Squirrel Nut Zippers to Headline Homecoming Concert Oct. 26

Guilford's 2007 Homecoming weekend will be held Oct. 26-28, featuring a performance by chart-topping hot jazz band the Squirrel Nut Zippers on Friday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. in Dana Auditorium.

Famed for their smash hits "Hell" and "Put a Lid on It," the Squirrel Nut Zippers formed in Chapel Hill, N.C., and took the world by storm throughout the 90's with albums such as Perennial Favorites, Hot, Bedlam Ballroom, and The Inevitable. A perpetually evolving hybrid-stew of Southern roots traditions, the Zippers were aptly tagged "30's punk" by one critic and specialize in a variety of styles from calypso to New Orleans inspired boogie and jazz.

The Guilford Homecoming concert will be one of only a handful of live appearances by the band since they last toured in 2000.

"One day early last year I was just looking out the window when it hit me," says Chris Phillips, drummer of the Squirrel Nut Zippers. "I thought, I miss those guys, let's do some shows."

And just like that, the band is back. Featuring the same lineup that last recorded and toured together, the Squirrel Nut Zippers - with original and founding members Katherine Whalen, Jimbo Mathus, Chris Phillips, Je Widenhouse and Stuart Cole – will be performing songs from their entire catalogue. Centered around the beguiling vocals of Katherine Whalen and the anachronistic windup toy that is Jimbo Mathus, the Zippers still rejoice in the difficulty people have in pigeonholing their unmistakable sound.

Since last performing together, Jimbo Mathus has released several acclaimed solo records while working as musical director for legendary blues musician and Grammy winner Buddy Guy. Katherine Whalen has also released several solo albums, most recently the critical favorite Dirty Little Secret.

North Carolina roots music act Polecat Creek, featuring Laurelyn Dossett and Kari Sickenberger with special guests Riley Baugus and Natalya Weinstein, will open the concert. Polecat Creek’s latest CD, Ordinary Seasons, will be released in August.

Tickets are now on sale for $25 (premium reserved) and $15 (general admission) at the Greensboro Coliseum Advance Box Office, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 336-852-1100. There is a service charge for online and phone orders. Guilford students and employees will have an opportunity to purchase tickets on campus in September.

June 8, 2007