Mangione brings indie rock group back to area

Mike Mangione & The Union combines a folk-rock sound with an orchestrated string section, soulful vocals and literate sensibility. The band returns Saturday Dec. 8 for its second performance at Oak Center General Store. Opening for the musicians is the up-and-coming group Field Report.

In early 2000, Mangione, then a solo singer/songwriter, traveled in his van playing songs in all 48 of the contiguous United States. A few years later, brother Thomas joined him and they refashioned Mangione’s format into a harmonic, acoustic duo.

The two wrote new songs and started looking soon thereafter to build a band – which they accomplished by 2007. The upright bass was added followed by cello, violin and a trap kit. The full band includes the brothers along with John Collins, Patrick Hoctor, Kristina Priceman (Weller) and Nez.

The band's 2008 debut album “Tenebrae” received favorable feedback from all corners of the country, including the honor of being named an “Album Pick,” by All Music Guide, while Blurt magazine referred to their "tearstained folk, Memphis-styled gospel and bluesy-flavored pop" as "luminous."

In 2011 members released “Offering” on their own imprint, Rodzinka Records, with sync and digital licensing by Dualtone Records. The album and band were nominated for "Best of the Year" by RadioMilwaukee. More recently, RadioMilwaukee nominated the band for the "Best of" awards for the second year in a row.

The group’s plans include a new release, “Red-Winged Blackbird Man,” produced by Bo Ramsey. The album will be available in early 2013.

Mike Mangione & The Union’s performance at Oak Center begins with opening act Field Report.

The six-member Milwaukee-based indie rock group spent time this summer touring with Emmylou Harris and Counting Crows. Headman and singer/songwriter Chris Porterfield created the group which includes Ben Lester on pedal steel, Jeff Mitchell on guitar, Damien Strignes on drums, Travis Whitty on bass and Nick Berg on keyboards and synthesizers.

Field Report was featured in Rolling Stone magazine earlier this year and continues to gain popularity throughout the region.

If you go...

Who: Mike Mangione & The Union perform

When: 8 p.m. Saturday Dec. 8

Where: Oak Center General Store, Highway 63, rural Lake City

Cost: $5-$15 based on ability to pay

More info: 507-753-2080 or www.oakcentergeneralstore.com

Tags: arts and entertainment, lake city, entertainment, lifestyle