10,000 Maniacs in their 30th Anniversary Tour

One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the last three decades, 10,000 Maniacs were founded by Robert Buck, Dennis Drew, Steven Gustafson, John Lombardo and Natalie Merchant in the fall of 1981. Jerry Augustyniak joined in 1983. Together with artists like R.E.M. they defined college rock and created the first wave of alternative rock bands and what became known as the alternative rock format on FM radio.

Writing and performing powerful, danceable and socially conscious original material in and around their hometown of Jamestown, New York the group toured extensively and produced two independently released records, Human Conflict Number Five (’82) and Secrets of the I Ching (’83) on their own Christian Burial Music label.

By producing, manufacturing and marketing their own recordings 10,000 Maniacs were the original “indie” band before signing with Elektra Records and making The Wishing Chair in 1985 with producer Joe Boyd (Fairport Convention, Nick Drake). After touring extensive with REM and though out Europe John Lombardo left the band in July of 1986 and the band continued as a 5 piece.

In 1987 the Maniacs recorded and released In My Tribe. Produced by Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt) this album broke into the charts, where it stayed 77 weeks, peaking at #37 and selling over two million copies. In My Tribe featured the hit singles "Don't Talk," "Hey Jack Kerouac," "Like The Weather" and "What's The Matter Here?" It was voted one of the 100 most important releases of the decade by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Our Time in Eden was released in 1992, and featured the hit singles, "Candy Everybody Wants" and "These Are Days". Rolling Stone’s four-star review called it a “…gripping new album …with a provocative, unnerving power.”

After the release of Our Time in Eden, Natalie Merchant announced that she was leaving for a solo career. 10,000 Maniacs continued without Merchant, bringing back John Lombardo and adding Mary Ramsey in 1994.

10,000 Maniacs celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2011 with a national tour and new material.

Doors open at 7pm; come early and enjoy wine, beer & snacks on sale in the Cafe Theatre