Formed in Columbus in the early ‘90s, Ekoostik Hookah (stylized əkoostik hookah) has been a longstanding fixture of the regional jam band scene. Fusing rock, funk, blues and Americana, the band has cultivated a signature blend of powerful grooves and extended improvisations into its energetic shows — which can be heard on 2023’s live album, “The Schwa Album.”
“Our music is varied; you can’t pigeonhole us,” said Hookah frontman Dave Katz. “I wouldn’t call us just a rock band, but we do play rock and roll. I wouldn’t call us just a psychedelic band, but we do psychedelic stuff. I wouldn’t call us a bluegrass band, but we do lean towards bluegrass at times.”
Overall, Ekoostik Hookah is a jam band, particularly since Katz rarely writes songs under eight minutes long. If that’s not jamming, what is?
Dayton-based rock quartet Subterranean, known for its “improvisation with intent,” also fits the jam band label. But as its 2024 record “Terra Firma” suggests, such a term can be limiting, often failing to capture the band’s true sonics. The music defies easy categorization, incorporating everything from rockabilly to heavy guitar rock.
On the 2017 album “Loom,” SubT delves into a mix of styles, making it difficult to neatly describe it. The band’s ability to remain genre-agnostic has allowed it to carve out a niche.
“As an artist, you end up with the freedom to do whatever you want to do because that’s what the audience you’ve cultivated expects,” Coalt said earlier this year. “The downfall is that it’s hard to cultivate an audience like that; it’s a little more eclectic, it’s not as accessible. But when you stick it out, you actually can build a fan base and do exactly what you want to do, which is the ultimate freedom that we all kind of wanted in the beginning.”
While some contemporary jam bands explore electronic or EDM vibes, SubT and Hookah both lean toward the more organic, analog end of the spectrum, à la the Allman Brothers Band.
“In my opinion,” Katz said, “The term ‘jam band’ is more related to the people who come and see the show, in a sense, than the type of music. When I see that a band’s a jam band, I actually have to listen to them to hear what they sound like. But I do know what kind of crowd there’s going to be.”
There may be psychedelic noodling or tie-dyed folks, perhaps even some tapers at the show, but one thing’s for sure — both bands will play music that transcends labels.
In 2019, SubT performed at Hookahville, Ekoostik Hookah’s yearly festival. Backstage, Coalt ran into Katz, and the two began talking about organizing not another festival, but an annual show. This New Year’s Eve event is a continuation of that conversation — and a new experience for both the bands and the Brightside.
In many ways, SubT and Hookah are distinct in sound and style, but both bands share a common thread through improvisational approach, free-form exploration and commitment to unique live experiences.
As Coalt put it: “Sometimes having two scoops of your favorite flavor is good.”
Brandon Berry writes about the Dayton and Southwest Ohio music and art scene. Have a story idea for him? Email branberry100@gmail.com.
How to go
What: New Year’s Eve with Ekoostik Hookah & Subterranean
When: 8 p.m., Dec. 31
Where: The Brightside, 905 E. 3rd St., Dayton
Cost: $30
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