Ultraviolet Hippopotamus blends strong songs and tight licks with improvisation and spur of the moment tactics that convey their sense of humor while keeping their fans dancing for the entire set. Ultraviolet Hippopotamus' original music ranges in inspiration from Americana and bluegrass themes to cream flavored soda pop. Their original sound is found where their progressive aspirations meet their audience's thirst for funk; you can ask them when they stop dancing! In addition to their originals, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus enjoys reinterpreting the country rock styling of artists like The Allman Brothers Band or The Grateful Dead, as well as chasing down the latest trance, dance, and psychedelic electronica grooves, or warming up cold Michigan winters with a Bob Marley cover.
The members of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus also regularly lend their talents to raise money for such causes as AIDS research, food drives, voter turn-out, public school fine-arts programs, United Way, cancer research, and more. So if you are looking for a very talented, energetic music-minded band, if you are in the mood as a venue owner to not only pack the place, but also have a great time, UV Hippo is the answer. "I've been thinking about that strange name, after hearing them, I realize ultraviolet isn't a color it's a wavelength. As for the hippopotamus ... ENJOY THE RIDE" Bill Beckwith 100.9 FM Big Rapids, MI
The Band
Brian Samuels: Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Mandolin - Brian is the founding member of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus. He started playing music around 15 years ago and has taught him self how to play a variety of instruments from guitar to the xylophone. Brian's influences include Moe, Umphrey's McGee, and Phish.
Sam Guidry: Vocals, Guitar, Bass - Sam is a world class guitar builder in Big Rapids Michigan, who started playing music at the age of 13. Before joining the Hippo he had been performing around the state for years in the band Square One. His biggest musical influences are Frank Zappa, Genesis, YES, Pink Floyd, and Jaco Pastorius.
Joe Phillion: Drums - Joe Phillion, widely considered one of the best young drummers in Michigan, started playing drums at the age of 10 in the Pentecostal Church that he grew up in. Terry Bozio, John Bonham, Chris Meyers, Scott Pellegrom and Chester Thompson have all influenced his style. Nathan Karnes: Vocals/Piano/Keyboards - Nathan Karnes studied music in college and before joining the Hippopotamus, had been playing in cover bands, indie rock bands and jam bands for a number of years. Nate has been playing music for most of his life and his major influences are the Grateful Dead, Little Feet, Miles Davis, and the Band.
Casey Jones: Vocals, Percussion - Casey Jones was a member of the Red Frog African Drum Ensemble, and has played percussion for a number of Michigan bands. He has been playing music for 17 years, studied classical music and then became a member of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra. His influences are Paul Simon, The Allman Brothers Band and Phish.
Russell James: Vocals, Guitar - Russell studied music at the collegiate level and has been playing professionally for 13 years. In that time he has worked as a solo artist and with a variety of bands playing around Michigan. During the day, Russ is a Luthier and runs a school to teach people how to build and repair guitars. His biggest influences are Frank Zappa, Pearl Jam, YES, Peter Mulvey, and Peter Gabriel.
The band has two full length albums, numerous live recordings, and has become a phenomenon in the Michigan music scene, regularly packing such venues as Bell's Brewery, The Intersection, Billy's Lounge, The Gate, The Mouse Trap and Founder's while steadily expanding their touring ground to neighboring states. Their thirst for exploration and desire to connect with the listener leaves audiences shakin' their booties and wanting more.