Though they play with nationally known bands like Cake and Flogging Molly, three members of River City Extension will perform in Pierceton Tuesday.
Blue Lion Coffeehouse will host the band starting at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge.
Joe Michelini is the guitarist, vocalist and pianist for the eight-member group. In a telephone interview Thursday afternoon, Michelini said the band has been adding members for the past several years. Formed in Toms River, N.J., the band also includes Jenn Fantaccione on cello; Michael Costaney on drums; Nick Cucci on djembe and vocals; James Ramirez on bass; Dan Melius on trumpet and vocals; Sam Tacon on vocals; and Pat O'Brien on piano.
Michelini said River City Extension plays orchestral folk rock. While he writes folk music, the instrumentation allows for a "different edge" to music.
With their first full-length CD debuting in May, three members of the band currently are touring the Midwest to help get the promotion of the album started. At the Blue Lion Tuesday will be three band members playing acoustic guitar, drums and cello.
The band previously released an EP. Their debut full-length CD, "River City Extension and the Unmistakable Man" includes 13 songs. Tuesday's performance at the Blue Lion will include stripped-down songs off the album.
"When we come in as an acoustic group, we like to think good songs are good songs," said Michelini.
In early 2010, River City Extension signed a deal with XOXO Records to release the band's debut CD.
He said the band has been able to play with bands like Cake and Flogging Molly because different promoters have taken an interest in River City Extension. Playing the big shows has helped the band get its name out there.
Another band that has helped River City Extension has been Squeeze from the United Kingdom, Michelini said. River City also has played with The Avert Brothers, Nicole Atkins, Pela and Movits. They directly supported Cake and Robert Randolph at Artscape in Baltimore.
After the current acoustic tour is finished, Michelini said the full eight-member band will embark on a tour this summer in the U.S. and U.K.
"I love the fact that we're able to introduce people to our music," said Michelini.
While it would be great to introduce as many people as possible to their music, Michelini said if River City Extension just plays to smaller crowds but makes those people happy, he'd be happy sharing the music with them.
"We hope to make a living out of it, but we have no delusions," Michelini said.
"River City Extension and the Unmistakable Man" hits stores nationally May 11. It also will be released internationally, he said.
"I like to think we're sharing something different," Michelini said.To check out River City Extension's Web site, visit online at www.myspace.com/rivercityextension
