SGT. Splendor

featuring Kate Vargas, Eric McFadden, & Jeff Sipe on drums

may 15 | 8 PM

THE GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL
185 Clingman Ave.
Asheville, NC
$20-$25

- ALL AGES
- SEATED SHOW
- PREMIUM SEATING AVAILABLE

SGT. SPLENDOR

Before joining forces, the duo behind Sgt. Splendor were already formidable solo artists, Kate Vargas chalking up acclaim at outlets like NPR, SPIN, and Vice (including praise from the “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau); and Eric McFadden amassing an impressive resume including stints on guitar with George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and Eric Burdon & The Animals, plus a slew of solo albums, and session work with everyone from Jackson Browne to The Clash’s Joe Strummer.

Sgt. Splendor’s intoxicating chemistry has its roots not just in enduring friendships, but also in the love and connection of its creative partners, Vargas and McFadden. After circling each other’s orbits for a time, they finally met at a songwriting retreat hosted by Pat MacDonald (of Timbuk 3 / “Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” fame) in Sturgeon Bay, WI, initially bonding over yet another parallel, a New Mexico upbringing. Their Southwestern roots come through with Sgt. Splendor—combining mysterioso desert and carnivalesque Waits-ian vibe

Jeff Sipe (Apt Q-258), is one of the most prolific and creative drummers around. Jeff has buoyed the performances of many of today's leading bands and stars. Jeff co-founded Aquarium Rescueunit with Colonel Bruce Hampton. Band Members included Oteil Burbridge, Jimmy Herring, Matt Mundy, and Chuck Leavell. Jeff later took on his own creation known as the Zambiland Orchestra. This experimental big band featured Ricky Keller conducting members of Phish, Widespread Panic, Michael Ray and the Cosmic Crew, the Derek Trucks Band, the Fiji Mariners, MOE, Little Feat, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Warren Haynes, Stanton Moore, the Atlanta All-Stars, Little John, Sonny Emory Randy Honea, and many others. Currently Jeff is touring with Mike Seal and Taylor Lee as the Jeff Sipe Trio.