We spoke with Hoffman to find out a little more about his band, which is comprised of Hoffman (vocals, guitar,) Jay Hollihan (vocals, guitar,) Brad Angelini (upright bass,) and Rik “Seven” Krebs (drums, percussion, vocals). Hoffman also offered insight on what audiences can expect from the evening.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I was born in Abilene, Texas, but I've lived here most of my life. For reasons only known to Texans, I am prohibited from calling this my hometown, but it's as close as it gets. I began playing professionally at the age of 14.
Q: What are you working on right now, musically?
A: I consider myself more of a writer/composer than a live performer, and have spent the last five years focused on that. I work with amazing studio musicians from all over the world on a variety of projects. Over the last several years, I've written and produced more than 15 albums in different genres, including artists like Fast Roberts & The Rocket Club, Salacious James & The Wicked Pretenders and Pennyroyal Hill as well as with Rob Hoffman & The Influence, which is a culmination of all of the aforementioned .
Q: What can audiences expect from the upcoming show at the Sorg?
A: I do not perform live unless I have something to say. I, like most of you, work for a living and don't need to perform live as an income. It affords us a lot of liberties and the ability to pursue art versus feeding the machine. We have something very special for you, or I simply wouldn't do it. With such an amazing cast of musicians, we have nothing to prove. Together, we focus on art.
Q: The Sorg is an iconic theater in town. What will it be like for you to play at the Sorg?
A: This will be my fourth time performing in the legendary venue. There is something about the acoustics in the old style theater houses that are simply unmatched. Every seat is an "acoustically" good seat, and the fact that we're performing without a PA is further affirmation of the craftsmanship and aptitude of the original design.
Q: What are some of the songs you’ll play at the show?
A: We will perform original music from (our) repertoire as well as unique arrangements of familiar cover tunes. We focus more on an immersive experience-performance art, versus trying to copy artists.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the concert?
A: Performing. I have done many projects in my 40-odd years of live performance. It is always refreshing to work with such talented professionals on something that energizes the collective versus trying to perform a singular understanding. Though I write, and arrange, most everything that you'll hear, I've always considered the fact that I sketch, and, together, we paint.
Q: Can you say a word to your fans about what’s in store for the evening?
A: Magic. There is absolutely nothing like sharing a common experience with passionate performers who respect its value. The venue will be perfect, and how we integrate that into the environment is worthy of the price of admission.
HOW TO GO
What: Rob Hoffman & The Influence and Jayne Sachs Band in concert
When: Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown
Cost: A benefit for Sorg's renovation, tickets are $15 — reserved seating
More info: Visit www.sorgoperahouse.org. Tickets are available at www.cincyticket.com.
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