chris-funk.jpgThe Portland group that made its Seattle debut just two months ago at Sound’s second anniversary party is now officially a “super” group, as the latest project from Viva Voce’s Kevin and Anita Robinson have just announced that multi-instrumental wonder and Decemberists bandmember Chris Funk has joined the band. According to a recent email from Kevin, Funk, who is one of the nicest guys you could hope to meet, will be manning the pedal steel, as well as other “various musical sundrie.” The addition of pedal steel will join Kevin’s electric banjo and the stomp and clap rhythm section to solidify the band’s electrified frontporch feel.

The band has just finished it’s debut record, but since it has yet to sign to a proper label, the prospect of those songs making it into your ears before the end of the year is slim. Unless, of course, you catch the band on its upcoming fall tour … of Portland (sorry Washingtonians).
Each of the dates will feature another notable Portland band that the colab-happy band will be collaborating with. There will also be a “special guest” each night, including Sleater-Kinney’s Corin Tucker, Quasi’s Sam Coomes, Tu Fawning’s Corrina Repp and Norfolk & Western’s Rachel Blumberg. As well as an overload of Portland talent, each concert goer will walk away in possession of a digital single from the band’s upcoming release. Apparently they will be beaming it into your brain, through your eyes.

The tour:

Oct.7 - Blue Giant & The Golden Bears @ Holocene (w/ special guest) 21+

Oct.8 - Blue Giant & Norfolk & Western @ Backspace (w/ special guest) All Ages

Oct.9 - Blue Giant (performing an all organic collaborative set with) Portland Cello Project ( w/ special guest) 21+

For more on Blue Giant, go here. For all you need to know about Chris Funk, go here.