If you still jam out to the 1997 hit song “All For You” by Florida band Sister Hazel, then get excited. They are scheduled to play the Famously Hot New Year celebration in historic downtown Columbia.
The band is currently touring in support of their thirteenth album “Lighter In The Dark” which debuted at #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, but will take a break to play a free concert for the FHNY celebration on Saturday, Dec. 31, along with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Columbia natives Capital City Playboys.
After forming over 20 years ago, Sister Hazel has been writing and playing music that touches on a variety of different genres, which has helped to craft their own unique sound.
“People have been asking us for years, what kind of music we make and it’s always been difficult to put into one box,” lead singer Ken Block said. “Rock, southern rock, country, folk, alternative (whatever that means) and pop hooks have all always weaved through our music. At the end of the day when the five of us get behind our instruments it just sounds like Sister Hazel.”
“Lighter In The Dark” is the band’s first true venture into country music, with quite a successful result. The album started out at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
“It’s been super gratifying to have this CD resonate with so many people — especially in the country world,” Block said.
After working together for so long the guys have learned how to collaborate as both fellow band members and friends.
“We are truly like brothers and we genuinely like and respect each other," Block said. “What we have is rare and we know it ... It’s not always easy being in a five-man democracy — which we truly are. Sometimes it would be easier for any one of us if it were more of a one-man show — but I don’t think any of us would change a thing.”
The band, named after Sister Hazel Williams, wanted to represent “unconditional regard for everyone,” Block said. “She was a black female minister — and if you were down on your luck she was right there to give you a safe place to dust off, regroup and get back on your feet.”
As for continuing to make music for country fans, Block had this to say: “I think that we’ll just keep trying to write and record songs that we are proud of. Like I said we kind of are who we are — but now that the country world has given us a fresh ear and been so positive about our music — I think we’ll continue to create music that country fans and longtime Hazelnuts can all connect with.”
You can catch Sister Hazel’s performance between 9:15 and 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 at the FHNY celebration in downtown Columbia. Gates open for the event at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free.