The music scene, especially the jam band world, thrives on passionate followings, and The Heavy Pets have cultivated one of the most dedicated in the country. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this five-piece powerhouse has been blending infectious grooves, soulful vocals, and improvisational fire for over two decades.
The Heavy Pets are an American rock and roll band whose contagious vibe blends rhythm and blues, jazz-funk and reggae fusion with homegrown rock. They are known for powerhouse performances spiked with hot electric licks and multi-climactic instrumental solos, as well as for their masterful acoustic acumen. Their live shows are legendary, marathons of improvisation and pure musical joy. They stretch out their songs, taking them on unexpected journeys that twist and turn like a Florida backroad. Each night is a unique adventure, a conversation between the band and the audience that leaves everyone sweaty, euphoric, and wanting more.
Genre
Their sound is a genre-bending gumbo, simmered with funk, rock, reggae, and dashes of jazz and Americana.
Styles
Think The Allman Brothers Band jamming with Parliament-Funkadelic while Marcus King sits in on guitar. It's a sound that gets your feet moving, your head nodding, and your soul smiling.
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About the Band
The Pets are a true band of brothers, both musically and personally. Guitarists Jeff Lloyd and Mike Garulli weave in and out of each other's solos with telepathic precision, their riffs as thick and juicy as Florida mango season. Keyboardist Jim Wuest lays down greasy Hammond organ grooves and shimmering synth washes, while bassist Chris Patsis and drummer Jamie Newitt form an unshakable rhythmic foundation that's as funky as a New Orleans second line.
The Heavy Pets aren't just about the music. They're deeply committed to their community, supporting local charities and environmental causes. They've hosted their own music festival, PetZoo, for over a decade, raising money for various organizations while showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talent in the scene.
Members
Jeff Lloyd // Guitar and Vocals
Mike Garulli // Guitar and Vocals
Jim Wuest // Keys and Vocals
Jamie Newitt // Drums and Vocals
Chris Patsis // Bass Guitar
“The Pets just might be a perfect jamband,” says Dennis Cook, of Jambase.com. “The greatest jam band to come out of Florida since, well, ever.”
Albums
The South Florida jam band sports a new label and they’ve just released a polished new album with the help of a heavyweight producer. But these five guys — guitarists Mike Garulli and Jeff Lloyd, keyboardist Jim Wuest, bassist Justin Carney and drummer Jamie Newitt — are sticking to what has worked for them for the past few years: endless touring, hitting every major city in the Northeast, South and Midwest as well as a host of summer festivals.
The group became an instant Sirius radio sensation upon the release of their debut album Whale in 2007.
The crossover sound on their self-titled release, named a "Top 10 Album of 2010" by The Huffington Post, propelled them into the periphery of mainstream music.
2011 saw the release of Swim Out Past The Sun, an acoustic affair featuring longtime Jerry Garcia collaborator David Grisman. Beginning in 2013, the band put out a series of three EPs recorded at the legendary Power Station studios.
The Heavy Pets are currently touring in support of their latest release, Strawberry Mansion. - Recorded in South Florida over the course of 2017, the self-produced double LP is the culmination of twelve years as a full-time act, presenting the band’s writing and musical versatility in peak form.
The album is the truest representation of the unmistakable sound they are renowned for, and has logged over 1.5 million streams on Spotify in the year since its release.
Whether you're a die-hard jam band fan or just looking for some good vibes, The Heavy Pets are a band you need to experience. Their music is timeless, their spirit infectious, and their live shows are nothing short of magical. So next time you see them rolling into your town, don't hesitate. Grab your dancing shoes, your best friends, and get ready for a night you won't soon forget.