Lineup: Alex “Busch” Eversbusch, Andrew Gialanella, Drew Hart, Jeff Jones, Spencer Williams. Shares members with: Fuzz Bucket. Influences: Phish, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Medeski Martin and Wood, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Derek Trucks Band, Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic.
Over the past couple of years, it seems like the Music Business Program at UGA has carved its own niche of student bands—groups that come together after meeting through the program and who are able to book gigs via MBUS-sponsored events. Juice Box is a fine example. Although Busch and Jeff Jones originally met slinging sandwiches at Jimmy John’s in 2010, they met bassist Drew Hart through MBUS, and the bandmembers have definitely utilized what they’re learning at UGA by booking plenty of shows around town—including a recent performance on WUGA’s “It’s Friday” and slots at special events like the AthFest Turtle Jam.
“I was in the inaugural year with David Barbe, and he, along with Tom Lewis, Ansley Stewart and Terry College of Business have significantly affected the way that a younger generation of music lovers can get involved in the business of music,” enthuses singer Jeff Jones. “They have great contacts all around town and find an internship for each student based on their interests…”
But the most important lesson Jones says he’s learned through MBUS is the value of networking and building relationships. “In my experience in this program, I have met a friend who helps out with booking shows; a friend who helps with our social networking and PR; I met my bassist [through an MBUS] classmate… It’s a spider web of people who are all very interested and happy to get involved. I’d say this program is a must for anyone trying to enter the Athens music scene or any music scene for that matter.”
In terms of the tunes, Juice Box stays true to the improvisational ethos of jam. “‘Let’s just wing this one’ has become a mantra of sorts,” says Jones, so every show is a little different. The group also has an open-door policy when it comes to collaborators; so if you want to bring an instrument and sit in at the next Juice Box gig, you are more than welcome to do so. The band is all over the Internet, but you can start with www.Facebook.com/JuiceBoxAthens.
Next show: Juice Box will be playing at Peachtree Tavern in Atlanta on November 26 with New Sneakers.
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