The band brought its brand of funk from New England to national attention at the 2003 New Orleans Jazz Festival, and now Akashic Record is returning to its Massachusetts roots. Drummer Tom Arey and Hammond organist Beau Sasser, both former members of Boston jam band Uncle Sammy, created the band with the help of guitarist Roman Zetlin (better known as "Zap Mama"). Eventually the three added two new members, Timo Shanko and Johnny Trauma, to the mix. Akashic Record, with its energetic beats and improvisational style, has in years past played alongside such music legends as Earth, Wind and Fire and Steely Dan.
Jan. 15, $5, 9:30 p.m., Waterfront Tavern, 920 Main St., Holyoke, (413) 532-2292
