of his original tunes. Stay tuned for some live recordings to show up on this website!

Jan 27: Polytoxic and friends unite.

Polytoxic and friends raised over $12,000 at for the Parkinson's Alliance (which, when matched by the Alliance, is over $24,000!) at their Cervante's "Europe '72" show. The show was in honor of Margaret Bianchi, whose sons have created the mini-empire of Cervante's, Dulcinea's, Sancho's, and Quixote's.

Jan 20: Outformation blows off roof!

At the House of Blues in Orlando, for a very special benefit for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and and organization called Hannah's Buddies, Outformation played the hottest set of their young career. You can check it out at www.foryouroutformation.com

Jan 7: Panic keyboardist JoJo Hermann in studio
JoJo Hermann joined us in the studio to record a song cowritten by him and Outformation called Travellers Rest. It's a beautiful song that will appear on the upcoming Outformation CD.

Dec 19: WWOZ represents!
New Orleans radio station WWOZ (90.7) played "Shake Your Tambourine", a song I recorded on Dec 7th (see below) with Trombone Shorty and others.

Dec 15: Pre-Christmas jam, Asheville NC
Another notch in the Outformation belt. We were joined by long-time Willie Nelson harmonica player Mickey Raphael, as well as American Idol Taylor Hicks on a few different songs during our two-show day in Asheville. Check the music page for songs.

Dec 10: Maple Leaf, New Orleans LA
Pepper Keenan, guitarist for Corrosion of Conformity, made a surprise appearance at the Leaf, and sat in for a heavy dirty funk jam.

Dec 7: New Orleans
I was called in to record a couple organ tracks for songs that are being considered for the HBO show "The Wire". Players included Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Chief Ducette, Kevin O'Day, James "12" Andrews, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and many others. Recorded at The Truck Farm (Studio of Dave Pirner, Soul Asylum) in New Orleans.

Dec 3: New Orleans
Maple Leaf Magic continues - I was joined by the bass player of the Wild Magnolia Indians. He is a genuine Mardi Gras Indian, and singer/bass player with Big Chief Bo Dollis. A true honor for me - a major part of my reason for moving down here was to connect with people like this!

Outformation
Outformation is sounding better than ever. Now that we're all fully commited, this band is really gonna rock! If you thought we were good before, you've gotta check us out now. We'll be heading into the studio in January for the second full-length release, then hitting the road in February. We'll be coming to a town near you, so keep checking in for new updates.