Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – Groove in the Gorge Music Series
If you ever wondered what “seizing the moment” sounds like personified, look no further than Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, the four-piece musical powerhouse known for their head-turning high-energy psychedelic funk shows. Infectious energy is an understatement.
The Maryland quartet — “Scrambled Greg” Ormont [vocals, guitar], Jeremy Schon [guitar, vocals], Ben [bass, vocals], and Alex “Gator” Petropulos [drums, vocals]—not only squeezes the juice out of every second, but they harness life’s energy within their hypnotic hybrid of funk, rock and psychedelic groove.
With a devout audience, affectionately known as “The Flock,” and a trail of sold-out tours behind them, the band takes a major step forward once again on their seventh full-length offering, Day In Time, set to release on April 26, 2024.
“This album is a snapshot of our band as a group and as individuals,” notes Greg. “The title serves as a reminder that life moves fast, so we better make the most of each day, make each second count. 15 years as a band have flown by. We started in college and now we’re all growing up, most of us have even become dads recently, so we’re evolving both personally and musically, and we’re happily embracing those changes. That said, we still feel like kids when we’re getting wild on stage and know we always will.”
This forward motion has only accelerated over the years for Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Renowned as a live tour de force, PPPP has tallied tens of millions of streams and performed to impassioned crowds everywhere from Red Rocks Amphitheatre and The Capitol Theatre to festivals such as Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Jam Cruise, and more. Most recently, they earned widespread acclaim for 2022’s Perspective, a 12-track “funk-filled odyssey” as described by Relix. However, Day In Time saw them realize another level of cohesion in the studio.
“This album is the most cohesive group of songs we’ve ever had in the studio,” says Jeremy. “On our previous albums, there were usually older songs mixed in with our newer material. However, all the tracks on ‘Day In Time’ really represent our current writing style and where we are as a band today.”
A bevy of friends also joined the party. On the boisterous “Let The Boogie Out,” Here Come The Mummies’ horn section added healthy doses of funk and “truly decided to let the boogie out,” according to Jeremy. Ben “Smiley” Silverstein (The Main Squeeze; Smile High) shines on the titular “Day In Time” with a raucous keyboard solo, while keyboardists Joey Porter (The Motet) and Alric “A.C.” Carter (Tauk) join forces on the soulful “Overtime.” Carter also adds rich depth with keys on “Beneath The Surface,” while Jon O’Hallaron (Chalk Dinosaur) infuses rhythmic keys and electronic flavor on the instrumental standout, “Skinner.” Another first, all four members of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong take inspired solos on the same record.
“With this being our seventh full-length album, we’re more comfortable in the studio than ever, which has given us the freedom to take some bigger swings reminiscent of our live shows.” notes Greg.
In the end, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are certainly making the most of the moment, and they might just inspire you to do the same.
Come for the music, Stay for the Community – “Where Wild Meets Wonderful”
EVENT DETAILS:
WHO: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
WHERE: The Outpost at the New River Gorge: 843 Fayette Station Rd Fayetteville, WV
WHAT: A Magical evening of beautiful vibes in the air, camping, food trucks, local brews, art vendors, massage therapy and smiles all around.
WHEN: Thursday, September 5th, 2024 – Bar/Doors at 5:00pm / Show 7:30 – 11:00pm
HOW MUCH: $30 ADV / $35 DOS + fees and taxes (TICKET INCLUDED WITH CAMPING)
VIP: $75.00 “VIP MEET AND GREET ADD-ON AVAILABLE”
WHY: Uh…… duh, it’s Pigeons Playing Ping Pong!
PARKING: ALL parking will be at Adventures on the Gorge (map) where a FREE and CONTINUOUS shuttle will be running to The Outpost (less than 10 min ride) UNLESS you buy a limited “Onsite Parking Pass” or stay at The Outpost. AOTG will have their bar open, and The Outpost doors will open at 5:00pm with food trucks, local brews / seltzers / wine in a beautiful setting with a communal vibe.
🛶 Rafting Trips: Our partners at Adventures on the Gorge (AOTG) have a special rafting package planned for the flock. This will get you on the river to share in the New River but back in time to share in a Pigeons Playing Ping Pong get down. Click on the link below to find out more and set up your rafting experience with AOTG!
SPECIAL RAFTING LINK:
https://adventuresonthegorge.com/event/pppp-whitewater-rafting/
BAND LINKS:
WEBSITE:
https://www.pigeonsplayingpingpong.com